Actions Cities Can Take to Support Energy Efficiency in Texas

There are a number of reasons why city governments would want to identify and implement energy efficiency opportunities. Energy, water, and wastewater utility costs can represent a significant portion of a city’s operating expenses. Every public entity has a laundry list of deferred maintenance needed to keep buildings and infrastructure functioning well. City staff may not be able to do their job effectively because city facilities are too cold/hot or suffer from poor indoor air quality. Increasingly, Local Governments are recognizing their role and responsibility in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect air quality. These organizational needs are part of a city government’s fundamental responsibility to ensure a safe, prosperous, and livable community.

Barriers to Investment in Energy Efficiency

Source: https://www.puc.texas.gov/industry/projects/electric/38578/EPRI2018.pptx

There is nearly 90 Million MWh of untapped economic electricity efficiency in Texas (the highest potential in the country). With numerous barriers to investing in energy efficiency it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start toward managing resource costs and environmental impact of a city. On the other hand, many cities have embraced energy efficiency in their internal operations and are looking for opportunities to deepen their impact and support their citizens’ energy and sustainability goals. With this in mind the City Efficiency Leadership Council is launching a new campaign “Actions Cities Can Take to Support Energy Efficiency in Texas”.

 Total Economic Electricity Savings Potential (2035) by State (million MWh)

Source: https://www.energy.gov/eere/slsc/us-energy-efficiency-potential-maps

We will explore actions ranging from fundamental steps for standing up an internal energy management program through policy and code initiatives that can encourage and support energy efficiency community and statewide. In our first installment we look at two foundational actions: Have a Plan and Breakdown Silos. We will move through additional actions as the year progresses.

Actions Cities Can Take to Support Energy Efficiency in Texas

Get Started:

1. Have a plan
2. Breakdown silos
3. Benchmark buildings and track utility data
4. Take advantage of resources available to local governments
5. Retrofit Street Lighting
6. Focus on High Impact & High Value Efficiency
7. Consider a Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract
8. Allocate Resources and Communicate Effectively
9. Optimize Building Operators to Optimize Building Operation
10. Make the Most of the Energy Code
11. Establish a PACE District