CELC Webinar: ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) & South Central Cohort Information Session
2023-07-11 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago)
CELC webinars are intended to extend the conversation about public sector energy management best practices through education, training, and discussion. Webinars are open to anyone interested in public energy management in Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond. Learn more about ICLEI.
Have questions or idea for future webinars? Contact Shaun Auckland, Local Government Program Manager, SPEER, cities@eepartnership.org.
Register here

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NORTH Texas Focus Group
2023-07-12 09:00 - 10:30
SPEER, in partnership with the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) has launched a statewide Texas Energy Focus Group to assess local government and public sector energy needs. Thank you for your interest in providing valuable insight into important issues such as Texas’ energy equity, resiliency, and sustainability to produce an understanding of what cities and local governments find essential for efficiency and energy strategies and programs.
You can register here.

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Texas Statewide Focus Group Preliminary Survey Findings
2023-07-13 14:00 - 15:30
This meeting will unveil issues across the state that are critical to state and federal government priorities based on survey responses from SPEER’s statewide focus group. We’ll cover subject topics related to the communities they serve. The five regional focus groups (North, Central, West, East, Gulf Coast region), in addition to the statewide group, will work to bring together a collaboration of cities on issues such as energy equity, resiliency, transportation, air quality, and other issues critical to state and federal government priorities demonstrated through the two recent acts, IIJA and BIL.
Register to attend Virtually Here

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Central TX Focus Group Preliminary Survey Findings
2023-07-18 10:00 - 11:30

Energy Code Webinar: Code Requirements for HVAC? We've Been Doing this for 39 years (Rerun)
2023-07-20 10:00 - 11:30
Sometimes all you need to know is how they did it in the past to do it right today. When it comes to HVAC installation, nothing could be further from the truth. “That is the way I’ve always done it” is not a good reason to keep doing it that way. Better thermal envelopes, known infiltration and duct leakage, more sophisticated equipment as well as a variety of other factors make it more important than ever to install code-compliant HVAC systems. Unfortunately, code-compliant HVAC is the exception rather than the rule. Code Officials must step up and demand properly designed and installed HVAC systems. Register Now.
*Note this is a re-run and originally aired in August of 2021. The presenter was Brett Dillion from the Dillion Group.

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East Gulf TX: Focus Group Preliminary Survey Findings
2023-07-25 13:00 - 14:30

Energy Resiliency in Hazard Mitigation Roundtable (In-person)
2023-07-27 09:00 - 13:00
Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) Natural Resource department will be hosting an upcoming Hazard Mitigation Roundtable Thursday, July 27th from 9 am – 1 pm. The purpose of this roundtable is to identify areas during the hazard mitigation planning process where energy resiliency topics could be better integrated. Dr. Margaret Cook, Senior Research Associate, from the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), to speak and lead the discussion on the following topics:

The importance of energy resilience, what that could look like for your specific community, and potential challenges with energy resilience.
Combined heat and power (CHP) technical assistance
Preliminary energy assessments (PEAs) to lower capital costs of resiliency
RESIN – resilience mapping tool demonstration

This event will be hosted at Bexar Metro 911 Regional Operations Center at 4700 Quarry Run, San Antonio, Texas. Lunch will be provided to the attendees. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. To save your spot, register here!

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Energy Code Webinar: Electrical and Lighting Control Requirements for the IECC
2023-07-28 10:00 - 11:30
Industry experts, Harold Jepsen from Legrand and Bryan Holland from NEMA, highlight the requirements for lighting and lighting controls for commercial applications for IECC compliance. We’ll look at the requirements and how and why these are needed and how compliance is met through proper product selection. Register Now.

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CELC Statewide (Texas) Focus Group: Energy Survey Findings
2023-08-08 10:00 - 11:30
Join us as we dive into the rich insights gathered by SPEER and Houston Advanced Research Center, with an introduction provided by the esteemed Eddy Trevino from the State Energy Conservation Office. This webinar will showcase the results of SPEER’s Texas survey and focus group findings, shedding light on the energy conservation landscape in our local government. This webinar is an excellent opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the realm of energy in the state.

Register Here

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CELC Workshop: Sharing your SECO Energy Report to Create Organizational Change
2023-08-17 10:00 - 11:15
Our presenter will teach you how to utilize your required state energy report findings to motivate decision-makers to take action. You’ll learn how to foster engagement with your local government and further building performance goals. Register Here and walk away with a report template and resolution.

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Webinar: 2021 IECC Significant changes to the Commercial Code (PART 1)
2023-08-22 10:30 - 11:30
Now that the 2021 IECC is being widely adopted, throughout Texas, join us for a two part series as we review what changes were made from the 2015 and 2015 IECC. This will be Part 1 of the changes to the Commercial Code for the 2021 IECC.
Register here

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CELC Webinar: Local Government Survey Results ﻿of Interest and Resource Needs
2023-08-24 10:00 - 11:00
Join us as we dive into the rich insights gathered by SPEER and Houston Advanced Research Center and an introduction by the esteemed Eddy Trevino from the State Energy Conservation Office. This webinar will showcase the results of SPEER’s Texas survey and focus group findings, shedding light on the energy conservation landscape in our local government. This webinar is an excellent opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the realm of energy in the state.
Presenters:

Shaun Auckland, M.S., LEED Green Associate– Program Manager SPEER
Marina V. Badoian-Kriticos– Director, Strategic Initiatives
Eddy Trevino– Director, State Energy Conservation Office

Register Here

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Building Codes Roundtable
2023-08-24 10:00 - 12:00
Interested in a presentation and roundtable discussion focused on the 2021 IECC at the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG)? Join SPEER’s Energy Code Manager, Randy, as he reviews code changes followed by an open discussion and Q&A session. If you are a building official, 3rd party energy inspector, or city official this is for you! Register here.

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Webinar: 2021 IECC Significant changes to the Commercial Code (PART 2)
2023-08-25 10:30 - 11:30
Now that the 2021 IECC is being widely adopted, throughout Texas, let’s review what changes were made from the 2015 and 2015 IECC. This will be Part 2 of the changes to the Commercial Code for the 2021 IECC.

Register here.

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CELC Webinar: Texas 88th Legislature Wrap Up
2023-08-31 10:00 - 11:00
The CELC (City Efficiency Leadership Council) is excited to host an upcoming webinar focused on the impact of the Texas 88th Legislature and local governments. The webinar will provide an in-depth analysis of the legislative changes and their potential effects on local communities. Our esteemed panel of experts will discuss the key issues and provide insights into how local governments can navigate the changes. This is an excellent opportunity for local government officials, administrators, and interested parties to stay informed and engaged on the latest developments in Texas legislation. Don’t miss the chance to learn from the best and stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving landscape. Register now for the CELC’s Texas 88th Legislature Wrap-Up webinar.

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SPEER Annual Policy + Industry Workshop
2023-09-14 12:00 - 2023-09-15 15:00 | Archer Hotel, 3121 Palm Way, Austin, 78758, United States
Join SPEER members, partners, and allies for two days of energy dialogue. During our annual workshop, we’ll discuss the changing energy landscape, regional grid issues, record setting demand, demand-side solutions as well as national trends. As the 88th Texas legislative session and 59th Oklahoma legislative session both conclude we will exchange thoughts on energy policies: How to improve energy efficiency adoption in the South-central region, ways to better engage stakeholders with policymakers, increasing the adoption of DERs, and much more. Our focus will be tailored to important topics facings all consumers including increasing reliability and lowering consumer energy costs as we continue the energy transition.
Join us!

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Webinar: 2021 IECC Code Compliance for Residential Construction
2023-09-22 10:30 - 11:30
This informative session is tailored for architects, builders, and contractors looking to navigate the 2021 IECC as it applies to residential construction. Gain actionable insights into the latest code updates, compliance requirements, and best practices to ensure your projects meet the highest standards of energy efficiency. Whether you’re planning a new building, inspecting a new house, or renovating an existing property, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge you need to stay compliant and contribute to a more sustainable future. You’ll also get a Sneak Peek at some of the approved requirements for the upcoming 2024 IECC. Register Here.

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Webinar: The Energy Code and Residential Buildings: What every Homeowner needs to Know
2023-09-26 10:30 - 11:30
Let’s demystify the complexities of the energy code and how they impact residential buildings. Whether you’re a homeowner, a prospective homebuyer, or a real estate inspector, this webinar will provide you with invaluable insights into the basics of energy codes, their implications on home construction and renovation, and their influence on property value. Don’t miss the chance to learn about the financial benefits of energy-efficient homes and get your questions answered in a live Q&A session! Register Now.
Have a specific question you want addressed during the webinar? Email me before the webinar at rplumlee@eepartnership.org with the name of the webinar in the subject line.

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SPEER speaks at Gulf Coast Power Association's 38th Annual Fall Conference & Exhibition
2023-10-03 - 2023-10-04
SPEER’s State & Local Policy Manager, Noah Oaks, will be providing a brief presentation and overview on energy efficiency landscape in our region at the Gulf Coast Power Association‘s 38th Annual Fall Conference & Exhibition on October 4th. Following his presentation there will be a panel hosted by Interim Chair Jackson and several energy experts discussing the need to increase energy efficiency programs and demand response in the state as Texas has fallen behind (many) other states in energy savings.
Consider joining us at the leading electric power conference for the ERCOT/Gulf Coast region. The conference will take place Oct. 3-4. Learn more.

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Webinar: IRA and IIJA for Energy Efficiency Teams
2023-10-03 10:30 - 11:30
This webinar will provide an overview of IRA and IIJA with a particular focus on customer-facing programs including programs that can help promote the adoption of energy efficiency, building electrification, distributed energy resources, and electric vehicles.
Our Presenter is Erica Larson, Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Market Development for ICF where she analyzes regulatory and legislative developments across the United States, focusing on gas decarbonization policy, energy efficiency, demand response, flexible load management, and electrification.​ Prior to joining ICF in 2022, Erica was a regulatory attorney at CenterPoint Energy in Minnesota. Register Here.

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SPEER speaks at ACEEE's National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource
2023-10-16 - 2023-10-18
SPEER’s Executive Director, Todd McAlister, will be joining the other Regional Energy Efficiency Organizations (REEOs) for the Regional Roundup Plenary Panel at ACEEE’s 2023 National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource in Philadelphia on October 16–18 to discuss energy efficiency, how policies can expand and evolve amid a transforming utility industry, upcoming opportunities, and big advances arising in the next couple of years. View the schedule to learn more and register here! Panelists include:

Todd McAlister, South Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource
Erin Cosgrove, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships
TBD, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance
Justin Brant, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
Becca Yates, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Joe Desmond, California Efficiency + Demand Management Council
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

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TIEEN Webinar: Legislative and Regulatory Developments in Texas Impacting Energy Production, Efficiency, and Use
2023-10-17 14:00 - 15:30
The next TIEEN collaborative webinar will take place Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 2:00-3:30 pm (Central). This will be a panel discussion on the topic of Legislative and Regulatory Developments in Texas Impacting Energy Production, Efficiency, and Use. The recent Texas legislative session included several bills with significant potential impacts on both deployment of renewables and energy efficiency. For example, Senate Bill 624 would have created a new layer of state approval for all new wind and solar farms, making projects much more difficult and costly to implement. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 258, which would have increased energy savings goals for utilities, was left pending in committee. Furthermore, operators are getting mixed signals from Federal and State governments. This makes it difficult to manage their operations, and especially difficult to plan for new projects. Experts and market participants will share their insights in TIEEN’s engaging online panel discussion. We invite you to join us at this thought-provoking event, as we grapple with this challenging topic. PDH certificates are available. Learn more and register here.

PANELISTS

Doug Lewin, Founder, Stoic Energy; Executive Director, Texas Energy Summit
Doug Lewin authors the Texas Energy and Power Newsletter and hosts the Texas Power Podcast with Renewable Energy World. He is a nationally recognized energy expert, particularly in the electric grid, renewable energy, energy efficiency, demand response, utility regulation, and pollution reduction. Lewin founded Stoic Energy, a Texas consulting firm specializing in grid and energy issues, in 2018. Previously, Doug led government and regulatory affairs work for CLEAResult, an energy efficiency program implementer for over 250 utilities in 40 states and provinces. Prior to joining CLEAResult, Lewin was the founding Executive Director of the South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER) and worked at the Texas Legislature for five years as a legislative aide, primarily on energy, environment, and climate issues for three different elected officials in the House and Senate.

Pablo Pinto, Distinguished Professor and Director of the Center for Public Policy at the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs
Pablo Pinto, PhD, is a Distinguished Professor and Director of the Center for Public Policy at the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs. Pinto’s areas of expertise are international and comparative political economy, comparative politics, and quantitative methods. Pinto served as UH Energy Faculty Fellow, non-resident Scholar in the Latin America Initiative of the Baker Institute at Rice University, and co-editor of the journal Economics & Politics. He holds an M.A. from Aoyama Gakuin University in Japan, and a Ph.D. in Political Science and International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego. He received a Law Degree from Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina. Prior to joining the University of Houston in 2014, Pinto was a member of the faculty of Columbia University. He taught at the Escuela Nacional de Gobierno in his native Argentina, and the Universidad Nacional de La Plata, where he founded and directed the Department for Asia-Pacific Studies. He also worked as Chief Counsel for Toyota Argentina.

Jack Belcher, Principal, Advisory Services at Cornerstone Government Affairs, Inc.
Jack Belcher serves as a principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs, Inc. and as a founder and vice president of the Center for ESG and Sustainability, and as a founder and managing director of the National Ocean Policy Coalition. He has over 30 years of experience in sustainable development, public policy and communications focused on energy. Jack advises private and public sector entities on government and regulatory affairs, ESG and climate-related disclosure, standardized sustainability practices and climate risk assessment and resilience. He previously served as a regulatory affairs and policy manager for Shell Americas Exploration & Production Division, and staff director for the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. Jack has also held positions with Hart Energy, the Independent Petroleum Association of America and Texaco Gas Marketing Inc. Jack holds a B.A. in Government from The University of Texas at Austin. He is certified by the Climate Disclosure Standards Board and the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board.

Kay McCall, President and Executive Director of the Renewable Energy Alliance Houston.
Kay McCall is President and Executive Director of the Renewable Energy Alliance Houston (“REAL”). In addition to working with REAL, Kay serves on corporate boards and advises a private equity firm regarding potential energy investments. Kay began her career as a trial lawyer but became the CEO of a renewable energy company two decades later, a position she held for eight years. She also served as a member of the senior leadership team of GE Oil & Gas and held other leadership positions in both large and small companies. Kay holds two degrees from the University of Houston (B.A. Political Science, J.D) and serves on the advisory board of the Gutierrez Energy Management Institute, C. T. Bauer College of Business.

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Information Session: Texas & Oklahoma Regional Resilience Cohort
2023-10-19 10:00 - 10:30
At SPEER, we believe that local and regional governments in Texas and Oklahoma can take proactive steps to prepare for the challenges of the future. That’s why we’ve partnered with ICLEI USA to offer a comprehensive program that will help you assess the vulnerability and risk of your community.
During our information session, you will learn about the time commitment, number of staff that can participate, curriculum, outcomes, and federal funding-ready resilience projects. By participating in the Texas and Oklahoma Regional Resilience Cohort, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions to ensure your community’s long-term viability and sustainability.
Register Here

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The 2024 IECC Residential: What we know so far (Part 1)
2023-10-20 10:30 - 12:00
Quickly approaching is the final draft of the 2024 IECC. Let’s review what we know so far. We’ll review changes to each chapter and each table. Buckle up, it’ll be a fun ride! Register here.
When: Friday October 20th @ 10:30 AM: 1.5 hours

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Proper Insulation Installation and why it matters to the energy model
2023-10-26 10:30 - 12:00
Energy models are constructed to ensure adherence to the energy code. They assess the proposed elements against a hypothetical (referenced) structure that meets basic code requirements. Beyond mechanical systems, a significant shortcoming in energy models often lies in the reduction of insulation effectiveness, attributed to substandard installation methods. We’ll examine various field images and delve into the nuances of insulation grading. We’ll also explore how Grades 1, 2, and 3 are defined, the criteria for their determination, and the impact each grade has on the overall energy model.
Register here.

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SPEER + Zpryme Resilience Workshop + Happy Hour
2023-11-01 14:00 - 18:00
With our state’s growing population and extreme temperatures on the rise, there is a need for the expansion of all potential energy optimization resources to meet increasing demand needs and improve the reliability of our grid. Energy efficiency remains an important and cost-effective resource Texas can use to increase resiliency and lower peak demand at a fraction of the cost compared to many expensive supply-side generation mechanisms. Other benefits of utilizing energy efficiency and optimization include improved indoor air quality (and potential health benefits), reduced pollution, lower utility bills, and increased building comfort to name a few. The PUCT stated in their Phase I Proposal for the Wholesale Market Redesign Project 52373 that increasing energy efficiency programs were needed and would be completed as part of that Phase.

We can reduce energy consumption and cut peak loads with simple efficiency measures and flexibility services: incentive programs for attic insulation, sealing, heat pumps, smart thermostats & demand response programs, and more. Our Workshop and Happy Hour will bring together top minds in Texas energy to talk about how we can tap into our potential for a better, more reliable grid.
We’ll discuss:

> Ways consumers can be part of the solutions through energy efficiency upgrades, utility programs, and demand response.
> The recent passing of SB 1699
> PUCT’s Aggregated Distributed Energy Resources (ADER)Task Force pilot program
> Future role Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and microgrids will play in the ERCOT market

Join us on November 1st from 2-6 PM for an afternoon of learning, engaging with energy experts, and networking. The workshop cost is $20 and includes drinks and hor dourves during the happy hour to follow.
Location: 1916 Tillery St, Austin TX 78723
*Please note parking is available onsite but limited to 15 spots. Street parking is available as well.
Learn more and save your spot!

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The 2024 IECC Residential: What we know so far (Part 2)
2023-11-07 10:30 - 12:00
Quickly approaching is the final draft of the 2024 IECC. Let’s review what we know so far. We’ll review changes to each chapter and each table. Buckle up, it’ll be a fun ride! Register here 1.5 hours

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Webinar: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) basics and Mechanical Ventilation
2023-11-28 10:30 - 11:30
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) directly impacts our health and comfort. However, modern building practices, while excellent for energy efficiency, often results in limited natural airflow. This can lead to the accumulation of pollutants indoors, which mechanical ventilation systems effectively mitigate. Join us for this presentation and let’s look at what makes up bad indoor air quality and how, if designed correctly, the mechanical ventilation system can lower the potential for a sick home.
Register Here

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Optimizing Industrial Efficiency: Insights from Oklahoma State's Industrial Assessment Center
2023-11-30 14:00 - 15:00
Join us for an exclusive webinar as we delve into the pioneering initiatives of the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Industrial Assessment Center (IAC). Discover how the OSU IAC stands out as a beacon of innovation, leveraging its resources to support local industries and enhance the skills of the workforce. This webinar will provide a unique insight into the program’s key objectives, methodologies, and success stories, showcasing its dedication to advancing sustainable practices, energy efficiency, and economic resilience.
OBJECTIVES: Learn about the impactful role the IAC plays in developing a skilled workforce, equipping individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed for the evolving industrial landscape. Uncover the tangible economic benefits generated by the OSU IAC within the region, fostering growth and sustainability for local businesses and communities. Gain insights from real-world case studies that highlight the transformative impact of the OSU IAC on businesses, showcasing measurable results and positive outcomes.
SPEAKER: Hitesh D. Vora, PhD, Director, Industrial Assessment Center (IAC), funded by US Dept. of Energy (DOE).
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Update on Advanced Framing
2023-12-05 10:30 - 12:00
In this presentation, we’ll look at simple but effective advanced framing techniques that any production builder can easily implement. From two-stud corners, ladder blocking, insulated headers, and 24-inch on-center, we review real-world examples of how advanced framing can optimize material usage, reduce waste, and improve the thermal efficiency of today’s new construction homes.
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