SPEER

?? Happy Thanksgiving from the SPEER Team! We wish all of you a fantastic day spent with family, friends, and great food. Here are a few things we are thankful for today: - Todd McAlister, Executive Director: "Thankful for FINALLY retiring from the Navy after 20 great years, now more time with grandkids and family!" - Liz John, Managing Director: "I am extra thankful for a job that I authentically enjoy and find fulfillment in as well as the ability to travel. This year I was fortunate enough to travel to Scandinavia and experience different cultures and lifestyles as well as check off my bucket list item of seeing the Northern Lights!" - Shaun Auckland, M.S., LEED Green Associate, Local Government Program Manager: "Thankful for time with family." - Fletcher Berndt, Communications Coordinator: "I am thankful for my wonderful wife, family, friends, health, and great co-workers." - Noah Oaks, MPAff, State and Local Policy Manager: "Definitely thankful for family and friends. As well as working with an organization like SPEER that is dedicated to making a difference in people's lives. Lastly, thankful for caramel apple walnut pie." - Randy Plumlee, Energy Code Program Manager: "I'm thankful for having the opportunity to work remotely. And I'm thankful for Todd and Liz for working diligently to secure additional funding to continue our efforts." - Cathy Lawrence, Program Coordinator: "My family and friends."

Huge congrats to SPEER member Daikin Comfort for their recently announced partnership with the legendary Houston Astros! We can't wait to check out a game at #DaikinPark. #GoStros

?? November's Policy newsletter is here! A few highlights from this issue: ?? EEIP Updates ?? IRA Home Energy Rebate Applications ?? SPEER Legislative Priorities Released ?? Local Policy Actions ?? And more! Dive in here: https://ow.ly/20WQ50Ufp7j

Between 2013 and 2023, Texas had the highest number of power outages of the top 10 largest outages in the U.S. While transmission infrastructure is in need of critical updates, #energyefficiency and weatherization efforts can improve a home's comfort and safety by increasing passive survivability when power outages occur. Implementing energy efficiency measures is crucial as extreme weather events in Texas increase in both frequency and intensity. Read more via Motive Power, Inc. https://ow.ly/1sYc50UeUxV

?? Webinar alert! Join ENERGY STAR and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on Wed. 12/4 to "Learn How Energy Skilled? and ENERGY STAR? Work Together." Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters are highly efficient products that can help homeowners save energy and money across the country. However, challenges remain in recruiting, training, and upskilling the workforce to sustain and expand the progress in adoption of these products. Join to hear how ENERGY STAR and DOE are collaborating to bring together the leading efficiency technologies and the workforce to deliver them to consumers. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gvWbZZCj

During last Thursday’s meeting the Public Utility Commission of Texas approved a $3 billion system resiliency plan filed by Oncor. Goals for the plan include the acceleration of grid upgrades, reducing duration of severe weather outages, and more. More info via Utility Dive: https://ow.ly/nAUm50Ub1AM

??Reminder: Registration for SPEER's upcoming BOC (Building Operator Certification) training is open! BOC provides building operators with skill enhancement in energy-efficient building operations. Operations & maintenance best practices can save 5-20% annually on energy bills, but buildings can only be operated efficiently if the building operator is properly trained. Save your spot & learn how to operate buildings at peak efficiency, improve equipment lifespan, reduce energy waste, and save on average $10,000/annually in utility bills. https://ow.ly/vqPX50TRCwu

CW33 KDAF Dallas reports on a new MarketWatch Guide analysis showing that Texans typically pay 21% more on electricity bills than the national average. While the South generally shoulders a heavier financial burden for electricity than other areas of the country, #energyefficiency and weatherization measures could greatly reduce this cost differential. Read more: https://ow.ly/jf5f50Ub4kh

SPEER is thrilled to welcome our newest member, Mission:data! We are excited to have them join us as we continue our mission to advance #energyefficiency in our region. Learn more about SPEER membership here: https://ow.ly/HFjG50UaZ8Z

SPEER is in the house today at the Texas Energy Summit discussing load growth and demand management in Texas. As the state continues to experience extreme weather, exponential population growth, energy intensive businesses, and aging building envelopes, Texans find themselves paying higher bills to keep the lights on. Texas can help consumers combat skyrocketing energy bills by promoting #energyefficiency and cost-e?ective, reliable, demand-side measures that reduce energy consumption, increase building comfort, and ultimately lower the cost of energy for all Texans. #TES24 #TXenergy #TXlege