Energy Efficiency Programs in Texas:
Who is the Businesses for an Energy Efficient Texas coalition (BEET)?
BEET is a coalition of businesses seeking to improve Texas’ competitiveness, save Texans money, and create more Texas jobs through the implementation of energy efficiency and distributed renewable energy projects, systems, and programs. BEET is also focused on educating Texas leaders about how energy efficiency and distributed renewable energy benefits the state.
EDUCATIONAL EVENT:
Drought Threatens Texas’ Power
Connecting the dots between electricity & water, and offering solutions.
An expert panel will answer questions about drought and reduced water availability as a factor in electric reliability, and explore solutions that enhance economic security.
Time and Location:
Thursday, February 2, 2012, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
at the Texas Capitol in the Legislative Conference Center, E2.002
Panel:
Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon
Regents Professor and Texas State Climatologist,
Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Texas A&M University
Dr. Carey King
Research Associate, Center for International Energy and
Environmental Policy, Jackson School of Geosciences –
The University of Texas at Austin
Mr. Mark Armentrout
President and CEO, Texas Technology Partners
(a former ERCOT board chair)
Mr. Cris Eugster
Executive Vice-President and Chief Sustainability Officer
CPS Energy
Mr. Scott Minnix
Director, General Services Department
City of Houston
NEWS RELEASES:
Governor Signs Energy Efficiency Legislation
Texas Businesses Support Energy Efficiency
Austin, TX – June 28, 2011— Governor Perry signed approval of business supported energy efficiency legislation—SB 898, HB 1728, SB 924, and HB 2077. Business-endorsed SB 1125, which extends and further improves the successful utility administered energy efficiency programs, was signed by the Governor in May.
Businesses for an Energy Efficient Texas coalition (BEET) supported the above legislation during the 2011 regular legislative session. These amendments will help Texas be more competitive, create jobs, save taxpayer dollars and provide environmental benefits that improve air quality and reduce fresh water consumption. They will also help schools reduce their energy costs, making more money available for the classrooms. (For BEET’s 2011 energy efficiency legislation list and further details, click here.)
Senator Carona, when asked about energy efficiency this past Legislative Session said, “Capturing more energy and associated economic savings for Texas taxpayers and businesses is a priority – especially with the challenges Texas and Texans face with the economy today.”
BEET applauds the efforts of Sen. Carona (R-Dallas), Rep. Anchia (D-Dallas), Rep. Keffer (R-Eastland), Rep. Chisum (R-Pampa), Sen. Harris (R-Arlington), Governor Perry and others in the Legislature for their leadership in improving the state’s laws to help Texans be more energy efficient.
The full media release can be found here.
April 19, 2011 Release: $1.5 BILLION CONTRIBUTED TO TEXAS ECONOMY THROUGH ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS according to AngelouEconomics Report