By Patrice ‘Pete’ Parsons
Executive Director
Yes, it is January but with the kind of temperatures we’ve been experiencing, you’d think it was October or November. But according to weather reports, sub-freezing temperatures are headed our way. And while those reports allege this episode will be nothing like Winter Storm Uri in 2021, it’s not surprising that folks are a bit wary. As University of Texas research scientist and former TXSES board member Joshua Rhodes says, “It’s deep in the Texas psyche now, and anytime it gets really hot or really cold, the grid is front of mind.”
As energy demand continues to grow, so does the potential for greater energy risk. Despite statewide political efforts to subvert renewables, their growing numbers are enviable. Through 2022, Texas was second in solar production nationally, just behind California. A recent Clean Energy States Alliance report ranks Texas first with the highest capacity for electricity generation: 38% of Texas’ electricity capacity comes from clean electricity. And lest we forget, on August 10, wind and solar energy generated enough power to meet 25% of demand during the peak hour of usage, according to ERCOT.
And there’s no sign of a slowdown, for renewables or for us. Here’s what kept us busy in 2023:
- Convened a coalition of stakeholders to advocate for fair compensation for solar from utilities. This includes working with the PUC. Goal for 2024: establish a rule at the PUC to stop utilities from decreasing or eliminating fair compensation for solar customers.
- Created a steering committee of solar installers to determine the next steps in stopping unethical business practices from solar installers and solar sales companies. This includes possible additional licensing and/or legislation. Goal for 2024: develop a path forward and take action.
- Hired an Outreach and Marketing Coordinator to approach cities about adopting a software that drastically reduces the amount of time to get a permit to install solar which saves time and money for consumers. Goal for 2024: Increase the number of Texas cities to adopt the software.
- Convened 34 Texas electric coops to discuss software that could integrate batteries and community solar projects and the value of distributed solar in their service territories. Goal for 2024: assist electric cooperatives to include pertinent software in their business practices coops and determine the true value of distributed solar in their service territories.
- Helped with solar training and education of: 43 low-income Dallas and Houston individuals in rooftop and ground mount solar PV installations; seven Houston individuals and two trainers in solar technical sales training based on the NABCEP Job Task Analysis; and 30 Dallas ISD students across three Career and Technical Education (CTE) campuses. Goal for 2024: establish training programs in Houston and Austin and train an additional 150 individuals.
- Launched an innovative financing model for low-income LIHEAP and WAP participants to benefit from free rooftop solar. Goal for 2024: take the model statewide.
- Helped implement free rooftop solar in an LMI multifamily pilot in Carrizo Springs, Texas. Goal for 2024: take this model statewide.
- Began conversations with developers to implement net zero subdivisions across the state. Goal for 2024: get subdivisions in Dallas and Houston.
We’ve never been busier doing what TXSES does best: advocating, educating and raising awareness of the value and benefits of Texas’ unlimited solar resource, ensuring decision-makers and communities have access to objective, fact-based data that dispels misinformation and false narratives. Our mission-aligned chapters in Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio advocate for equitable access to solar energy for every Texan with initiatives that address regional needs.
We’re supported by an esteemed board of directors, whose expert insight keeps us on a visionary path. Our talented staff is tireless in their work ethic and committed to keeping TXSES as the indisputable source for factual, unbiased solar information. And, of course, to all TXSES members who inspire and embolden us to do what we do best: advocating for Texas’s unlimited solar resource to make a transformative impact on our lives. Thanks for your support.
Stay updated with our work. Subscribe to our newsletter. Happy new year, y’all.