In each issue of The TXSES Report, we’ll feature a member of our esteemed TXSES Board of Directors.
The TXSES board of directors plays a critical role in our success, including setting our strategic direction, ensuring that we have the necessary resources to achieve our goals and that we are operating within legal and ethical guidelines. TXSES board members act as trustees of our assets and must exercise due diligence and oversight to ensure that TXSES is well-managed and that our financial status remains sound.
The TXSES Board consists of eight elected at-large members, one appointed member and a representative from each of our five regional chapters. Board members may remain on the board for one three-year extension if they elect to do so. You must be a current TXSES member to run for the TXSES board. To learn more about becoming a TXSES board member, click here.
For more than three decades, Laura’s career has focused on energy from a variety of public and private sector perspectives, including executive positions at Austin Energy, the California Power Authority, the California Public Utilities Commission, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and regional transmission authorities in Texas and California. A common thread throughout her work has been the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy and the development of infrastructure to support them.
“I joined TXSES because solar has been a fundamental interest
of my career.”
At Austin Energy, she was instrumental in developing Austin’s first conservation and renewable energy plan that was integrated into long-range resource planning, a first for the City’s municipal utility. She served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), and Governor on the Board of the California Independent System Operator. (CAISO). Both organizations manage their state’s electric transmission grids with the critical responsibility for integrating renewable energy and demand response into the network.
Laura’s initial association with TXSES started in January 2022. “I joined TXSES because solar has been a fundamental interest of my career in energy, starting with Austin Energy (AE) in 1982 when we were looking to diversify generation resources away from coal, gas and nuclear,” she said. “John Hoffner, former AE solar program director, taught me the basics and we worked together to help Austin become a leader in both utility-scale and distributed installations nearly 30 years ago. Those efforts look somewhat primitive in hindsight, but they helped Austin move forward toward a greener portfolio.”
After her work with Austin Energy, Doll’s career went in many directions, including work in California government and service on the Board of ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas), where she was able to participate in policy developments to help accelerate renewable energy. In August 2023 alone, ERCOT made six calls for voluntary conservation as it navigates the precarious balance between supply and demand. Given the constant concern for grid reliability, Laura’s experience with ERCOT couldn’t be more timely.
“Today we face new challenges that are of very serious concern to the future of the industry and to consumer access to solar,” said Doll. “I hope in some way to be able to draw on my experience at a variety of institutions and two states to help TXSES chart a successful path forward.”
If we learn anything from the summer of 2023, it’s that we must take bold steps to aggressively deploy energy efficiency and renewable energy resources. Rather than investing billions in state dollars for new gas-fired generation, Texas must invest in demand-side solutions that can help reduce stress on the grid and reduce customer’s monthly electric bills.
“It’s a tough time, but the fundamental resource is strong, and I believe Texans will demand fair tools to take advantage of it.”