Senator José Rodríguez Discusses Solar Trends at TREIA Policy Luncheon

Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association welcomed Texas State Senator José Rodríguez, as the featured speaker at the TREIA's June Policy Luncheon. The luncheon, hosted at the Austin offices of Lloyd, Gosselink, Rochelle & Townsend, P.C., brought industry leaders together to hear Senator Rodríguez discuss progress in solar energy in El Paso and far West Texas, and to gain insights into the role the Legislature could play in encouraging renewable energy development throughout the state.   

TREIA President Steve Wiese presents the State Leadership Award to Senator Rodríguez at TREIA's June Policy Luncheon

"It is an honor to be recognized by such a well-respected organization," said Senator Rodríguez. "El Paso Electric solar customers are able to take advantage of net metering thanks in large part to advocacy efforts by members of TREIA. I look forward to working with TREIA during the next legislative session to address the need for renewable energy options throughout our state."

PUC Projects/Dockets Of Current TREIA Interest Or Involvement 

See some of the higher profile activities and actions undertaken in the first six months of 2012. While this list is hardly exhaustive of TREIA efforts and doesn't reflect the many interactions the TREIA office has on a day to day basis, it should give one a good sense of the role the Association plays on behalf of the industry.

The Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) is now offering advertising opportunities in its electronic newsletter the Renewable Energy Record (RER).                                                                To view the advertising guidelines and rate sheet click here. 

The Renewable Energy Record is a mostly monthly publication with occasional two month combined issues. An issue is circulated at the end of the period it covers (June issue comes out end of June or beginning of July). Each issue is circulated directly to approximately 3000 people.  We get an average of a little over 700 opens per month. In addition, as each issue is sent out, the previous issue is posted on the TREIA web site in the Newsletter Archive. Membership in TREIA is not necessary in order to receive the RER. Anyone may sign up to do so on the TREIA web site.

                              GENERAL INTEREST

Savvy Consumer: Renewable energy has also become affordable  

Jun. 22, 2012

By Teresa McUsic 

The heat is taking over in North Texas, and that means higher electric bills and probably more air pollution.

But there is an alternative to those problems to consider the next time your electric plan is up for renewal: Switch to a renewable energy plan.

Pollution-free, renewable energy plans sold by retail electric providers have come a long way since 2006, when just three providers offered them at a steep premium over their fossil fuel counterparts. Today, rates have come down significantly, with most plans in the 7- to 9-cent range -- not much more than most fossil-fueled plans in the North Texas market.

To see Russel Smith's comments and read the full article click here> 

Through TREIA's partnership with Intersolar North America, TREIA Members are invited to visit the exhibition and its complimentary programs in Moscone Center free of charge. 

TREIA members can logon to the TREIA website for promotional codes to save up to $150 off registration.

TREIA members can receive additional discounts by logging into the TREIA web site to receive discount codes for the following options:

10% Discount on the "  Full Conference Package."

10% Discount on the " PV Package."

10% Discount on the " Solar Heating & Cooling Package."

10% Discount on the " Utilitiy-Scale Solar Energy Package."

 Register now

Brattle Report Shows Solar Can Help Address Texas' Electricity Challenges

Biomass Power Generation Beginning To Get A Foothold In Texas  

There was a groundbreaking this month in East Texas for what will be the third utility-scale biomass power plant to be built in the state exclusively for selling power to the grid. The 50 MW Woodville Renewable Power Project (WRPP) is being built by the East Texas Electric Cooperative (ETEC), a non-profit utility made up of 10 electric distribution cooperatives in the region. It is headquartered in Nacogdoches.  More click here>

                                 MEMBER NEWS

CPS Energy's President and CEO Doyle Beneby, Mayor Julián Castro and other leaders ceremoniously cut a unique bowtie-styled ribbon to dedicate the utility's newest source of solar energy - the William R. Sinkin Centennial Solar Farms 1 and 2. Named after local solar energy advocate Bill Sinkin, who is known for wearing bowties, the 19.8 megawatt (MW) project will produce enough clean power for an estimated 2,550 average Texas homes annually.

Two sites feature a total of 83,034 photovoltaic solar panels that track the sun from east to west. The solar arrays are located on nearly 200 acres of land at the Dos Rios Water Recycling Center owned by the San Antonio Water Systems (SAWS).  More click here>

DISCLAIMER: Reference to a specific company, product, or service, in TREIA's Renewable Energy Record, does not constitute or imply recommendation or endorsement by TREIA. TREIA is not legally responsible or liable for claims by third parties expressed herein or in links from this publication.