Texas Renewable Energy Incentives

Connecting to the Grid

Net Metering in Texas

Distributed Generation in Texas
A Texas Public Utilities Commission web page with all the policies that are in place.

Texas Distributed Generation Interconnection Manual

List of Distributed Generation Contact Persons in the Texas Utilities

General
Solar
Wind
Ethanol
Biomass
Fuel Cells
Geothermal
Energy Education
Hydropower/Wave
Sustainable & Green Building

Kids Links

General

Texas Organizations

National Organizations

Online Resources

TEXAS ORGANIZATIONS

Can I Buy Green Power in Texas?
This U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) web site lists organizations that offer green power in Texas. The information includes utility green pricing programs, retail green power products offered in competitive electricity markets, and renewable energy certificate (REC) products sold separately from electricity. Included are Green Mountain Energy Company, CPS Energy (San Antonio), Austin Energy Green Choice, El Paso Electric, TXU Energy, Reliant Energy, First Choice Power, and Gexa Energy.

Renewable Energy Vendors & Services
SECO does not link directly to vendors, but you can visit the Texas Renewable Energy Industry Association web site and select the Search Our Members tab. There you can search by the type of renewable energy that interests you. You can also find vendor contact information on the Texas Solar Energy Society web site and select the Find Vendors link for their database of vendors who provide products or services related to renewable energy. Of course, when talking with a vendor, always be sure to ask for references.

Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA)
TREIA is a statewide non-profit organization that represents over 200 member companies, organizations, agencies and individuals that provide renewable energy products, services and information, and sustainable (green) building design and construction.

Sustainable Skylines - Dallas
The Sustainable Skylines initiative is a three-year partnership between the City of Dallas, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments to promote sustainability within the City via voluntary programs which emphasize air quality improvements.

Clean Energy Incubator
Sponsored by SECO, the Clean Energy Incubator is a program of the Austin Technology Incubator and the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas at Austin. CEI provides the resources and facilities necessary for qualified start-ups to attract funding and aggressively compete in the free market.

Rural Alliance for Renewable Energy (RARE)
RARE members are committed to assisting rural Texas communities in developing their renewable energy resources now so that future generations in those communities can prosper. The intent is to stimulate job creation and economic development, and to promote energy security and independence.

Metropolitan Partnership for Energy (MPE) - Build San Antonio Green
The MPE works to increase San Antonio's energy efficiency and sustainability by providing the region with energy leadership, education and expertise. San Antonio's first residential green building program certifies both green building professionals and new homes. The program was developed by MPE and is co-administered with the Greater San Antonio Builders Association.

City Public Service (CPS)
CPS is a San Antonio municipally owned energy provider offering a variety of rebates and programs that help conserve energy, preserve the environment and save money on utility bills.

Houston Renewable Energy Group (HREG)
HREG' s primary goal is to educate the Houston region on the power of renewable energy. HREG is a non-profit volunteer organization and local chapter of the Texas Solar Energy Society.

Renewable Energy Association of Central Texas (REACT)
REACT is a group of individuals dedicated to building a sustainable energy future. The Association's goal is to encourage the development and use of renewable energy sources and energy conservation methods by sharing information, experience and technical skills, and by educating the public and the local, state and federal governments.

Austin Energy
Austin Energy is a community-owned electric utility with a comprehensive energy efficiency program. Austin Energy provides energy conservation information for both homes and businesses, equipment purchasing guidelines, conservation ideas. Austin Energy also offers rebates and low-interest loans to help residential and business customers make energy efficiency improvements.

Austin Energy's Green Building Program
If you're a homeowner, renter or a member of the design and building profession, this program has information to help you design and build with health, energy-efficiency and the environment in mind.

Austin Energy's Green by Design Workshops
Anyone preparing to build, buy or remodel a home can learn how to improve energy and water efficiency, increase comfort and reduce maintenance. The Green Building Program's 1-day Green by Design Workshop is held four times per year.

Perdenales and Bandera Electric Cooperatives
Both of these cooperatives offer their members renewable energy from wind.

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NATONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
This U. S. Department of Energy web site offers a diverse range of programs to develop and deploy efficient and clean energy technologies that meet the nation's energy needs.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
This Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory is dedicated to researching and developing renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. This web site provides program and project descriptions, partnership opportunities, publications, news and events.

ENERGY STAR
Energy Star offers businesses and consumers energy efficient solutions - helping to save money while protecting the environment for future generations. Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy that identifies energy efficient products. Energy Star programs and products help save the environment and save consumers money by using less energy through advanced design or construction.

USDA Rural Development, Section 9006
This is the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) web site for the Section 9006: Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Program with information on grant and guaranteed loans for agricultural producers and rural small business to assist with purchasing renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements. The information includes details on project and applicant eligibility, application procedures, required forms and other useful information to assist in the application process.

USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service
This USDA web site provides information to assist farm, ranch and small business in the area of renewable energy and efficiency. This program promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools and offers technical assistance and information to help agricultural and other cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their member services.

Rocky Mountain Institute
A nonprofit research and educational organization that fosters the efficient and sustainable use of resources as a path to global security. This web site offers extensive educational and outreach information and publications.

Oakridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
ORNL's Energy Efficient and Renewable Energy Program conducts research and development on energy-efficient technologies for transportation, industry, buildings, and power generation.

American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE)
ACORE is focused on accelerating renewable energy technologies. With a focus on trade, finance and policy, ACORE promotes all renewable energy options for the production of electricity, hydrogen, fuels and end-use energy.

Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST)
This site is dedicated to the promotion of renewable energy, energy efficiency, the environment, and sustainable development. A primary function is to explore and demonstrate the use of advanced information and communication technologies in these fields.

Union of Concerned Scientists
The Union of Concerned Scientists is a nonprofit partnership of scientists and citizens combining scientific analysis, innovative policy development and citizen advocacy to achieve practical environmental solutions.

Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP)
REPP supports the advancement of renewable energy through policy research, provides small grants to facilitate external research and suggests and nurtures strategic paths for long-range planning by the renewable energy community.

Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
A non-profit consortium of state and local government renewable energy officials, whose mission is to accelerate the sustainable utilization of renewable energy sources and technologies in and through state and local government and community activities. IREC provides electric utility restructuring information, publications, extensive links, news and events.

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Online Resources

Texas Comptroller Report on Energy Resources
The Energy Report is a comprehensive evaluation of the various energy resources available in Texas. It is a reference tool for anyone seeking for understanding the current Texas energy environment.

Energy Calculators & Software
An Infinite Power of Texas web page.

Renewable Energy Consumption and Electricity Preliminary 2006 Statistics
The use of renewable energy in the United States increased nearly 7% in 2006, according to preliminary statistics released in August 2007 by DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Connecting to the Grid Guide 2007
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) has published a new edition of its Connecting to the Grid guide. The fifth edition of this guide, published in July 2007, addresses new and lingering interconnection issues that are relevant to all distributed generation technologies, including renewables, fuel cells, microturbines, and reciprocating engines. [an error occurred while processing this directive]

2007 Report on State Renewable Porfolio Standards
The National Berkeley Laboratory report, Treatment of Renewable Energy Certificates, Emissions Allowances, and Green Power Programs in State Renewables Portfolio Standards summarizes the treatment of renewable energy certificates (RECs) and attributes in state RPS policies. View the full report or see this summary.

2006 Annual Energy Outlook with Projections to 2030
Reported by the U. S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Looking for renewable energy photos?
Go to this DOE site, PIX: The Photographic Information Exchange for an on-line collection of several thousand photos related to renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. All photos are free and for public use.

Infinite Power of Texas
A State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) web site that offers renewable energy fact sheets; teacher lesson plans; renewable energy information resources; renewable energy news and events; interactive energy calculators, and information on incentives, programs, financing institutions, and lending agencies that can help finance renewable energy systems and/or energy efficient homes and home improvements.

Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)
Search for state and federal efficiency incentives by state, technology type, and incentive type with links to program web sites, legislation, tax credits and deductions, rebates, grants, low-interest loans, property and sales tax exemptions, and bond programs.

Texas Distributed Generation Interconnection Manual (PDF)
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) prepared this manual to guide
the inclusion of distributed generation (DG) into the Texas electric system. It is intended for use by utility engineers processing distributed generation interconnection applications, as well as those considering the interconnection of distributed generation with a transmission and distribution utility. The manual includes a review of safety and technical requirements of DG installations; a copy of applicable rules, application procedures and forms; Texas utility contacts and equipment pre-certification requirements.

Making Your Own Clean Electricity
A DOE web site. Generating electricity using your own small renewable energy system fits the circumstances and values of some home and small-business owners. Although it takes time and money to research, buy, and maintain a system, many people enjoy the independence they gain and the knowledge that their actions are helping the environment. renewable energy system can be used to supply some or all of your electricity needs. Some people, especially those in remote areas, use the electricity from their systems in place of electricity supplied to them by power providers (i.e. electric utilities). These are called stand-alone (off-grid) systems.

Ask an Expert!
This DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Information Center answers questions on EERE's products, services, and technology programs, refers callers to the most appropriate EERE resources, and refers qualified callers to the appropriate expert networks. You may contact the information center by calling 1-877-337-3463 or by completing an online form. A customer service specialist or energy expert will respond to your inquiry.

Austin Energy's Green Building Program
If you're a homeowner, renter or a member of the design and building profession, this program has information to help you design and build with health, energy-efficiency and the environment in mind.

Texas Renewable Energy Resource Assessment
This SECO-commissioned study evaluates Texas renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, biomass, water, geothermal and building climatology. The report includes numerous maps and charts.

Power Technologies Energy Data Book
A DOE publication. The 4th edition of the Data Book contains a wide selection of data and statistics on renewable energy power technologies from a variety of sources. It has 13 chapters which focus on various aspects of the power industry.

Renewable Energy for Farmers and Ranchers
This DOE web site offers resources for renewable energy technologies that can be used on farms or ranches.

House-Energy Savings Using Renewable Energy

Energy Trace Webzine
The goal of this web site is to provide a central source of current information about energy efficiency products and practices from around the world.

Renewable Energy Fact Sheets
SECO's Infinite Power of Texas web site. Many of the fact sheets are also available in Spanish language versions. Lesson Plans are also available. If you are a teacher and need multiple copies, we can arrange to have them shipped to you at no charge.

25x'25
25x'25 is a grassroots renewable energy initiative which advocates that 25 % (rather than the current 4%) of the nation's energy come from "America's working lands" by 2025. Across the country, farmers, ranchers, forest land owners and other leaders in the community are coming together in state-level alliances to explore how the 25x'25 vision can help accomplish state energy, environmental and rural development goals.

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Hydrogen & Fuel Cells

Accelerating the Commercialization of Fuel Cells in Texas
In 2001, the Texas Legislature directed the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to develop a statewide plan for accelerating the commercialization of fuel cells in Texas. SECO identified a number of initiatives that the state could use to encourage commercial availability of fuel cells and the economic viability of a Texas-based industry. These initiatives are embodied in this report's recommendations.

Texas State Technical College Fuel Cell Technology Curriculum
Partially funded by SECO, the curriculum was developed by Texas State Technical College in Waco under the auspices of the Texas State Leadership Consortium for Curriculum Development. The curriculum is based on the input of 14 fuel cell industry representatives from across the country, and is designed to train diversified technicians. The curriculum concentrates on the most widely-used fuel cell types and applications, including using fuels obtained from renewable energy sources.

Fuel Cells Texas
This is a well-developed, well-referenced web site that includes a detailed explanation of fuels cells - definition, history, and types and uses of fuel cells. Fuel Cells Texas promotes the benefits of fuel cells and hydrogen fuel and brings together government agencies and private entities interested in accelerating the advancement and the commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen in Texas. Rice University, Texas A&M University, Texas State Technical College, Lamar University, Texas Tech University, The University of Houston and The University of Texas all currently conduct research relating to fuel cells, hydrogen and supporting infrastructure. Fuel Cells Texas maintains relationships with key personnel at these institutions.

Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Infrastructure Technologies Program
This U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) program works with partners to accelerate the development and successful market introduction of hydrogen and fuel cells technologies.

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Educational Publications
At this DOE web site you can access easy-to-understand fact sheets and other information designed to introduce hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to non-technical audiences.

The President's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative
The Initiative's goal is to reverse America's growing dependence on foreign oil by developing the technology needed for commercially viable hydrogen-powered fuel cells.

Hydrogen Analysis Resource Center
This DOE web site provides well-documented data to be used for hydrogen-related analytical activities. The data can serve as the basis for calculations, modeling, and other analytical activities. The web site includes calculator tools and links to websites with more sophisticated analysis tools, such as H2A and GREET.

National Hydrogen Association (NHA)
An excellent source for information on hydrogen and hydrogen technologies. The NHA provides data and educational materials to the media, safety and codes & standards officials, policy-makers, and the general public.

Fuel Cell Test and Evaluation Center
A U.S. Department of Defense web site. The Center is a national resource facility for the independent, unbiased testing and validation of fuel cell power systems for both military and commercial applications.

Hydrogen.gov
A federal source of information on activities related to hydrogen and fuel cells. This web site was developed to further the goals of the President's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative and encourage greater collaboration and sharing of information on hydrogen technology development activities among state and local governments, commercial entities, international organizations and the general public.

Fuel Cell Vehicles
This DOE/EPA web site includes News, Links, Benefits, Comparisons, and a Fuel Economy Guide.

Fuel Cells 2000
An online information center.

Collecting the History of Fuel Cells
A Smithsonian National Museum of American History web site.

Fuel Cells
A Wikipedia encyclopedia web page.

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Hydropower/Wave

Texas Hydropower Resources
Several maps and charts from the Infinite Power of Texas web site.

Texas Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)
Questions and Answers on using hydropower for energy needs vs. using water for community needs.

Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program
This is a U. S. Department of Energy web site.

Small Hydro Project Model Software
The FREE RETScreen Small Hydro Project Model can be used world-wide to evaluate the energy production, life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas emissions reduction for central-grid, isolated-grid and off-grid small hydro projects, ranging in size from multi-turbine small and mini hydro installations to single-turbine micro hydro systems.

Hydro Research Foundation
The Hydro Research Foundation was established in 1994 and became an independent non-profit corporation in 1996. The foundation has two principal objectives: to facilitate research and to promote educational opportunities that communicate the value of hydropower. Includes an excellent links page.

Hydropower Facts
An Idaho National Laboratory web site.

National Hydropower Association (NHA)
NHA is a non-profit national association dedicated to advancing the interests of the U.S. hydropower industry. It seeks to secure hydropower's place as an emissions-free, renewable and reliable energy source that serves national environmental and energy policy objectives.

Ocean Energy
A DOE site. Ocean energy draws on two types of energy: thermal energy from the sun's heat stored in the ocean, and mechanical energy from the tides and waves.

U.S. Hydropower Resources
This U. S. Department of Energy 2004 study covers all hydropower resources, with a focus on low head (less than 30 feet) and low power (less than 1 MW) resources.

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