FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kirsten Voinis
FEB. 17, 2015 (512) 922-7141 or kvoinis@kvoinis.com
Statement in support of SPEER Commission recommendations on energy efficiency
The Advanced Energy Management Alliance (AEMA) applauds recommendations issued Tuesday by the South–central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER) Commission on Texas Energy Efficiency Policy that lay out a blueprint for future efficiency policy in Texas that includes the expanded use of demand response.
You can find SPEER’s report at its website, http://eepartnership.org/speercommission/.
The following statement can be attributed AEMA Chairman Frank Lacey, senior vice president, regulatory and market strategy, CPower Corp.
“AEMA is pleased to see that a group of respected Texans representing diverse viewpoints have united in support of the use of demand response and measures to increase the efficiency of the Texas electric marketplace.
“AEMA members believe that any discussion of increasing the use of smart meters and other energy saving devices also must acknowledge that their full benefit can’t be achieved without also expanding opportunities for customers to participate in demand response.
“As the SPEER Commission recognizes, there are ‘significant market barriers to overcome’ for the state to reach its full energy management potential. Demand response is underutilized in Texas because state market rules and energy regulations fail to fully recognize its value, even though it is proven to enhance the efficiency of the Texas electric market, improve system reliability and reduce the environmental impacts of electricity production.
“We look forward to working with members of SPEER to ask Texas lawmakers to pass legislation that promotes the widespread deployment of demand response in Texas and eliminates constraints that impede its growth.”
About AEMA:
The Advanced Energy Management Alliance (AEMA) is an association of providers and supporters of demand response united to overcome barriers to the use of demand response in Texas and nationwide. AEMA advocates policies that empower and compensate customers to manage their energy usage and make the electric grid more efficient, more reliable, more environmentally friendly and less expensive. For more information and Texas specific resources on demand response, visit https://aem-alliance.org/news/texas/