Texas CHP Initiative

The Initiative advances pro-CHP public policy through active participation in legislative and regulatory processes and keeps members updated on relevant policy development. Members can participate in policy development activities and work with the organization's leadership to craft a policy agenda and also directly engage policymakers. Due to TXCHPI's persistence over time, many state legislators, regulatory officials, and staff members are now aware of CHP and its benefits to the state economy and environment.

Achievements

The Texas Legislature convenes on odd-numbered years from mid-January through May 31. Since its inception in 2005, TXCHPI has succeeded in facilitating passage of several bills that advance the CHP industry in Texas. TXCHPI leadership also meets regularly with state regulatory officials of relevant state agencies as well as with municipal and county officials.

2011

The 82nd Texas Legislature passed HB 3268, which streamlines the state's permitting process for CHP implementation. The legislation required the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to craft a permit by rule specifically for CHP operators.

2010

TXCHPI worked with the Public Utility Commission and EUMMOT to determine a fair incentive structure for qualifying CHP projects under the Energy Efficiency Incentive Program. The Methodist Hospital in Houston would become the first-ever CHP adopter to receive an incentive, which was provided through CenterPoint's Standard Offer Program.

2009

TXCHPI helped include language in two of the "Hurricane Ike" bills passed in 2009 that addressed emergency preparedness, including energy security. Each bill includes identical language requiring engineering evaluation of CHP feasibility in certain new or renovated governmental critical infrastructure facilities. While the law is non-prescriptive, and it opens the door for increased deployment of CHP and related technologies. For more information, visit TxSecurePower.org. Access bill language: HB 1831 (p. 25) | HB 4409 (pp. 4-5)

2008

Following TXCHPI's persistence, the Public Utility Commission granted CHP systems eligibility under the statewide Energy Efficiency Incentive Program.

2007

TXCHPI obtained passage of legislation which required the Public Utility Commission to commission a report on the status and potential of CHP in the state of Texas. The result was Summit Blue Consulting's CHP in Texas: Status, Potential, and Policies to Foster Investment (Dec. 2008).

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Do you know your elected representatives? Go to: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/ for more information. TXCHPI encourages CHP supporters to meet with your Representative and Senator and educate them about CHP's benefits as well as market and regulatory barriers in the state.

TXCHPI regularly engages relevant state agencies and organizations to address market and regulatory barriers to CHP adoption.

Policy and Regulation