Texas Governor Signs Bills On Combined Heat And Power, Financing For C&I Initiatives
June 24, 2013
Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed two energy packages into law, one supporting combined heat and power (CHP) and the other allowing Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. Perry signed two CHP bills: The first clarified language in the Texas Utility Code to let cogeneration facilities sell power and heat energy to multiple customers close to the facility; the second instructed the State Energy Conservation Office to issue compliance guidelines for how to conduct a CHP feasibility analysis before the construction or renovation of any government facility deemed critical for disaster preparedness or emergency response. CHP is expected to help relieve grid congestion, boost grid capacity and cut the amount of water used to produce power. The PACE financing legislation will let commercial and industrial building owners get low-cost, long-term private sector financing for water conservation and energy efficiency improvement.