State Energy Conservation Office Programs
LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program (10 Tex. Gov. Code §2305.032):
LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program provides financing of energy and water efficiency measures for public facilities. Borrowers that receive a LoanSTAR loan repay the principal of and interest on the loan from the energy savings that result from the energy-related cost-reduction retrofits. Borrowers may include state agencies, universities, and political subdivisions. Retrofitted buildings have has saved taxpayers more than $385 million and have prevented the release of 9,644 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx), 3.0 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 6,807 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2).
“5-FIVE-25” Pilot Loan Program provides financing for energy-related cost-reduction retrofits for facilities owned and occupied by Community-Based and House of Worship non-profit organizations. Low interest rate loans are provided to assist those institutions in financing their energy-related cost-reduction efforts. The program’s revolving loan mechanism allows successful Applicants to repay loans through the stream of energy cost savings realized from the projects.
State Energy Programs (10 Tex. Gov. Code §2305.033):
Texas Industrial Energy Efficiency SECO is in partnership with the University of Texas - Texas Industries of the Future, to provide outreach, technical assistance and training for Texas industrial energy consumers.
State Agencies Program (10 Tex. Gov. Code §2305.034):
State Agency Energy Advisory Group provides a network of communication and technical support to facilitate sustainable, economical and efficient use of natural resources in the state. Members include energy managers and facilities personnel at state agencies and institutions of higher education.
Alternative Fuels Program (10 Tex. Gov. Code §2305.035):
Alternative Fuels Program demonstrates the positive environmental impact, technical feasibility and energy efficiency of domestically-produced alternative fuels. The Alternative Fuels Program is designed to assist state agencies, school districts, local government and private fleets to operate more of their fleets on alternative fuels. Initiatives include support for the Clean Cities Program, Clean School Bus USA Program, Mechanics Education Outreach and Air Quality Demonstration Projects.
Innovative Energy Demonstration Program (10 Tex. Gov. Code §2305.037):
Innovative Energy Demonstration Program promotes the use of renewable energy and sustainable building practices through technology demonstration, hands-on instruction and renewable energy education. Renewable energy has significant economic, security and reliability benefits and opportunities for Texas communities and individuals as they develop and use these resources.
Local Governments Energy Program (10 Tex. Gov. Code §2305.038):
Schools/Local Government Energy Program provides facility preliminary energy assessments, energy management training workshops, technical support in designing new facilities and on-site training for student energy awareness projects. Clean energy technologies are demonstrated at public facilities and school districts to increase awareness and address air quality at the community level. The Schools/Local Government Energy Program has helped more than 3,500 schools and other units of local government set up and maintain effective energy-efficiency programs.
Energy Efficiency Programs in Institutions of Higher Education and Certain Government Entities (5 Health and Safety Code §388.005)
Pollution Mitigation Program: assists political subdivisions in 41 urban counties to reduce electric consumption in their facilities by implementing cost-effective energy-efficiency projects. SECO provides technical support and guidance through the Texas Energy Partnership, a joint initiative involving SECO, the U.S. Department of Energy, and Energy Star®.
Building Energy Performance Standards (5 Health and Safety Code §388.003):
Texas Building Energy Code ensures that new facilities are designed and built with energy efficiency and water conservation in mind. Projects include administration and maintenance of the Energy and Water Conservation Standards for new state buildings and major renovation projects. This program also provides education and outreach on residential and commercial energy codes statewide. The goal is to demonstrate the clear benefits of energy codes and standards in improving the quality of life, the environment and the safety and health of communities.
Pantex Program:
Pantex Program: The Pantex Nuclear Weapons plant, located in Carson County, is responsible for assembling and disassembling nuclear weapons. The U.S. Department of Energy funds the Texas Agreement in Principle, which SECO has administered since 1990. SECO contracts with a variety of state and local governments to ensure that human health and safety, and the environment, are protected around the plant. The Pantex Program also administers a DOE grant to train local emergency responders along routes that have shipments of radioactive waste going to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad, New Mexico, and eventually shipments of spent fuel tentatively scheduled to go to Yucca Mountain in Nevada.