KEY TOPICS
Explore one-pagers and educational materials covering timely industry issues.
During recent events, such as Winter Storm Fern, the Texas grid remained strong through freezing temperatures, thanks in part to improved winter readiness, contributions from renewable energy generation and added energy storage capacity.
The growth of renewable energy has been wrongly blamed for rising power prices in Texas. As demand for power skyrockets, grounding this debate and Texas’ policy decisions in data–not rhetoric–is essential.
In reviewing current firming policy contained in House Bill 1500 (88R), as well as other proposals before the Texas Legislature—primarily Senate Bill 715 (89-R)—we provide the following analysis detailing how such proposals will threaten reliability, raise consumer costs, and disrupt a well-functioning market that is already adapting to meet system needs.
Tom Giovanetti is President of the Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI), baed in Texas. Many bills were filed in the Texas Legislature before the March 14th bill filing deadline, and Texas state Senator Lois Kolkhorst (SD 18) filed at least 90 (my count). With that many bills filed, they can’t all be winners, and Sen. Kolkhorst’s SB 819 is problematic, at least if you care about things like limited government,
Code Concepts Group was engaged by the Advanced Power Alliance and Texas Solar + Storage Association to review and provide expert input on battery energy storage safety legislation in Texas.
Wind and solar developers routinely follow a regimented, science-based protocol to evaluate sites for risks to species and their habitats and to mitigate any potential impacts, which include coordinating with the appropriate subject matter experts at state and federal wildlife agencies. Learn more in APA’s response to Senate Bill 819 (Kolkhorst).
LEGISLATION
89th Legislative Session
Find Advanced Power Alliance one-pagers and resources specific to legislation proposed during the Texas 89th Legislative Session.
APA opposes SB 715 (Sparks), which threatens grid reliability, raises consumer costs, and disrupts a well-functioning market that is already adapting to meet system needs.
Senate Bill 819 (Kolkhorst) will stifle economic development, increase electricity costs and disregard private property rights.
SB 388 claims to promote reliability, but by slowing grid growth at a critical time, it risks achieving the opposite. Texas needs flexibility—not artificial limits on energy growth—to meet the demands of consumers and our economy.
HB 3722 favors the few, harms the many, and solves no real problem.
Code Concepts Group, LLC was engaged by the Advanced Power Alliance and Texas Solar + Storage Association to review and provide expert input on battery energy storage safety legislation in Texas. Based on our review, we believe House Bill 1378 (Virdell) represents a significant step backwards in the safe installation and operation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Texas.
APA & TSSA oppose SB 715, HB 3356, SB 819, and SB 388, which undermine Texas’ business climate, degrade private property rights, raise consumer costs, weaken grid reliability, target clean energy, and threaten Texas’ competitive energy market.
TSSA & APA support efforts to further ensure that Texas is secure while remaining competitive and business friendly. While our organizations have concerns about the bill in its current form, we understand progress is being made to resolve concerns expressed by parties in the energy sector, including our members. We deeply appreciate Representative Lambert’s efforts.
RESEARCH AND STUDIES
Find pertinent research reports and studies that illuminate industry topics.
A new statewide survey commissioned by Conservative Texans for Energy Innovation (CTEI) and conducted by Public Opinion Strategies (March 22-30, 2025) reveals overwhelming support among Texas voters for clean energy solutions to meet the state’s growing energy demands. The biennial poll of 1,000 registered voters shows a clear preference for an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, emphasizing renewables, grid modernization, and market-driven policies to ensure reliability, affordability, and economic growth. Key Highlights:
A new report, ‘The Economic Impact of Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Investments Across Texas’, by Dr. Joshua Rhodes, Chief Technology Officer of IdeaSmiths LLC and a Research Scientist at The University of Texas at Austin, includes 2024 data and reveals investments in renewable energy projects will continue to benefit our economy and all Texans.
