Texas legislators will meet in Austin this week for the 2023 session of the Texas legislature. On the agenda are a number of proposals to overhaul the state’s electric system. We’ll go over a few points regarding the Texas Legislature 2023.
I wrote in the Austin American-Statesman last month about the need to put Texans – not big gas plants or power companies — at the center of the conversation about the state’s energy future. This means that strategies such as home weatherization, “virtual plants,” and saving Texans money are needed. Can read more about this here.
Make no mistake. Texas’ economy – and its energy leadership – require a longsighted view of renewable energy in general and solar power specifically. Leaders must consider and plan for the role renewables already play in families and businesses. Today, clean energy accounts for more than half of the grid’s energy. They need to be more involved in helping Texans to live a better life in the future.
What does this mean? What is the Texas Legislature required to do in order to maintain Texas’ leadership position in this rapidly growing industry and to allow Texans to benefit from the protections and savings that residential solar provides?
Basically, nothing. Or, at least, do not harm.
The legislation that Congress passed last year gives solar customers a much-needed runway by locking in tax benefits. This was a must-do, and now it is. Texas does not need to do more to benefit from it.
All the state has to do is step aside. Keep others out of your way. Do not penalize solar customers for buying solar. Do not create an unfair playing field or reduce the value of electricity generated by Texans in a redesigned market. And do not let local governments or homeowners associations hinder Texans’ ability to harness solar energy.
Many industries and business leaders are expected to visit Austin in the coming year, looking for funding or help from the state legislature. Many in the renewables industry will be pushing for the extension of the Economic Development Program in order to encourage investment in Texas. It’s a very important program. This program should be included on the agenda.
Residential solar customers and businesses don’t require these types of incentives. Texas has all it needs to accelerate the solar boom we’re already experiencing.