Texas House Bill HB85

Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Caption

Relating to the use of demand response technology to reduce energy consumption in state-owned buildings.

Impact

Should HB85 be enacted, it would represent a notable shift in how Texas manages energy consumption in public buildings. By formally incorporating demand response technology, the state could reduce overall energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with wider sustainability goals. Furthermore, the requirement for energy reduction during critical periods is expected to improve the resilience of the state's energy infrastructure while promoting a more responsible use of energy resources.

Summary

House Bill 85 aims to enhance energy efficiency in state-owned buildings by mandating the implementation of demand response technology. This technology is designed to reduce energy consumption significantly, particularly during times of energy supply constraints such as extreme weather events or peak demand periods. The bill outlines the Texas Facilities Commission's responsibility to develop guidelines that ensure a minimum energy reduction of 30% in state-owned buildings when activated by energy emergencies or peak demands as determined by relevant authorities.

Contention

The implementation of HB85 could potentially raise discussions regarding the costs and logistics of retrofitting existing state-owned buildings with the necessary demand response technology. While proponents argue that long-term energy savings and efficiency improvements will outweigh initial expenditures, critics may question the feasibility of such large-scale technological updates. Concerns about the impact on operations during extreme weather events and the readiness of current infrastructure to accommodate these changes may also arise in legislative discourse.