21 Feb TREIA: Texas Energy Independence Week Focuses on the Balancing Act Between Needing and Securing Energy

Biennially Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association, TREIA recognizes Texas Energy Independence to focus attention on the role of renewable energy in helping Texas become more energy independent. TREIA declares the week of March 4, 2013 Texas Energy Independence Week 2013 (TEIW). TEIW activities are symbolically scheduled close to March 2, Texas Independence Day.

TREIA provides forums and briefings at the Texas State Capitol to inform elected state officials, agencies, staffs, and the public on the current state of the renewable energy industry and the value of encouraging its growth. Informative forums address issues that affect the renewable energy industry’s ability to thrive. Renewable energy resources are abundant, sustainable, water conserving and protect air quality.  Thanks to wise legislation, renewables are now an essential, valuable and growing part of the total Texas energy portfolio. In the past year renewable energy in Texas has delivered during times of extreme weather and peak demand while increasing jobs and adding to the Texas economy. 

Monday, March 4

Location: Omni Austin Hotel Downtown (register at www.treia.org)

9:00 am – 11:45 am – Renewable Energy Finance Forum, Moderator: Steve Krebs, Vice President, OwnEnergy, Inc.  “We have assembled a group of speakers who live in Texas, are active in the Texas market and are very interested in seeing the Texas renewable market grow,” said Steve Krebs.  “At the same time, they and their companies develop and finance projects nationally.  They are plugged into trends and techniques renewable energy developers are utilizing across the country.  Our speakers are keen to share their perspectives with attendees.  We are looking forward to a great discussion on an important topic.”

Introduction: Steve Krebs, Vice President, OwnEnergy, Inc.

Solar Project Finance Case Study:

Speaker: Tuan Pham, President,PowerFin Partners, discussing the stages of a successfully completed 4 MW AC utility-scale solar PV project, from development, through construction, and operation. The presentation will include:

• Different aspects to be considered when filtering, doing due diligence, valuing, and monetizing smaller grid-tried solar projects

• Capital contributions and roles played by different parties at different stages of a project

• Pitfalls to avoid and strategies that worked 

What's Happening Now in Renewable Energy Finance Panel: 

Moderator: Steve Krebs, Vice President, OwnEnergy, Inc.

Panelists: Andrew Chen, Director, CIT Group, Thomas Houle, Managing Director, Macquarie, Ted Matula, Deputy General Counsel, Duke Energy Corporation, Bruce Thompson, Vice President, Business Development, Pioneer Green.

12:00 -2:00 pm – TREIA Policy Luncheon & Legislative Briefing (register at www.treia.org) 

Location: Legislative Conference Center Texas Capitol Extension (no registration necessary)

2:30 – 5:30 pm – Texas Energy Independence Week Briefing I "Renewable Energy: What it Means to Texas"


Moderator: Steve Wiese, Principal, Clean Energy Associates

“This session will highlight the opportunities and challenges of renewable energy development in Texas, with emphasis on current costs and grid integration issues. The session will close with a discussion of renewable energy policies that are consistent with and promote development of a truly competitive energy marketplace in Texas,” said Steve Wiese.

·       A Vision for Renewable Energy in Texas – Steve Wiese

·       Integrating Renewables on the Grid – Speaker tba

·       Current Costs of Renewable Energy – Colin Meehan, Clean Energy Analyst, Environmental

         Defense Fund

Speaker:  Clay Butler, Managing Partner, The Butler Firm, "Market Philosophy and Regulation"

Tuesday, March 5

Location: Capitol Extension Auditorium (no registration necessary)

9:00 am – 11:00 am – Texas Energy Independence Week Briefing II "The Role of Renewable Energy in Texas'
 Evolving Competitive Electricity Market"

Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) www.treia.org is the oldest renewable energy non-profit trade organization in Texas whose work promoting development of renewable resources and their wise use has spanned a quarter of a century.