Advocate for zero carbon, renewable energy goals - including community-owned/distributed energy - in the development of the Centerpoint Integrated Resource Plan.

The energy supplied to households by our electric utility provider greatly impacts emissions. Every 2 years, the utility has to develop and include stakeholders in the process of planning for what types of fuel feed into our grid-mix. This is a re-occurring opportunity for the city and other stakeholders to advocate for renewable energy. The public can comment and attend sessions throughout the planning year to give their input. The City doesn't have regulatory authority over our utility provider, so we like our residents must use tools like submitting comments and attending meetings in order to push them to meet our energy needs the cheapest and most reliable way.

Last year, ECC submitted a comment and attended an IRP meeting with a written statement to share with the utility. Mayor Stephanie Terry promoted zero carbon fuel at a CenterPoint Energy hearing, and city council wrote a letter and sought legal counsel over updates to the utilities grid mix.

Metrics

5

advocacy efforts for clean energy in the Centerpoint Integrated Resource Plan

Between 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2025

45%

renewable energy in Centerpoint's grid mix

Between 1/1/2026 - 2/1/2028

Co-Benefits

Supports local economy

An increase in demand for renewable energy systems, clean transportation options, and sustainable waste and land management methods create opportunities for research and innovation, market growth, product manufacturing, contractual services, and workforce development - all which furthers investment in the local economy.

Improves air quality

Policies, practices, and programs that limit fossil fuel combustion reduce the emission of harmful air pollutants, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxides. Adopting more sustainable actions enhances our air quality, resulting in improved health and a higher quality of life for everyone.

Increases local resilience

Programs, policies, and practices that improve local energy reliability, infrastructure integrity, food supply, water quality, waste management, and other essential needs will improve our local energy, economic, environmental, and community resilience to climate impacts, particularly for underserved populations and neighborhoods most vulnerable to those impacts.

Action
	Advocate for zero carbon, renewable energy goals - including community-owned/distributed energy - in the development of the Centerpoint Integrated Resource Plan.
	Install solar generation capacity at municipal water and wastewater facilities to reduce electricity demand.
	Improve energy efficiency of municipal facilities through procurement of energy efficient products and renewable energy systems.
	Streamline solar installations by achieving advanced levels of SolSmart certification.
	Promote residential and commercial solar energy installations through policy and incentive programs, particularly in energy overburdened and underserved areas.
	Audit energy use of municipal buildings and equipment and install energy efficiency improvements.
	Advocate for clean energy transition education and training of local workforce through local education and trade partners.
	Encourage builders and developers to utilize CenterPoint's financial incentive programs, particularly in affordable and multi-unit housing projects.
	Promote energy efficiency improvements for low-income households through financial assistance and incentive programs.
	Expand utilization of state and utility energy efficiency, weatherization & electrification incentive programs through education and advocacy.

Advocate for zero carbon, renewable energy goals - including community-owned/distributed energy - in the development of the Centerpoint Integrated Resource Plan.

What is an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)?

Why can’t the City mandate renewable energy requirements for CenterPoint?

How can residents get involved in the IRP advocacy process?

What are community-owned or distributed energy projects?

How might this action affect my electricity bill?

5

45%

Co-Benefits