NEWS: Federal Government Makes Huge Investment in Texas’ Grid Reliability and Clean Energy
AUSTIN, Texas – Today, Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) released the following statement celebrating the Biden Administration’s historic $7 billion investment in the Solar for All program, including nearly $406 million for communities in and around Texas.
“This is huge news for the Texas grid and for Texas renewable energy. The Biden Administration's new Solar for All program will invest billions in a clean energy economy while creating union jobs and grid reliability,” said Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas). “We’re going to bring cheap, clean solar energy to communities across the state, creating good union jobs, tackling the climate crisis, and building a more resilient power supply for all Texans.”
In Austin and San Antonio, investments will go toward building solar panels and battery storage systems for low-income residents, ensuring that even if the Texas power grid goes down, more residents will be protected from power outages.
“We are incredibly excited about how this grant helps the City of Austin reduce pollution, create green jobs and directly benefit our historically disadvantaged communities as we create Austin’s clean energy future,” said Richard Génecé, vice president of customer energy solutions for Austin Energy. “By focusing on expanding access to solar power, Austin Energy is helping relieve both the burdens of high-energy costs and carbon pollution that these communities disproportionately bear while strengthening our local grid resilience in the face of climate change.
“San Antonio is committed to leading the way in climate action with a focus on equity and this Solar for All award is a crucial addition to our ongoing efforts,” said Douglas Melnick, chief sustainability officer for the City of San Antonio. “This funding will allow us to install solar panels at our most energy burdened households and will not only guarantee a minimum reduction in their electricity bills, but will provide enhanced resilience through the installation of battery energy storage systems. The Inflation Reduction Act has been instrumental in driving climate initiatives and programs in communities and municipalities, creating jobs and encouraging community collaboration to achieve these goals.”
“This landmark investment from the Biden Administration will give power to the people, quite literally. With periodic rolling blackouts and lingering trauma from Winter Storm Uri, Gov. Abbott and ERCOT have proven this isn't their priority, so we welcome any support from the federal level,” said M.R. Gonzales, business manager for Laborers' Local 1095 (LIUNA). “It is imperative Texas finally take steps to address our subpar electric grid. Updates to the grid are necessary in all communities, especially our most vulnerable. Just as necessary, is the need to create quality union jobs by utilizing DOL registered apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs ensure structured training and advancement while establishing a true career in the construction industry. This is not a party issue. This is an issue from which we all stand to benefit. Laborers' Local 1095, its executive board, and our 900 members, stand willing and able to work on these projects and connect people to these quality career opportunities.”
The total, national $7 billion Solar for All federal investment will deliver residential solar power to over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities, saving overburdened households more than $350 million in electricity costs annually – approximately $400 per household – and avoiding more than 30 million metric tons of carbon pollution over the next 25 years.
Texas-based recipients include:
- $249,700,000 for the Texas Solar for All coalition, Texas municipalities serving low-income and disadvantaged communities, to support residential multifamily and single family solar, battery storage, and energy efficiency deployments to improve community well-being and resilience to power system failures.
- $156,120,000 for the Clean Energy Fund of Texas (TxCEF) to develop residential-serving community solar projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities on the frontlines of energy policy and grid vulnerability challenges.
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Congressman Greg Casar represents Texas’s 35th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which runs down I-35 from East Austin to Hays County to the West Side of San Antonio. A labor organizer and son of Mexican immigrants, Casar serves as the Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 118th Congress. He also serves on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Agriculture.