All around the world people have been listening to politicians, world leaders and other influential people talk about going green and being energy efficient. On Saturday, July 11, residents from North Texas gathered at Killough Lewisville High School North for the annual Summit on Energy Efficiency for North Texas. US Congressman Michael Burgess (TX-26) was hosting the event which included two panel discussions, exhibits and a keynote presentation by Texas Railroad Commissioner, Michael Williams. The event, which lasted all morning, focused on North Texans being aware of energy efficient ideas for new homes and updating old ones, as well as the state being the leader in using wind energy and other alternative sources.

Congressman Michael Burgess, who is not a stranger to energy efficiency, having incorporated many of the ideas in his own home, built in recent years, opened up the morning by sharing some of the ways he has become more energy efficient. He told the audience that as a congressman he believes energy conservation is an economic and environmental issue for everyone. Dr. Burgess shared with the audience that Texas is a leader in using wind energy but reminded them this is only a small step towards the future. “We must all do our part to become more energy efficient and strive for an energy independent America,” Burgess said. “There are many things we can do to use less energy and use energy more wisely. By taking just a few steps as a humble North Texan, I have used far less energy than I used to, and I would encourage others to do so as well.” Burgess referred to a statement he made to congress, “Energy efficiency equals common ground,” which refers to everyone starting at the same place to reach the same goal.

The congressman introduced the first of two panel discussions for the morning. Saving Energy in Design and Construction featured Dan Fette, of Dan Fette Builders, Steven Gleaves, Bureau Veritas North America Inc./ TX HERO, and Mike Myers, Lockheed Martin, on behalf of the SECO. The panelists focused on saving energy on new and old homes. Mike Myers gave a few tips that included checking the air ducts, unplugging items in the house when not in use, turning off lights when not in use, talking to your insurance agent for deals and rates for energy upgrades in homes, and solar power.

The second panel focused on Understanding Energy Costs. The panel featured Commissioner Donna Nelson, Public Utility Commission of Texas, H.B. “Trip” Doggett, Senior VP and Chief Operating Officer, ERCOT, and Curtis Trivitt, Senior VP Energy Services CoServ. Panelists showed retail costs and overall rates and packages of various energy businesses for residential areas in North Texas. Nelson stressed to the audience the importance of costs by saying “Shop around for the deals and rates of energy companies to help save on your energy bills.”

Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams was the keynote speaker. He addressed the audience by briefly recapping the panelists and Burgess. Williams focused on using energy resources and policy in Texas. He commented on the coal mines in Texas and how that is a possibility in the bigger picture of conserving energy. Williams said this about using coal in the future; “We can continue to use coal but in a way that is clean.” Williams also talked about nuclear power as a possibility for energy conservation and a clean and more efficient environment. “Meeting our growing energy needs of tomorrow requires us to conserve more, use less and develop alternatives today. We can have a healthy economy and a healthy environment with pro-growth energy policies that encourage innovation and reward entrepreneurship,” said Williams, the longest-serving member of the state’s energy regulatory commission. The Energy Efficient Summit for North Texas turned out a large crowd for a Saturday morning. There were plenty of helpful tips and ideas from the speakers, as well as exhibits outside that included energy efficient appliances, residential solar panels and wind turbines. Attendees also benefitted from having the chance to talk one on one with both Burgess and Williams.


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