Legislation will establish the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee

AUSTIN, TX – Today, HB 5323 passed the Texas Legislature. This forward-thinking legislation establishes the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee, composed of leaders from key state agencies, including the Public Utility Commission, ERCOT, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, to coordinate efforts aimed at reducing energy waste, improving efficiency, and enhancing grid reliability.

“As Texas faces unprecedented population and economic growth, we must ensure the grid keeps up with rising demand,” said Matthew Boms, executive director of the Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance. “HB 5323 directly addresses this challenge by enhancing coordination among agencies and ensuring that every available megawatt is used wisely, especially during periods of high demand on the grid.”

“By prioritizing efficiency and strategic energy use, this bill supports long-term reliability, reduces unnecessary costs, and positions Texas as a national leader in innovative energy policy,” Boms continued. “We thank Senator Hancock and Representative King for their leadership on this vital legislation, and we look forward to continued progress as we work to secure Texas’ energy future.”

HB 5323 reflects a smart, cost-effective approach to meeting Texas' growing energy needs without the burden of massive new infrastructure projects. As the state faces unprecedented load growth, increased coordination among grid-interacting agencies will be critical to securing Texas’ energy future. The committee will also be responsible for identifying and directing more than $3 billion in existing federal and state resources, available through tax credits, rebates, and programs, to cut over 4.5 GW of wasted energy and boost grid performance and resilience across the ERCOT region.