News

Facing unprecedented load growth due to population increases and energy-intensive industries, Texas lawmakers are reevaluating their energy strategies by incorporating diverse energy resources, including renewables. The Texas Tribune spoke with clean energy experts, including Matthew Boms, Executive Director of United's state affiliate Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (TAEBA), who encouraged the use of advanced energy technologies to meet rising electricity demand within the state.

In Texas, companies are pioneering virtual power plant (VPP) initiatives by offering homeowners at-home battery systems through a subscription model that supplies power back to the Texas grid. Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance's (TAEBA's) Matthew Boms spoke to San Antonio Express-News about the benefits of VPPs, encouraging the Texas government to invest in advanced energy technologies to increase grid reliability.

In Texas, Bandera Electric's virtual power plant (VPP) pilot program is utilizing distributed energy resources to bolster the grid and lower energy costs for consumers. Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance's Executive Director Matthew Boms spoke with The Texas Tribune about the many benefits of VPPs in creating a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable grid while meeting growing energy demand.

E&E News identifies key energy topics under consideration in Texas' 2025 legislative session, including new permitting requirements for wind, solar, and battery storage projects. Matthew Boms of Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (United's state affiliate) stated that industry standards are making battery storage safer, encouraging lawmakers to recognize the role batteries have in creating a more reliable and resilient grid.

Inside Climate News interviewed several energy experts about what to expect from state governments on renewable energy policies in the new year. United’s Amisha Rai pointed to the California Legislature’s opportunity to support the development of a regional transmission grid through the West’s Pathways Initiative. She also highlighted the bipartisan support for advanced energy solutions in Texas.

Texas news station KBTX-TV reports on a recent discussion by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) surrounding the reliability of Texas' power grid ahead of the winter months. Matthew Boms of Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (United's state affiliate) spoke to the impacts of past storms on state residents, emphasizing the need for proactive policies that make energy-efficient solutions more accessible.

Fast Company reports that Texas has become a national leader in the clean energy space, now tied with California as one of the largest employers of advanced energy jobs in the country. Matthew Boms of Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (United's state affiliate) praised Texas' clean energy job growth, highlighting how the state's free-market framework has supported the growth of renewables over two decades.

Texas news station KBTX News 3 reports that the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $360 million in funding for United member company Pattern Energy's Southern Spirit transmission project, which aims to connect the ERCOT grid to other U.S. power grids. The station interviewed Matthew Boms of the Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance, who highlighted the project's potential to lower consumer energy prices and improve overall reliability and efficiency for the Texas energy market.

San Antonio Express-News reports on the growing Texas battery energy storage boom, but some Hill County residents are worried that new battery storage sites will be noisy, increase the risk of fire, and cause environmental damage. The article quotes Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance's (United's state affiliate) Matthew Boms, who spoke to the importance of battery storage sites in the state.