Environmental Programs
Regional Energy Management Program
AACOG delivers grant-funded workshops and webinars in partnership with the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), covering energy management, energy reporting, water conservation, and renewable energy topics. View our upcoming workshops and archive of past trainings below.
Upcoming Events
Past Workshops and Roundtables
2026
All About SECO Workshop
August 28, 2026
The Alamo Area Council of Governments hosted the All About SECO Workshop.
This virtual workshop highlighted the State Energy Conservation Office’s (SECO) new funding programs and rebates available for public facilities, community centers, and residents.
SECO partners with Texas local governments, county governments, public K-12 schools, public institutions of higher education and state agencies to provide financial assistance and technical support for energy-related cost reduction projects.
Learn how your facilities and constituents can take advantage of state incentives to increase efficiency and reduce utility costs directly from SECO experts! Representatives from the State Energy Conservation Office will be available to present on the HOMES/HEAR Residential Energy Efficiency Rebates, Community Centers Energy Efficiency Retrofits for the State Energy Program, LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Fund, Energy Conservation Code and Advisory Committee Meetings.
Backup Battery Bootcamp
July 23, 2026
The Alamo Area Council of Governments hosted the Backup Battery Bootcamp.
This bootcamp dived into all things backup battery power, giving local governments the technical assistance, tax incentives, and funding opportunities they need to strengthen resilience and keep essential services running during emergency situations.
On May 7, 2026, the Public Utility Commission of Texas established the Texas Backup Power Package Program (TBPP) under the Texas Energy Fund. This new program provides funding for critical facilities to design, procure, or install multi day backup power systems to remain operational during emergencies. Learn how to take advantage and prepare for the Texas Backup Power Package Program ahead of applications opening later this year. Also, hear directly from the TCEQ about the New Technology Implementation Grant available for funding renewable energy storage projects (compressed-air, pumped hydropower, sodium-sulfur storage batteries, energy-retaining flywheels, lithium-ion batteries)
Smart Campus, Smart Communities: Energy & Water Workshop
July 9, 2026
The Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) and the South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER) hosted the Smart Campus, Smart Communities: Energy & Water Workshop.
This half-day workshop provided an in-depth overview of strategies for demand-response, water management, and energy management. Learn the latest best practices from expert speakers for curtailing energy loads, behavior-based engagement in sustainability initiatives, and identifying water-saving opportunities.
This event included a sustainability tour of The University of Texas at San Antonio’s LEED-certified San Pedro Building 1 (SP1) led by Anna Morton Rivera, Executive Director of Energy & Sustainability.
Attendees explored UTSA’s San Pedro Building 1 (SP1) to see sustainability in practice, from high-efficiency mechanical systems to features that support daily use like bike storage and commuter showers. The tour also highlights ambient lighting controls, low impact stormwater design, and a San Antonio water supply sub-metering project, along with an overview of SP1’s LEED certification.
Securing Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant Funding Webinar
June 11, 2026
The Alamo Area Council of Governments hosted the Securing Water Supply and Infrastructure Grants Webinar. During the 89th Texas Legislative Session, House Bill 500 appropriated $1.038 billion to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Following this appropriation, the TWDB announced the opening of the Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant Program (WSIG), a unique, one-time opportunity that provides cities, counties, river authorities, etc. with 100 percent grant funding for water supply and infrastructure projects.
This one-hour virtual webinar is ideal for both those interested and currently applying to the WSIG opportunity. A TWDB grant program specialist supported applicants in understanding the submission process covering WSIG program eligibility, prioritized project lists, and requirements.
2025
Energy Efficiency for Every Sector Workshop
October 14, 2025
The Alamo Area Council of Governments hosted the Energy Efficiency for Every Sector Workshop. This virtual workshop highlighted financing and resources available across residential, commercial, educational, and government sectors to pursue energy efficiency and water conservation projects. What we covered: Texas LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program, Free Preliminary Energy Assessments for Local Governments, SECO’s Technical Assistance Program for Public Entities, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program, AACOG Weatherization Program, SPEER’s CELC, TEA-UP, and Local Government Program
Speakers: State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), Texas PACE Authority, South-Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER), and AACOG’s Weatherization Program.
Funding Energy Projects for Budget Constrained Entities Workshop
August 6, 2025
The Alamo Area Council of Governments hosted the Funding Energy Projects for Budget-Constrained Entities Workshop. This workshop provided guidance on planning and financing energy upgrades in city/county facilities and schools facing limited resources. Hear from Johnson Controls and ONSITE Utility Services about available grants, tools that support energy-efficient infrastructure improvements, and how Energy as a Service and Energy Performance Contracting can be used as alternative funding and procurement strategies.
Pathway to Bronze Designation
July 31, 2025
The Alamo Area Council of Governments presented the final workshop in our SolSmart series: The Pathway to Bronze.
This session is open to all communities—whether you’re just getting started or have already taken steps to support solar development. A SolSmart Bronze designation is a nationally recognized achievement that highlights leadership in expanding solar access and affordability.
The World Resources Institute guided participants through the SolSmart designation process, explained the various designation levels, helped identify areas where communities may already qualify for points, and shared practical actions to advance toward or beyond Bronze.
Energy and Economy Roundtable
July 22, 2025
The Alamo Area Council of Governments hosted the Energy and Economy Roundtable. Led by Shahab Malayeri of Centrica, this session explored how public sector investments in energy-efficient infrastructure can accelerate economic development. Attendees gained insights on available financial programs that can help communities reduce operational costs, enhance infrastructure resilience, and support workforce development.
Lithium-Ion Battery Awareness Training
June 26, 2025
The Alamo Area Council of Governments and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service hosted a no-cost Lithium-Ion Battery Awareness Training.
Jeremy VanAusdall, Battalion Fire Chief for the City of New Braunfels provided expert guidance on managing electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) fires and related emergencies.
Lithium-ion battery technology is relatively new, and this training is designed to equip emergency departments and first responders with the necessary expertise on battery technology and the related incidents that can occur. Attendees learned best practices for responding to this evolving technology, including proper risk assessment, fire suppression techniques, and post incident strategies.
Community Engagement & Municipal Operations for Solar Arrays
June 5, 2025
Local governments hold the key to solar energy’s success—learn how you can support solar development in your community and engage more residents and businesses to consider the benefits of adopting solar energy. During this session, the World Resources Institute provided local governments with key considerations and best practices for municipal procurement of solar for their facilities.
Funding and Planning for Municipal Water Utility Management Webinar
May 22, 2025
The Alamo Area Council of Governments and the West Central Texas Council of Governments hosted a one-hour training session on strategies for municipal water utility management. This online webinar featured Scott Galaway from the Texas Water Development Board as the keynote speaker. Galaway brings years of experience in promoting state and federal financial assistance programs that empower municipalities to secure funding for essential water infrastructure projects. Attendees learned about best practices for utility infrastructure operations and management, including strategic water resources planning, capital improvement plans, construction oversight, and the incorporation of water conservation and hazard mitigation into project management.
Permitting and Inspection Training
April 24, 2025
The Alamo Area Council of Governments and the World Resources Institute hosted the third session in our SolSmart series on Permitting and Inspection: Best Practices for Solar Arrays on Thursday, April 24th from 10:00 AM-11:00AM. This session provided insights into solar installations and how to best permit, inspect, and navigate these systems. Attendees discussed how to review their current permitting process, identify opportunities to streamline them, and develop a “permitting checklist” outlining the required permits, submittals, and steps of their community’s permitting process for residential rooftop solar PV.
We recommend that prior to watching the discussion, interested permitting and inspection staff watch NCTCOG’s SolSmart training on best practices and considerations for solar permitting and inspections.
Planning for Solar Training
March 27, 2025
The Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) and the World Resources Institute (WRI) hosted a free in-person training that will provide planning and zoning staff with strategies for incorporating solar into plans, ordinances, and development regulations.
A local government’s approach to zoning and development can have a significant impact on solar energy growth. The inclusion of solar energy planning and zoning best practices provides a foundation that can help facilitate the growth of solar energy, while balancing other development priorities in a community.
State and Local Energy Incentives Workshop
February 20, 2025
The Alamo Area Council of Governments hosted the State and Local Energy Incentives Workshop to learn how facilities can operate on a budget to pursue energy reduction. Expert speakers from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) and CLEAResult will guide you through new upcoming rebate programs, funding opportunities, and other free state and local incentives available for public facilities and educational institutions in Texas. Attendees learned about programs that offer free services to help you benchmark your facilities, provide energy staff training, and implement energy efficiency measures and programs.
Setting the Stage for Solar Development & the SolSmart Cohort
April 24, 2025
The Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) and the World Resources Institute (WRI) hosted the first workshop in our SolSmart series, Setting the Stage for Solar Development & the SolSmart Cohort.
This in-person workshop explored the solar landscape in Texas, discussing its benefits to our electricity system, and providing an in-depth orientation to the SolSmart Cohort for interested member cities and counties. We covered the core issues the cohort will address, key staff to engage, and guide you through the first steps to take as part of the cohort. Learn how your city or county can join AACOG’s SolSmart cohort and benefit from free training on nationwide best practices in solar permitting, inspection, planning, and zoning.
Introduction to SolSmart-Helping Local Governments Offer Solar Energy to Residents and Businesses Webinar
January 28, 2025
The Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) is spearheading a regional effort to encourage our member governments to participate in the Department of Energy’s SolSmart program as part of the Alamo Area’s SolSmart cohort. Since 2016, the SolSmart program has offered free technical assistance to hundreds of local governments across the nation, helping remove red tape and barriers to solar energy investment. Our goal is to guide our local governments through the program, qualifying you for a prominent designation where you will join a peer network of over 500 leading communities in solar energy across the country. Are you ready to make solar energy more accessible to your community? This webinar is perfect for local governments looking to join the program or to enhance their designation. Hear an overview of SolSmart, how the designation process works, program benefits, community impact, and what involvement with the Alamo Area’s SolSmart Cohort looks like.
Energy Reporting Workshop
January 23, 2025
Local governments in Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, and Wilson counties are required by state law to commit to an annual 5% reduction in energy use and to report their annual energy use to the Comptroller. AACOG and SPEER (South Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource) hosted this workshop to learn more about this requirement, walk through the reporting form, and hear from local government staff about their experience reporting their energy use.
2024
PACE Workshop
October 3, 2024
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program provides 100% low-cost, long-term private financing for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and multi-family property owners to implement energy efficiency and water conservation improvements.
The Alamo Area Council of Governments and the Texas PACE Authority (TPA) hosted the PACE Workshop. We explored how local governments can adopt the PACE program to allow business owners to leverage PACE financing to achieve their water and energy efficiency goals and lower operating costs. Attendees were provided a program overview, heard success stories from PACE participants, and saw how PACE can help create jobs, promote economic development, increase property values, and support energy efficiency in your community.
Speakers: George Womack, President, Headwall Investments. Elan Vallender, Economic Development Corporation Director, City of Converse. Andrew Ozuna, SVP, Broadway Bank. Brian Adams, TX Managing Director, PACE Equity, LLC. Teresa Smith, Director of PACE Transactions, TPA. Jack Belt, Program Liaison, TPA. Doug Melnick, Chief Sustainability Director, City of San Antonio.
Weatherization Roundtable
August 22, 2024
Weatherization can significantly reduce energy bills for households, leading to higher energy savings, and less vulnerability against harsh weather conditions. AACOG’s Weatherization Assistance Program assists low-income households in making energy-efficient upgrades, however, residents who do not meet the financial or structural requirements still require support. The Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) hosted a discussion on the barriers preventing weatherization assistance. This roundtable explored how local governments can bridge the gap and connect their residents to the weatherization resources they need. Attendees will leave with helpful information and resources on the financial opportunities currently available to help weatherize your home.
Energy Code Compliance Roundtable
July 11, 2024
AACOG hosted a Energy Code Compliance Roundtable to discuss the challenges with enforcing the International Energy Conservation Code for residential and commercial buildings. Our goal is that attendees leave here with resources to enable you to better administer your energy codes, ensure developer compliance, and achieve intended energy goals. There is also a brief overview of what to expect for the 2024 IECC building codes.
Speakers: Randy Plumlee, SPEER. Jasmine Cigarroa, City of San Antonio Development Services. Jonathan Henderson, McKinstry.
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Webinar
June 20, 2024
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program provides 100% low-cost, long-term private financing for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and multi-family property owners to implement energy efficiency and water conservation improvements.
The Alamo Area Council of Governments and the Texas PACE Authority (TPA) hosted the PACE Workshop. We explored how local governments can adopt the PACE program to allow business owners to leverage PACE financing to achieve their water and energy efficiency goals and lower operating costs. Attendees will be provided a program overview, hear success stories from PACE participants, and see how PACE can help create jobs, promote economic development, increase property values, and support energy efficiency in your community.
Speakers: George Womack, President, Headwall Investments. Elan Vallender, Economic Development Corporation Director, City of Converse. Andrew Ozuna, SVP, Broadway Bank. Brian Adams, TX Managing Director, PACE Equity, LLC. Teresa Smith, Director of PACE Transactions, TPA. Jack Belt, Program Liaison, TPA. Doug Melnick, Chief Sustainability Director, City of San Antonio.
Energy Efficient Roofing Workshop
April 18, 2024
AACOG hosted an informative workshop on the latest roofing options such as green roofs and cool roofs that provide significant cost savings and energy efficiency advantages. Attendees learned firsthand from expert speakers about the installation process, their benefits, and how these roofing solutions can effectively combat urban heat islands to keep cities cooler.
Speakers: Kristen Brown, University of Texas at San Antonio. Chad McMahon, LiveRoof Texas. John Follis, Harvest Innovative Solutions
Indoor Air Quality Workshop
March 19, 2024
AACOG hosted an in-person informational workshop to discover how you can improve the indoor air quality within your home, business, school, or healthcare facility. During this workshop, expert speakers provided mitigation strategies for indoor air pollutants. Covering topics such as the importance of air duct cleaning in preventing the circulation of harmful pollutants by your HVAC system. Additionally, there was a discussion on various air sanitization technologies, effective in neutralizing airborne bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Speakers: Michael Chestney, Cavalry Air Care. Mark Freemyer, Argus Environmental Consultants. John Follis, Harvest Innovative Solutions
2023
Local Government Energy Reporting Workshop
December 5, 2023
AACOG and the South-Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER) hosted a free in-person workshop to learn about the Local Government Energy Reporting Requirement, a state mandate to report and reduce electricity consumption for cities and counties. Attendees will gain helpful information and tips to successfully report in early 2024 from a speaker panel, including, a local government staff representative who has completed the energy reporting requirement previously.
Speakers: Shaun Auckland, Local Government Program Manager, South Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER). Andra Nava-Garcia, City of San Antonio
Energy Incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, August 2023
August 15, 2023
AACOG, West Central Texas COG, and North Central Texas COG hosted a virtual workshop to untangle the massive federal investments and learn about energy efficiency incentives in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act – tax credits, grants, and other programs intended to reduce harmful air pollution, promote energy efficiency and resiliency, and lower operating costs.
Speakers: Eddy Trevino, Director of the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), and Crystal Perkins, Senior Regional Advisor with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), to talk about DOE incentives. COG staff will talk about other federal programs to save energy, including from agencies like USDA, USDOT, and the EPA.
Regional Energy Efficiency Needs Workshop
July 27, 2023
AACOG hosted a roundtable supporting Energy Resiliency in Hazard Mitigation Planning, where Dr. Margaret Cook, Senior Research Associate, from Houston Advanced Research Center, discussed why energy resilience is important to communities, potential challenges with resiliency, and technical assistance that is available to local governments.
Funding Energy and Water Conservation Retrofits Workshop
May 10, 2023
AACOG hosted an informational workshop centered around the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program and the LoanSTAR Revolving Loan program to explore how they can support local governments energy management and energy efficiency efforts to reduce operating costs.
Speakers: Lyle Hufstetler, Natural Resources Project Administrator, AACOG & John Kyere, Program Manager, SECO
Introduction to Energy Management: Buildings and Fleets
March 28, 2023
The Alamo Area Council of Governments hosted the Introduction to Energy Management: Buildings and Fleets Workshop to learn more about our new Regional Energy Management Program where we will be promoting different programs to assist local governments with reducing operating costs by implementing energy efficiency solutions. We also discussed AACOG’s Clean Cities Program which promotes energy efficiency for fleets.
Speakers: Lyle Hufstetler, Natural Resources Project Administrator, AACOG
2026
All About SECO Workshop
August 28, 2026
The Alamo Area Council of Governments hosted the All About SECO Workshop.
This virtual workshop highlighted the State Energy Conservation Office’s (SECO) new funding programs and rebates available for public facilities, community centers, and residents.
SECO partners with Texas local governments, county governments, public K-12 schools, public institutions of higher education and state agencies to provide financial assistance and technical support for energy-related cost reduction projects.
Learn how your facilities and constituents can take advantage of state incentives to increase efficiency and reduce utility costs directly from SECO experts! Representatives from the State Energy Conservation Office will be available to present on the HOMES/HEAR Residential Energy Efficiency Rebates, Community Centers Energy Efficiency Retrofits for the State Energy Program, LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Fund, Energy Conservation Code and Advisory Committee Meetings.
Backup Battery Bootcamp
July 23, 2026
The Alamo Area Council of Governments hosted the Backup Battery Bootcamp.
This bootcamp dived into all things backup battery power, giving local governments the technical assistance, tax incentives, and funding opportunities they need to strengthen resilience and keep essential services running during emergency situations.
On May 7, 2026, the Public Utility Commission of Texas established the Texas Backup Power Package Program (TBPP) under the Texas Energy Fund. This new program provides funding for critical facilities to design, procure, or install multi day backup power systems to remain operational during emergencies. Learn how to take advantage and prepare for the Texas Backup Power Package Program ahead of applications opening later this year. Also, hear directly from the TCEQ about the New Technology Implementation Grant available for funding renewable energy storage projects (compressed-air, pumped hydropower, sodium-sulfur storage batteries, energy-retaining flywheels, lithium-ion batteries)
Smart Campus, Smart Communities: Energy & Water Workshop
July 9, 2026
The Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) and the South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER) hosted the Smart Campus, Smart Communities: Energy & Water Workshop.
This half-day workshop provided an in-depth overview of strategies for demand-response, water management, and energy management. Learn the latest best practices from expert speakers for curtailing energy loads, behavior-based engagement in sustainability initiatives, and identifying water-saving opportunities.
This event included a sustainability tour of The University of Texas at San Antonio’s LEED-certified San Pedro Building 1 (SP1) led by Anna Morton Rivera, Executive Director of Energy & Sustainability.
Attendees explored UTSA’s San Pedro Building 1 (SP1) to see sustainability in practice, from high-efficiency mechanical systems to features that support daily use like bike storage and commuter showers. The tour also highlights ambient lighting controls, low impact stormwater design, and a San Antonio water supply sub-metering project, along with an overview of SP1’s LEED certification.
Securing Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant Funding Webinar
June 11, 2026
The Alamo Area Council of Governments hosted the Securing Water Supply and Infrastructure Grants Webinar. During the 89th Texas Legislative Session, House Bill 500 appropriated $1.038 billion to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Following this appropriation, the TWDB announced the opening of the Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant Program (WSIG), a unique, one-time opportunity that provides cities, counties, river authorities, etc. with 100 percent grant funding for water supply and infrastructure projects.
This one-hour virtual webinar is ideal for both those interested and currently applying to the WSIG opportunity. A TWDB grant program specialist supported applicants in understanding the submission process covering WSIG program eligibility, prioritized project lists, and requirements.