Join us on February 22 as we discuss Value of Solar studies and how TXSES is helping advance and advocate for solar across the state.
For more than four decades, TXSES has been the pre-eminent statewide organization developing free thought-leading, independent, fact-based educational materials that inspire innovation, share best practices and educate decision-makers on the critical importance of sound, favorable solar policies that will grow the industry; protect clean air; build healthy, resilient communities; support local, well-paying jobs; and lay the foundation for building a strong solar foundation for a 100% clean energy future for Texas, one community at a time. Pete Parsons continues to grow and scale these efforts through her work leading the organization, and she will share more about TXSES’ current initiatives with us.
As a member of the TXSES board, Karl specifically brings a wealth of knowledge on topics such as Electricity Market Transformation / Utility of the Future, Rate Regulation and Cost of Service for Utilities, Distributed Energy Resources: Markets & Regulatory, Energy Policy Development, and Government & Regulatory Affairs. He will bring this expertise to us through a discussion on the value of solar and how value of solar studies must account for the full value of solar energy, including societal benefits to the environment and public health.
Grab a cold one and join us for an exciting virtual chat!
About our speakers:
Patrice ‘Pete’ Parsons serves as TXSES Executive Director and has been a leader and advocate for sustainability and renewable energy in public service and the non-profit sector for nearly 3 decades. Her experience managing public/private partnerships to promote economic development and energy independence exemplifies collaboration. As Director of the Texas State Energy Conservation Office with grant oversight of $200M, Pete provided leadership on timely issues related to climate change and renewable energy policy. She was spokesperson and representative on climate change, renewable energy and the U.S. Clean Air Act Advisory Committee for the Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office. As Regional Director for the South Central Region of ICLEI USA, Local Governments for Sustainability, Pete managed program/project development, budget development and oversight, fundraising and best practice sharing and community development for 50 local governments. As Executive Director of TXSES, Pete is committed to fulfilling the organization’s mission to educate and inspire every Texan to adopt solar energy as part of an equitable 100% clean energy future.
Karl R. Rábago operates an energy consultancy as Rábago Energy LLC, based in Denver, Colorado. He has more than 30 years of experience in energy and is recognized as an innovator and expert in utility regulatory issues relating to clean and distributed energy services and technologies. Karl serves as Chair of the Board of the Center for Resource Solutions, a San Francisco-based non-governmental organization that manages the Green-e Certification program for green power products, and on the Board of Solar United Neighbors. He has been a Texas public utility commissioner; a Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US Department of Energy; Vice President at Austin Energy; among other positions. Karl is a graduate of Texas A&M and has a law degree from the University of Texas, as well as Master of Laws degrees in environmental and military law. More information is available at rabagoenergy.com.