OUR MISSION
TEPRI’s mission is to inspire lasting energy solutions for low-income communities.
WHY TEPRI EXISTS
We believe in a world with sustainable energy access for all.
Of the 9+ million households in Texas, 41% are low-income (0-81% AMI). The average low-income energy burden is over 3 times greater than the state average.
The Market for Energy Savings is Large
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Across Texas, approximately 2.1 million households (24%) earn less than $25,000 annually.
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$4 billion can be saved yearly if each household under 200% of the federal poverty line can learn to save $150 on home energy costs over one year.
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To save $150 in one year, each household will need to learn to save $12.50 each month.
HOW WE MAKE AN IMPACT
TEPRI collects actionable data that utilities and industry partners can utilize to develop sustainable solutions that cost-effectively mitigate the home energy costs of low-income energy consumers across Texas.
We work with our member companies, foundations, academia, government, NGOs and partnering research institutes and non-profits to gather data in a variety of ways, including by:
- Designing Research Studies
- Implementing Demonstration and Pilot Projects
- Developing Partnerships
- Connecting Stakeholders
- Identifying Best Practices
We are able to advance the collective knowledge about low-income consumers and their relationship to energy by identifying, analyzing and sharing the new and innovative data we collect. The data can then be used to develop a wide range of goods and services that reduce the electricity-related cost burden on low-income families, such as:
- New technologies
- Retail electric products
- Energy-efficiency programs
- Distributed generation
- Consumer financing models
- Education curricula, and
- Social behavioral and outreach strategies
TEPRI’s coordinated, transparent and readily accessible research findings inform both market-based solutions and public policy, and have a lasting impact on low-income households.
- Research Studies
- Demonstration & Pilot Projects
- Partnerships
- Connecting Stakeholders
- Identifying Best Practices
We work with our partners to design unique research studies that collect highly informative data on the low-income population. Research study topics include, but are not limited to, energy savings and energy usage. For an example of a current research study in development, please see our Current Projects.
The capacity to test, demonstrate, and assess new products or services in diverse segments of the State’s low-income population is key to innovation and to making a meaningful impact on the disenfranchised. We stand ready to work with partners to test and gather data on new technologies or retail products in order to better inform market solutions.
The heart and strength of TEPRI lies in our partnerships. From our member companies, to academia to NGOs, and everything in between, we have established a network of brilliant minds and innovative organizations to take on the fight against energy poverty. Our partnerships help leverage research dollars, collaborate, and most importantly, share research findings.
In addition to developing meaningful partnerships to accomplish our mission, we also work diligently to introduce and connect stakeholders who can share data and best practices, and leverage research dollars. Stakeholders we connect can also engage in creative collaboration by combining their respective expertise to spur ideas and innovation.
Our collaborative data and research driven approach allows us to identify best practices throughout the industry. Basic insights such as these are the key to a meaningful impact on low-income energy consumers.