OUR MISSION

TEPRI’s mission is to inspire lasting energy solutions for low-income communities.

2019-2021 Strategic Plan

We are excited to release our 2019-2021 Strategic Plan, which articulates our goals of reducing low-to-moderate income energy burdens through energy efficiency, utility assistance, and workforce development; increasing resource efficiency by leveraging disparate funding sources and demonstrating pathways that scale; and advancing energy service and support for LMI households by demonstrating how solar, storage, electric vehicles, and smart technologies may provide financial, social, and environmental benefits to disadvantaged communities.

WHY TEPRI EXISTS

We believe in a world with sustainable energy access for all.

As Prices Increase, So Does Poverty

Across the U.S., electricity prices are expected to continue to increase (due to capex, regulation, etc). For every 10% increase in home energy costs, 840,000 Americans would be pushed below the poverty line.

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 Poverty Rate is Increasing for Texas′ Minorities.

(source: U.S. Census Bureau American Fact Finder)

The Hispanic Population in Texas is Expected to Double by 2050.

(source: Office of the State Demographer)

Low-income households in Texas use an average of 10% of their income on energy costs, compared to 3% for households that are not low-income.

The Texas State Data Center estimates Texas WAP income-eligible households spend 12.5 percent of their annual income on home energy costs, compared with 4.0 percent for non-WAP income eligible households.

Federal funding for weatherization is regressing toward pre-2009 levels, and State subsidies are phasing out.

The Market for Energy Savings is Large

Across Texas, approximately 2.1 million households (24%) earn less than $25,000 annually.
$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.
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.

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.

Make an Impact – JOIN NOW!