Texans Deserve Energy Freedom, and a Stronger Grid
Another week, another round of blackouts across Texas due to storms. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the reliability of our grid is fragile and a vulnerability we can no longer ignore.
As military veterans in Texas, we don’t wait around for someone else to fix our problems. That’s why more and more homeowners are stepping up to power their homes themselves. Whether it's Hurricane Beryl or Winter Storm Uri, these events have shown us that backup power isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
As combat veterans, we’ve experienced energy scarcity and the lack of access to reliable power overseas. More Texan homeowners are choosing to install gas generators, solar panels, and battery storage systems to take control of their energy needs. It’s not just about convenience, it’s about security, savings, and stability. Homegrown energy solutions strengthen our grid, reduce strain on central systems, and give families peace of mind.
The numbers back it up: In just the past two years, the share of Texas residential solar systems paired with battery storage has jumped from under 2% to over 23%. But many Texans still face costly and frustrating delays just to get a permit. Local red tape and understaffed agencies slow down installation timelines and inflate prices, putting energy security out of reach for too many families.
That’s where common-sense policy comes in.
Legislation that just passed, House Bill 2304 by Representative Jay Dean, will streamline the permitting process by allowing homeowners to use independent, licensed engineers for review and inspection for solar, battery storage, as well as back-up generators. It’s a safe, proven solution that cuts wait times and unnecessary bureaucracy, while maintaining high standards and oversight.
Thankfully, this legislation will help everyday Texans save thousands each year on electricity bills and trim nearly $5,000 off the cost of installation. It will also free up thousands of hours of government staff time to focus on more complex projects like housing and critical infrastructure. Real government efficiency and cost cutting.
This isn’t a political issue, it’s a Texas issue. It’s an Energy Security issue. And for veterans like me and thousands of others working in clean energy, Energy Security is National Security. Energy independence makes us stronger as a state and as a nation. It reduces our exposure to global volatility and lets us lead by example.
Veterans know what it means to protect our country. We want to thank our elected members who led on this legislation. Today, we’re doing that in a new way, by helping power it. One generator, one battery, and one home at a time.