University of Houston System Partners with TXU Energy to Power All System Facilities

The University of Houston System has entered into a multi-year partnership with TXU Energy to provide electricity across the entire system, including its university campuses and instructional sites as well as its athletic facilities. The agreement includes investments in UH scholarships as well as energy-efficiency projects.

TXU Energy will fund $370,000 in UH scholarships over 10 years, the company said, including "endowed scholarships and funding for programs focused on energy and STEM education." In addition, the university will receive "Greenback dollar" rebates for making energy-efficient improvements at its facilities. "These dollars can fund new or existing energy efficiency projects and come with expert guidance on implementation," the company explained.

"When considering the University of Houston's size and the scope of world-class facilities, labs, and research centers that need power, only a provider with a strong history of operational excellence is up to the task," said Gabe Castro, senior vice president of business markets for TXU Energy, in a statement. "We approached this partnership first with the promise of delivering safe, reliable electricity. As we learned more, our market insight and expertise allowed us to create a custom solution that aligns with the university's short and long-term goals."

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.

  • Tennessee Middle School Completes Health, Life Safety Renovations

    The Giles County Board of Education in Pulaski, Tenn., recently announced that a series of renovation projects has been completed at Bridgeforth Middle School, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects & Engineers and Brindley Construction to modernize building systems at one of the district’s oldest schools.

  • Virginia Tech Tops Out New College of Engineering Building

    Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., recently celebrated the topping out of Mitchell Hall, which will soon stand as the largest College of Engineering building on campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with Skanska on the 285,500-square-foot facility, which has an expected completion date of winter 2028.