Q&A with Julie Blocker: Energy Policy Fellowship

The Energy Policy Fellowship is a signature program of PowerHouse Texas. The Fellowship pairs undergraduate and graduate-level students with bipartisan members of the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate, based on their aligned policy interest and areas of expertise. The program is intended to create a pipeline of future energy policy leaders.

The Fellowship, which is paid thanks to generous donor support, is specifically intended for individuals with a background in science, engineering or environmental sciences who are interested in gaining hands-on experience in policymaking and the legislative process. Additionally, fellows meet regularly with energy technology experts, legislative staff, researchers, academics and stakeholder groups. 

We are excited to announce that we are now  accepting applications for our next cohort of Fellows for the 2025 Legislative Session.

To help potential Fellows get a sense of what the experience was like, and opportunities it can lead to, we interviewed Julie Blocker, a 2023 Fellow. Julie now serves as a Energy Efficiency Policy Analyst for the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

Why did you decide to apply for the PowerHouse Texas Fellowship?

I graduated college in December of 2022 and the fellowship was a good opportunity to get into the job market and gain experience. Working at the Capitol is prestigious and the fact that the fellowship internship was paid was also appealing.

Which office were you placed in, and how were you able to help your legislator? 

I was placed in Senator Carol Alvarado’s (District 6) office. During the last legislative session, she was the head of the Democratic caucus, served as a member of the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee, and carried bills related to the environment and water. There were a couple of bills I was assigned to that got passed into law, which is quite the honor for a first-time staffer. My primary duties in Sen. Alvarado’s office were performing legislative analysis, conducting research, and meeting with stakeholders. Additionally, I was responsible for putting together committee binders, scripts, and bill books - anything she needed to support her committee work and sponsored bills.

What did you learn from the fellowship?

This fellowship was my first entrance into the political sphere; I came in knowing very little about politics. It allowed me to form a solid understanding of how the state government functions in Texas, and from a career standpoint, it got me my start in energy. I learned how to work with different stakeholders towards shared policy goals, and that has been extremely beneficial in my current role.

What surprised you about the experience?

Honestly, everything was surprising to me. One of the most surprising things was how many layers of responsibility there are in policy and government alike. The people in the spotlight do a lot of work, but the amount of support they have to do that work is astounding.

You are now in a policy analyst position for the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Was the fellowship helpful in securing that position?

Yes, in fact, my first stakeholder meeting during the legislative session was with the PUCT. Being able to form those connections helped immensely when I was ready to look for a full-time role. My participation in the fellowship made those connections possible and helped me find a job that I love and find purpose in.

Can you share more about what you are doing in your current role?

Currently, I am a Policy Analyst in the new Energy Efficiency division of the PUCT.  Oversight of energy efficiency for investor-owned utilities has been going on at the PUCT for decades, but as demand for energy continues to grow in Texas, a separate division for energy efficiency was called for. At this point, the division is focusing on policy work, and collaborating with other state agencies, research institutions, and stakeholders. Working with various stakeholder groups during the fellowship really helped prepare me for the work I do now, especially when it comes to policy.

For those who might be considering applying for the fellowship, what would you say to them?

Expect it to be challenging. There  is a lot of information to learn and execute on quickly, but you have support to do that. People who think on their feet, like to be challenged, and are self-starters would be a great fit for the fellowship. It is difficult, but you’ll learn an immense amount that can help in your career going forward (while getting paid).