Category: Press Release

ATLANTA, GA – The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) today announced it is seeking nominations for its annual Summit Awards – The Peak Award for Excellence in Leadership, the Luminary Award for Pursuing Energy Equity and the Vanguard Award for Innovation in Efficient Energy. The Summit Awards recognize individuals and organizations forging a more equitable, efficient energy future in the Southeast. Visit southeastenergysummit.com/awards to learn more and to nominate a colleague or company that meets the award criteria. Nominations are due no later than Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 5 p.m. ET.

SEEA president, Aimee Skrzekut, said, “the Summit Awards highlight and celebrate innovative, efficient energy solutions created in the South, by the South that create a practical and sustainable pathway to reliable, affordable energy for all.”

The awards are as follows:

The Peak Award for Excellence in Leadership (Individual)

Leadership is a multifaceted quality that creates a clarity of mission, an environment that encourages innovation at all levels of an organization and empowers others in the community. This award recognizes an exceptional individual who demonstrates leadership in the efficient energy sector, considering greater energy efficiency, low- and zero-emission transportation, equitable energy benefits and burdens, and the advancement of the community at large.

The Luminary Award for Pursuing Energy Equity (Organization or Program)

Energy equity is measured by the presence of an inclusive decision-making process, the equitable distribution of both the costs and advantages of energy use to the entire community, accounting for historical prejudice and inequality, and a view of how future generations will be impacted by choices made today. This award celebrates the accomplishments of an outstanding organization or program that has made significant strides in pursuing energy equity by sharing the benefits and burdens of the energy transition regardless of income, race, ethnicity, gender, or geographic location. Benefits of an equitable energy transition include greater access to efficient energy technologies, a more diverse workforce, healthier buildings and people, more resilient buildings and a more vibrant economy for all.

The Vanguard Award for Innovation in Efficient Energy (Organization or Program)

At its best, efficient energy is a holistic approach to generating, distributing, and utilizing energy that maximizes social benefit and promotes prosperity. Efficient energy includes programs that optimize energy use in residential and commercial buildings, zero- and low-emission transportation and advanced technology. Innovation may be characterized by a new method, technology or concept that has resulted in a net-new advancement in efficient energy. This award recognizes an outstanding organization or program that has championed an innovative approach to efficient energy in the Southeast.

Questions? Contact Sarah Burgher, senior marketing and communications manager.

ATLANTA, GA – The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) today announced the winners of the inaugural Summit Awards – The Peak Award for Excellence in Leadership, the Luminary Award for Pursuing Energy Equity and the Vanguard Award for Innovation in Efficient Energy. The Summit Awards recognize individuals and organizations forging a more equitable, efficient energy future in the Southeast.

Summit Awards Committee Chair and SEEA Board Secretary, Angela Strickland, said, “there has never been a more important time to recognize advances in efficient energy in the Southeast. We are excited to spotlight the leaders, advocates and innovators in the region who are moving us forward.”

The award winners are as follows:

The Vanguard Award for Innovation in Efficient Energy – Cobb EMC

At its best, efficient energy is a holistic approach to the generation, distribution and utilization of energy that maximizes social benefit and promotes prosperity. Efficient energy includes programs to optimize energy use in residential and commercial buildings, zero- and low-emission transportation and advanced technology. Innovation in efficient energy is characterized by a new method, technology or idea that has resulted in a net-new advancement in efficient energy. This award recognizes an outstanding organization or program that has championed an innovative approach to efficient energy in the Southeast.

Cobb EMC is a not-for-profit cooperative electric utility located in Marietta, GA. They serve 190,000 members in their service territory. Their Energy Network Program incentivizes their members to make energy efficiency and smart technology improvements in their homes. You can learn more about cobbemc.com/save.

The Luminary Award for Pursuing Energy Equity – EZ Green Home

Energy equity is measured by the presence of an inclusive decision-making process, the equitable distribution of both the costs and advantages of energy use to the entire community, accounting for historic prejudice and inequality and a view of how future generations will be impacted by choices made today. This award celebrates the accomplishments of an outstanding organization or program that has made significant strides in pursuing energy equity by sharing in the benefits and burdens of the energy transition regardless of income, race, ethnicity, gender or geographic location. Benefits of an equitable energy transition include greater access to efficient energy technologies, a more diverse workforce, healthier buildings and people, more resilient buildings and a more vibrant economy for all.

EZ Green Home partners with energy providers in Maryland, New Jersey, Illinois and Mississippi to help customers become more energy conscious and save money on their monthly utility bills. Since 2013, EZ Green Home has helped more than 100,000 homeowners see significant reductions in their monthly energy consumption. Learn more at ezgreenhome.com.

The Peak Award for Excellence in Leadership – Chelsea Harnish, VAEEC

Leadership is a multifaceted quality that creates a clarity of mission, an environment which encourages innovation at all levels of an organization, empowers others within the organization and in the community. This award is given to an exceptional individual who demonstrates leadership in the efficient energy sector, considering greater energy efficiency, low- and zero-emission transportation, equitable energy benefits and burdens, and the advancement of the community at large.

Since 2015, Chelsea Harnish has overseen all VAEEC operations and strategic initiatives including program, policy, communications, membership and events. Chelsea regularly engages with decision makers, partners and members that help advance energy efficiency policy and programs that will help grow the industry throughout the commonwealth. Learn more at vaeec.org.

Winners were announced today as a part of the 2022 Southeast Energy Summit. SEEA president, Aimee Skrzekut, said, “These opportunities to advance new technologies, create better low-income programming, establish a diverse energy workforce, and prepare a more resilient Southeast have never been greater than they are right now.”

Questions? Contact Sarah Burgher, senior marketing and communications manager.

ATLANTA, GA – The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) today announced the inaugural Summit Awards – The Peak Award for Excellence in Leadership, the Luminary Award for Pursuing Energy Equity and the Vanguard Award for Innovation in Efficient Energy. The Summit Awards recognize individuals and organizations forging a more equitable, efficient energy future in the Southeast. Visit southeastenergysummit.com/awards to learn more and to nominate a colleague or company that meet the award criteria. Nominations are due no later than Friday, July 15, 2022 at 5 p.m. ET.

Summit Awards Committee Chair and SEEA Board Secretary, Angela Strickland, said, “there has never been a more important time to recognize advances in efficient energy in the Southeast. We are excited to spotlight the leaders, advocates and innovators in the region who are moving us forward.”

The awards are as follows:

The Peak Award for Excellence in Leadership (Individual)

Leadership is a multifaceted quality that creates a clarity of mission, an environment which encourages innovation at all levels of an organization, empowers others within the organization and in the community. This award is given to an exceptional individual who demonstrates leadership in the efficient energy sector, considering greater energy efficiency, low- and zero-emission transportation, equitable energy benefits and burdens, and the advancement of the community at large.

The Luminary Award for Pursuing Energy Equity (Organization or Program)

Energy equity is measured by the presence of an inclusive decision-making process, the equitable distribution of both the costs and advantages of energy use to the entire community, accounting for historic prejudice and inequality and a view of how future generations will be impacted by choices made today. This award celebrates the accomplishments of an outstanding organization or program that has made significant strides in pursuing energy equity by sharing in the benefits and burdens of the energy transition regardless of income, race, ethnicity, gender or geographic location. Benefits of an equitable energy transition include greater access to efficient energy technologies, a more diverse workforce, healthier buildings and people, more resilient buildings and a more vibrant economy for all.

The Vanguard Award for Innovation in Efficient Energy (Organization or Program)

At its best, efficient energy is a holistic approach to the generation, distribution and utilization of energy that maximizes social benefit and promotes prosperity. Efficient energy includes programs to optimize energy use in residential and commercial buildings, zero- and low-emission transportation and advanced technology. Innovation in efficient energy is characterized by a new method, technology or idea that has resulted in a net-new advancement in efficient energy. This award recognizes an outstanding organization or program that has championed an innovative approach to efficient energy in the Southeast.

Questions? Contact Sarah Burgher, senior marketing and communications manager.

ATLANTA, GA – The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) today announced five new members of its Board of Directors, four new members of its Advisory Committee, and several staff updates.

“We are excited to welcome new members to our Board of Directors, Advisory Committee, and staff to further support our mission to improve the quality of life in the Southeast through the use of energy,” said Aimee Skrzekut, SEEA president.

Board chair, Huiet Joseph, said, “I am excited to welcome this strong group of individuals to SEEA’s Board of Directors and Advisory Committee. During a critical time of expansion and growth, they bring new expertise and perspective to the energy efficiency industry in the Southeast.”

The new board members will begin their 3-year terms on January 1, 2022 and can serve a maximum of 2 terms. The new board members are:

• M. Duanne Andrade – Chief Strategic and Financial Officer, Solar and Energy Loan Fund
• Stephanie Armistead – Sustainability, Natural Resources Manager, Chick-fil-A
• Lauren Casentini – Chief Executive Officer, Resource Innovations
• Malcolm Miller – Director of Business Development, Walker-Miller Energy Services
• Jaclyn Mothupi – Associate Director, Social Innovation, The Wond’ry, Vanderbilt University

Current board member, Jeff Smith with Georgia Power, will now serve as the board’s treasurer.

New Advisory Committee members begin their 1-year terms on January 1, 2022. The new committee members are:

• Tom Ashley – Vice President, Policy & Market Development, Greenlots
• Steve Leeds – Principal, Sustainability Consultants, LLC
• Steve O’Day – Partner, Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP
• Mindy Schweitzer-Rawls – Principal and Lead Consultant, Lea Frederick Consulting

SEEA is also thrilled to announce the following staff updates:

• Welcoming Sarina Sawyer in the new role of Workforce and Training Partnerships Manager
• William D. Bryan has been promoted to Director of Research
• Maggie Kelley Riggins has been promoted to Senior Program Manager
• Joy Ward has been selected as SEEA’s Energy Research Fellow

Learn more about SEEA staff and board members.

ATLANTA, GA – The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) announced a three-year $500,000 cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to fund the development and delivery of workforce training to better support the increase of advanced energy technology adoption such as electric air source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric vehicle charging systems, and battery storage systems.

Founded in 2007, SEEA is a nonprofit, regional energy efficiency organization based in Atlanta, GA. SEEA works to optimize the use and impact of energy to enhance the quality of life in the Southeast. We believe that all people in the Southeast should be able to live and work in healthy and resilient buildings, utilize clean and affordable transportation, and thrive in a robust and equitable economy. 

SEEA will partner with AZS Consulting in FL and Viridiant in VA to deliver custom, locally specific, and customer-focused curriculum on advanced energy technologies to the building and energy workforce. The Advanced Energy Ready Workforce Southeast project will improve the technical expertise of service providers, customer comfort and energy costs, electrical grid operations and resiliency, as well as economic growth in the region. 

In the DOE announcement, U.S. Representative Nikema Williams (GA-05) said, “Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District is home to innovators working toward environmental justice for everyone. The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance is one of those innovators and today’s award will allow them to help consumers make the informed decisions they need to create a greener planet.”

SEEA represents a diverse array of more than 80 member organizations across the Southeast from utilities to state energy offices, service providers, manufacturers, and advocates invested in building a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable Southeast. With our members and partners, SEEA has delivered energy efficiency-related trainings to thousands of service providers in the region.

“This project is an incredible opportunity to really optimize the benefits of energy efficiency and advanced energy technology. The outcome is a more knowledgeable workforce, more affordable clean energy, and prosperity in the Southeast,” said SEEA president, Aimee Skrzekut.

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Contact:
Sarah Burgher
Communications Manager
404-668-4033
[email protected]

ATLANTA, GA – On Wednesday, March 31, President Biden announced the American Jobs Plan which proposes large-scale projects that promise to increase electric vehicle fleets, expand vehicle charging infrastructure, improve public transit, modernize the electrical grid, build energy efficient and affordable homes, make public buildings healthier, and provide good jobs in clean energy.

“It is exciting to see this much-needed investment in a more resilient, efficient, and equitable energy future. We look forward to supporting energy efficiency initiatives across the Southeast that spur economic growth, improve public health, and recognize and address racial disparities in the energy system,” said SEEA president, Mandy Mahoney.

“For our region and for the nation to prosper, its people must prosper,” added Mandy. “The American Jobs Plan provides the necessary infrastructure to refill energy sector job losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, ensure people live in healthy, affordable housing, and have access to clean transportation.”

SEEA supports the implementation of policy that increases efficiency across the energy sector:

Expand Electric Transportation: invest $174 billion to bolster the American electric vehicle market including domestic supply chains, manufacturing, and consumer incentives; build a national network of 500,000 EV chargers alongside electrifying federal fleet vehicles, school buses, and diesel transit vehicles.

Redress Historic Inequities: create a new program that provides $20 billion that reconnects neighborhoods historically cutoff from investments and are most in need of affordable transportation options.

Build More Efficient Homes: offer $20 billion in tax credits to produce, preserve, and retrofit a million affordable, energy-efficient homes; designate $40 billion to address critical safety, health, and energy efficiency measures to improve public housing.

Improve Resilience: increase resilience with a $100 billion investment in the electrical grid to make electricity cheaper, cleaner, and more accessible; additional investment and incentives to build back homes and businesses above existing codes and standards to better weather climate-driven disasters.