Category: Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DECEMBER 12, 2024

*Repost from Lucky Shoals Community Association*

The Lucky Shoals Community Association (LSCA) – with partners Gwinnett Housing Corporation (GHC), Georgia Hispanic Construction Association (GHCA), and Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) – have acquired a $19.95 million Community Change Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

LSCA and partners will utilize the funding in unincorporated Norcross for greenspace preservation, development of a community resilience hub, and expansion of its existing programs around energy efficient buildings, indoor air quality, water, and the clean energy construction workforce. Unincorporated Norcross is both the most diverse and most under resourced part of Gwinnett County, itself the second largest county in Georgia.

LSCA and its three partners have previously worked on a variety of initiatives, particularly through its Drawdown Georgia grant, which helped to establish their programs around healthy, energy efficient buildings and construction workforce training, and to engage all nearly 22,000 households in this area on their needs around housing, energy, and jobs.

Marvin Lim, LSCA, CEO and Founder: “Together with GHC, GHCA, and SEEA, LSCA’s work has always been centered around promoting our community’s strengths to address the very energy, environmental, and economic challenges we live and work in, every day. In this county, we’ve got the highest housing and energy cost burdens, some of the most dilapidated properties and unhealthiest conditions, and an underappreciated economy. But we also have stunning cultural and linguistic richness, a robust construction workforce, and greenspace we should preserve. I’m grateful to the EPA for believing in our strengths, our potential, and the idea of community ownership over our own assets.”

Lejla Prljaca, GHC, Executive Director: “Over the past decade, the housing market has become increasingly corporatized, with Gwinnett County leading the state in the number of institutionally-owned homes. This grant will empower our community to reclaim control over its land, fostering sustainable resource management, promoting economic development, addressing housing affordability, and preserving cultural heritage. By curbing land speculation and ensuring long-term access to vital land assets, this initiative will ensure equitable opportunities and a resilient future.”

Rafael Villegas, GHCA, Director of Organizational Growth: “This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when community, industry, and government come together to drive positive change. As a partner in this effort, GHCA is proud to contribute to the growth and development of a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable community. We believe that everyone deserves access to safe, healthy, and affordable housing, and we’re committed to helping make that vision a reality.”

William D. Bryan, Ph.D., SEEA, Director of Research: “From the beginning, this project has used collaborative research and on-the-ground engagement to identify and address key needs faced by residents of unincorporated Norcross. This work affirms that place-based solutions, rooted in local assets, are crucial for addressing energy insecurity. This grant will not only be transformational for unincorporated Norcross but will also provide valuable insights into how we can scale up successful place-based models across the South, particularly in communities facing energy insecurity.”

Aimee Skrzekut, SEEA, President and CEO: “Our research has illuminated both the challenges and untapped opportunities within unincorporated Norcross. This grant enables us to amplify our data-driven approach, empowering the community to leverage its unique strengths and tackle affordability issues to enhance energy security. At SEEA, we are proud to collaborate with our partners to create transformative change in Norcross, and we are committed to expanding this replicable model to make a lasting impact in other underserved communities across the Southeast.”

CONTACT: [email protected]

Written by: Julie Hayes 

Southeast Energy Summit 2024 was bigger and better than ever, with over 300 attendees from across the country participating.  

As a new SEEA member, I was excited to experience for myself all of the great things I had heard about the Summit from my colleagues in the region. I was also eager to see if anyone else was feeling uncertain about how the incoming administration might affect our industry.  

My concerns were addressed in the first 30 minutes.  

SEEA President, Aimee Skrzekut opened with a warm welcome and comprehensive overview on all the incredible work SEEA has been doing over the last 3+ years. Collaborating through community partnerships, SEEA’s core services of Research, Consulting and Education, Program Management, Facilitation and Financial Services have been instrumental in expanding the Southeast’s coalition for energy efficiency and supporting over $110M in funding across the region.  

Then Gene Rodrigues, Assistant Secretary for Electricity at the US Department of Energy took the stage, where he applauded the strength of SEEA’s commitment to collaboration and then laid out a simple framework for how we talk about the work we do in energy efficiency and load management, regardless of the political landscape: 

• Reliable – our power must always readily available 

• Secure – our infrastructure must be protected from foreign and domestic threats 

• Resilient – our systems must withstand increased demand, disasters and extreme weather events 

• Affordable – our energy costs must be manageable for all Americans if we are to thrive as a society 

He also assured us that DOE is working overtime to award federal grants for Inflation Reduction Act programs like Home Energy Rebates (HER) so that state energy offices can expand their efforts to meet the needs of their communities. 

I was now ready to jump into a full day and a half of presentations, panels and interactive discussions centered around this year’s theme of People, Places and Things. The agenda and session descriptions are available at southeastenergysummit.com, but here’s a sample of some of the great conversations I am still thinking about.  

The Intersection Between Health, Climate and Resiliency panel focused on strategies for reducing barriers to participation in weatherization programs. Jasmine Mah presented ACEEE’s weatherization readiness pilot, which addresses health and safety issues prior to weatherization work to reduce the number of deferred homes.  Michaela Marincic from Three3 shared an Early Alert System that can detect extreme cold or heat in vulnerable homes, especially those of the elderly. And Jacqui Dadakis from Green Coast Enterprises presented on the importance of strengthening codes to combat vanishing insurance options in Louisiana. 

SEOs: Where Are They Now was a lively, interactive conversation between attendees and state energy office representatives from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. Each state shared implementation strategies for federally funding programs such as Home Energy Rebates, Solar 4 ALL, and WETO. They also shared the latest EECBG projects and how community and stakeholder engagement is transforming clean energy initiatives in their states. 

Harnessing Energy Efficiency: The Untapped Potential of Demand-Side Solutions in Electricity Management was another great discussion where utilities, implementors and policy experts in the region talked about how energy efficiency plays a pivotal role in reducing demand, enhancing grid reliability, and achieving sustainability goals, and which demand-side solutions are reshaping the traditional energy supply model. 

The closing plenary with Mark Johnson (Thomas F. Hash Endowed Chair in Sustainable Development, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering) and Kenneth Shiver (Chief Economist, Southern Company) was a powerful reminder that we must strategically leverage energy efficiency to meet our collective goals for economic and community resilience. 

Amongst all this learning and discussion, SEEA celebrated energy innovators at the third annual SE Summit Awards. 2024 award recipients are:

• Cobb EMC – Vanguard Award for Innovation in Efficient Energy 

• Lucky Shoals Community Association, Gwinnett Housing Corporation, and GA Hispanic Construction Association – Luminary Award for Pursuing Energy Equity 

• Drew Frye, Tennessee Valley Authority – Peak Award for Excellence in Leadership  

Learn more about the award winners here: https://lnkd.in/eUUTSCyX 
 
Lastly, but not leastly, this event was FUN!!! Resource Innovations sponsored Wednesday night’s festive Cocktails and Connections kickoff party, Southern Company sponsored Thursday night’s raucous Power Hour Karaoke and Line Dancing hoedown (yes, I said hoedown!) and then there were parties both nights hosted offsite by various organizations attending the Summit. I have to say, as a first timer, I really got so much out of attending. 

Can’t wait for next year. 😊 

To learn more about the Summit and SEEA, visit: seealliance.org. Let’s continue working together to shape a sustainable energy future for all. 🌍⚡#SEEA #EnergyEfficiency #SoutheastEnergySummit #Innovation #SustainableEnergy #EnergyEquity #Leadership #SEImpact 

The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) announced the winners of the 3rd Annual Summit Awards today, Thursday, November 21, during the 2024 Southeast Energy Summit. The Summit Awards recognize individuals and organizations forging a more equitable, efficient energy future in the Southeast.

The award winners are as follows:

The Vanguard Award for Innovation in Efficient Energy – Cobb EMC

Cobb EMC’s nomination for the Vanguard Award highlights its groundbreaking microgrid project, completed in September 2022, which integrates innovative technologies like a 1.8 MW solar PV system, a 1 MW/4 MWh battery energy storage system, and a 1 MW renewable natural gas generator. This initiative supports Cobb EMC’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 75% and expanding its renewable energy portfolio by 2030. The microgrid has produced over 9.3 million kWh of energy, equivalent to avoiding nearly 746,000 gallons of gasoline, while enhancing energy reliability for its members.

Additionally, the EV Smart Charging Pilot encourages off-peak EV charging to lower demand, and community solar projects are being developed to increase accessibility. These efforts not only improve sustainability but also inspire other electric cooperatives in Georgia to adopt similar clean energy initiatives. Cobb EMC’s leadership exemplifies how innovation can drive significant advancements in energy efficiency and equity across the Southeast.

About the Vanguard Award for Innovation in Efficient Energy

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.

The Luminary Award for Pursuing Energy Equity – Lucky Shoals Community Association, Gwinnett Housing Corporation, and Georgia Hispanic Construction Association

The coalition’s nomination for the Luminary Award is a testament to its unwavering commitment to energy equity in unincorporated Norcross, Georgia. This area, characterized by its diverse and under-resourced population, faces significant energy cost burdens, with over 85% of residents identifying as BIPOC and nearly 25% living in poverty. The coalition, comprising Gwinnett Housing Corporation (GHC), GHCA, local representatives, and SEEA, has effectively harnessed funding and resources to directly address these inequities. Through extensive community engagement, including canvassing all 21,980 households and administering multilingual surveys, they prioritized the voices of residents in shaping energy solutions. Their initiatives have not only provided access to over 50 energy assistance programs and $3 million in HUD-funded repairs but also empowered local contractors through training and scholarships. This holistic approach—rooted in listening, learning, and community involvement—has fostered sustainable change and improved access to energy benefits for thousands in a historically marginalized community. Their work exemplifies the spirit of the Luminary Award by demonstrating that true energy equity is achieved through active community engagement and empowerment.

About the Luminary Award for Pursuing Energy Equity

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 Peak Award for Excellence in Leadership – Drew Frye, TVA

Drew Frye’s nomination for The Peak Award for Excellence in Leadership showcases his vital role in advancing energy efficiency and clean energy in the Southeast. As a key driver of TVA’s Fast Charge Network, he has established the Tennessee Valley’s largest open-access electric vehicle fast charging network, adding over 100 fast chargers and facilitating more than 25,000 charging sessions in just two years. This initiative enhances EV infrastructure, promotes economic growth, and improves air quality across seven southeast states.

Drew’s focus on equity ensures that fast chargers are accessible in both urban and underserved rural areas, empowering all residents to adopt electric vehicles. His commitment to education is evident in resources like the EV Buyer’s Guide and TVA’s Driving EVolution Blog Series, which helps individuals understand the benefits of electric transportation and clean energy technologies. Through his innovative leadership and collaborative spirit, Drew inspires others to engage in the clean energy sector, making him a deserving recipient of this award and exemplifying effective leadership that enhances quality of life in the Southeast.

About the Peak Award for Excellence in Leadership

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 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.