Sharing the Benefits and Costs - Distributional Equity Analysis of Utility Investments

Recorded on December 13, 2023

In collaboration with E4theFuture, join us for an informative webinar on how to effectively analyze the equity implications of utility investments. In this engaging discussion, we will explore the differences between benefit-cost analysis and distributional equity analysis. Our panelists will share their insights and expertise on how to address equity in the benefit-cost analysis of energy efficiency and distributed energy resources. Discover how using these two analysis tools together provides a framework for a more comprehensive understanding of the impacts on all customers, fostering a fair and inclusive energy landscape.

Maximizing Impact and Equity with Innovative Policy Strategies

Recorded on December 8, 2023

Crack the code to transform federal, state, and local policies into tangible, equitable impact in this member-led webinar with ILLUME. In this insightful discussion, we will look at how to translate policy into action, balance competing priorities and explore strategies for maximizing positive outcomes. Join us as we navigate the complex landscape of policy translation, and provide you with valuable insights on harmonizing diverse priorities to create policies that are not only effective but also equitable.

Empowering Communities with Transportation Electrification Grants: Insights from Pacific Power’s eMobility Program

Recorded on November 8, 2023

Explore the potential to create lasting change through transportation electrification grants and discover how utilities can go beyond rebate programs to empower communities in this engaging webinar. Learn about the impact of grant programs on underserved areas, including BIPOC communities and rural regions and hear about real-world experiences from Pacific Power’s eMobility Grant Program in Oregon. Join us to gain insights into driving sustainable, community-driven transformation in transportation electrification.

Solutions to Reduce Energy Insecurity: Building a Better System

Recorded on June 29, 2023

In the final installment of our webinar series on energy insecurity, we’re joined by Nekesha Whitaker and Cole Thaler from the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation and Bryan Cordell from the Sustainability Institute. They will share how they’ve overcome barriers to healthy and affordable housing like meeting pre-weatherization standards and the split incentive dilemma. Learn about their solutions for sustained change that reduce energy insecurity in Atlanta and South Carolina communities which have historically been excluded from energy efficiency upgrades ultimately leading to higher energy costs.

How to Leverage Data to Support an Equitable Energy Transition

Recorded on May 4, 2023

In the fourth webinar in our energy insecurity series to learn how to use data to reduce energy insecurity. Theresa Pinto and Abigail Fleming from the P.E.E.R. Group, a neighborhood law firm based in Miami, FL, discuss the need for access to data to support sustainable community development, equitable weatherization and an equitable energy transition. Additionally, Daniel Pate and Jerry Carey of NCSEA, demonstrate a dynamic, clean energy-related data hub that can help decisionmakers better understand the current state of the industry and benchmark sustainability performance.

How Utilities Can Invest in Solutions to Reduce Energy Insecurity

Recorded on April 12, 2023

The third webinar in our series exploring Stakeholder Recommendations for Reducing Energy Insecurity will highlight utility solutions to address energy insecurity in the Southeast. Lynda Powers, senior strategy and collaboration manager at Duke Power provided insights into program strategies like tariffed on-bill financing, and how the utility develops programs to work across their two-state jurisdiction. Shelley Robbins, project director at Clean Energy Group, shared observations on how Duke Energy includes customer demographics in their research techniques to design LMI programs and the importance of education and engagement in implementing programs to reduce energy insecurity.

How to Make Clean Energy Upgrades More Accessible to Renters

Recorded on March 15, 2023

Up next in our webinar series exploring Stakeholder Recommendations for Reducing Energy Insecurity, hear from Duanne Andrade, executive director at Solar Energy Loan Fund (SELF). We’ll discuss the work they’re doing with the Atlanta Housing Authority to tackle high energy burdens for low-income renters and overcome the standard split-incentive issue, where one party pays for the improvements and another party benefits. You’ll also hear about how to replicate their work with the support of incoming federal funding.

Promoting Knowledge and Engagement - Addressing Energy Insecurity in the Gullah Community

Recorded on January 25, 2023

In this edition of our series exploring the Stakeholder Recommendations for Reducing Energy Insecurity report we hear from Chriscilia Cox with Suma Consulting and Commissioner Marilyn Hemingway with the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce. They discuss their work addressing energy insecurity by raising awareness and engaging residents in the Gullah community.

 

Who Pays and Who Benefits? How To Incorporate Equity in Utility Resource Planning

Recorded on December 13, 2022

Since 2017, the National Standard Practice Manual (NSPM) has provided a modern approach to benefit cost analysis for utility resource planning. It serves as the most comprehensive guide to transparently and consistently compare resources. In this webinar, you’ll learn about how the NSPM is considering the equity implications of resource choices – who pays and who benefits? Learn why addressing equity is more urgent now than ever before and how utilities in the Southeast are tackling this issue.

 

Southeast Utility Policy Highlights, July - September, 2022

Recorded on December 6, 2022

Join policy manager, Claudette Ayanaba, to hear state, local, and utility updates related to energy efficiency across the Southeast for July – September 2022. Updates include regional trends, energy efficiency programs, state and national legislation, rate cases, regulatory proceedings and more. Additionally, policy director, Cyrus Bhedwar takes a more in-depth look into the South Carolina Energy Freedom Act alongside current rate cases.

  • Recording and slides coming soon

Southeast Energy Insecurity Project - Webinar Series Kickoff

Recorded on September 14, 2022

In early 2022, we assumed leadership of the Southeast Energy Insecurity Project, formerly known as the Southeast Energy Insecurity Stakeholder Initiative, led by the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University. The initiative produced a report, Stakeholder Recommendations for Reducing Energy Insecurity in the Southeast United States, which includes 24 recommendations to address energy insecurity in the region.

On Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 11 a.m. ET we held the first session in a series of webinars to further explore the project’s stakeholder recommendations.

Southeast Utility Policy Highlights, April - June 2022

Recorded on Wednesday, August 17, 2022

In an exclusive for SEEA members, join policy manager, Claudette Ayanaba, to hear state, local, and utility updates related to energy efficiency across the Southeast. Updates include regional trends, energy efficiency programs, state and national legislation, rate cases, regulatory proceedings and more.

Southeast Energy Insecurity Project Informational Session

Recorded on Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Learn more about our next steps in advancing the Southeast Energy Insecurity Project. We’ll briefly discuss the Project Implementation Award and Leadership Forum opportunities and answer questions.

The next step forward for affordable energy - Advancing the Southeast Energy Insecurity Initiative

Recorded on Monday, May 16, 2022

In 2021, SEEA joined over 60 partners in the Southeast Energy Insecurity Stakeholder Initiative. Together, we developed 24 recommendations to address energy insecurity in our region and are proud to announce that the final report is now available.

Going forward, SEEA will lead the initiative towards achieving our goal of ensuring that this stakeholder process leads to actionable progress on reducing household energy burden. Join us on Monday, May 16, for highlights from the final report, our vision for the future of the project, and the opportunity to answer questions and gather input.

Electric Vehicle Programs: How to strike a balance between excitement and execution

Original Broadcast Date: Wednesday, December 15, 2021

As utility regulators learn about new technologies, they often grapple with questions about who benefits from the technology, who pays for it, and how do we strike a balance between excitement and execution? SEEA invites you to join us for a panel of regulatory staff from Maryland and North Carolina, as well as technical experts to discuss the costs and benefits of electric vehicle programs. Attendees will hear how Maryland utilized the National Standard Practice Manual to develop a methodology for evaluating the costs and benefits of electric vehicle infrastructure proposals from utilities. North Carolina public staff will also share reflections on a how the office evaluated an electric vehicle charging pilot from Duke Energy.

Virtual Meet & Greet

Original Broadcast Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Catch up with SEEA members, staff, and board during this winter holiday-themed virtual meet and greet. Selected SEEA members will present on their organization and current work.

Advancing Electric Transportation: How to Leverage Federal Support in the Southeast

Original broadcast date: Wednesday, November 10, 2021

The Biden administration has set ambitious electric transportation goals as a part of his Build Back Better agenda. Navigating funding opportunities is a complex task and leaders are looking for clarity on how the federal agenda can support the equitable growth of the electric transportation market.

Hear from expert panelists with Atlas Public PolicyGreenlots, and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) on the status of federal legislation, how to develop successful proposals, and what state agencies, local governments, utilities and the private sector in the Southeast need to do to fully leverage this moment.

Uplifting Lives: Transforming Low Income Energy Efficiency Programs in the Southeast

Original broadcast date: Wednesday, October 28, 2021

Frank Rapley with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Cyrus Bhedwar from SEEA have an in-depth conversation on the public utility’s new program Home Uplift, which improves energy security and health outcomes in its seven-state service area.

Hear how TVA identified challenges in the delivery of their low income energy efficiency program and how Home Uplift’s innovative partnership model helped households save up to 30% on their annual energy costs. Frank and Cyrus will go beyond the upgrades and discuss how collaboration with regional partners and energy education for participating households transformed this vital program for energy burdened residents.

Predicting Population Health Risks with AMI Data

Original Broadcast Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2021

We know that an individual’s zip code more reliably predicts a person’s health risks than their genetics. Can we use advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) data to get a glimpse of customer’s every day lives and the factors that may contribute to impending health issues? If a customer has turned off their air conditioning in July to save money, are they also struggling to pay for medicine or food?

Join SEEA member Jeff Keller with Phase Health, and Will Bryan, built environment project manager, on this free webinar to learn more about the role AMI data can play in improving public health outcomes and the lives of customers.

The Path Forward

Original Broadcast: December 8 – 10, 2020

Join us for a series of conversations, roundtables, and working sessions to help chart a path forward for energy efficiency in the Southeast. These issue-focused forums will identify opportunities to rebuild our regional economy through smart investments in energy efficiency, provide equitable relief to our most impacted communities, and afford equitable access to the clean energy economy.

We hope you’ll join us to share your ideas, connect with peers, and chart a course for a brighter future in the years ahead.

Tuesday, December 8

Wednesday, December 9

Thursday, December 10

Where Are We Now: Pandemic Impacts on the Southeast Energy Sector

Original Broadcast: October 20, 2020

In our May webinar, Southeast in Crisis: Impacts and Innovations in Energy Efficiency, we addressed the initial effects of COVID-19 on the energy industry. In this follow up event, we’ll report on the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and economic recession to the Southeast energy sector.

Continue the conversation on how the Southeast is responding to concurrent crises and set the stage to build it back better in 2021.

Long-term Innovations in Energy Efficiency

Original Broadcast: September 16, 2020

Join us for a conversation on how COVID-19 has forced innovation in energy efficiency programming and the potential equity impacts to energy insecure customers. Gain insights from industry experts on site accessibility, consumer engagement, and capital in the pandemic era. Share your own perspective and engage in candid discussions focused on pioneering change and advancing equitable energy efficiency solutions.

Effects of COVID-19 on Utility Energy Efficiency Programs

Original Broadcast: August 18, 2020

How are utilities and their service providers changing energy efficiency programs in response to the pandemic? Join us for a robust learning opportunity and discussion with leading experts in the field on: health and safety protocols; program adaptations and additions; maintaining contractor engagement; and meeting energy savings targets.

Our Diversity, Inclusion, and Integration Journey

Original Broadcast: July 22, 2020 

Learn how SEEA is implementing a diversity, inclusion, and integration strategy at every level of our organization. Hear our vision to bring this value to our members, partners, programmatic work, and the communities we all serve.

Energy Efficiency & Resiliency Finance Tools for Residential Customers

Original Broadcast: July 14, 2020

Hurricane season is quickly approaching and we continue to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, while residential utility customers face an uncertain economic future. Identifying the right financing tools can help individuals complete improvements that save energy and improve their ability to adapt in moments of crisis. SEEA member, the National Energy Improvement Fund, is hosting a discussion, Energy Efficiency & Resiliency Finance Tools for Residential Customers. Join co-chair and founder, Peter Krajsa, and Southeast-based, director of business development, Bridgette Daley for an analysis on the contractor-driven financing options available and how they can complement existing utility energy efficiency programs.

Southeast in a Time of Crisis: Impacts and Innovations in Energy Efficiency

Original Broadcast: May 20, 2020

Staying on top of the region’s energy landscape can be daunting under ideal circumstances. Like you, SEEA has had to adapt quickly to the impacts of COVID-19 while remaining committed to our mission and supporting our members. As the long-term ramifications to our industry and our communities continue to unfold, we have already seen delays or modifications to regulatory proceedings, and cancellations of regular stakeholder convenings. Energy projects scheduled for 2020 have been impacted by disruptions to government, utility, and private business operations. Shelter in place orders are shifting load demand profiles, impacting utility revenue streams, and causing systemic losses to energy services companies, contractors, and their supply chains.

During this 90-minute webinar, SEEA staff will provide their collective insight and analysis on current trends in the energy industry, as well as impacts to regional policy-making and the delivery of utility programs. We hope you will join us, Wednesday, May 20 at 2 p.m. EST, to enrich our collective understanding of how the Southeast is responding in a time of crisis and how we can work together to come back stronger than ever.

Understanding Utility Energy Efficiency Regulatory Policy in the Southeast

Original Broadcast: January 30, 2020

How do utility companies decide on which energy efficiency programs to offer customers? What unique role does energy efficiency policy play in each of the Southeast states? Join policy associate, Emme Luck, on January 30 for an introduction to Southeast energy efficiency policies, players, best practices, opportunities, and more. This interactive webinar is based on SEEA’s popular resource series State Guides to Utility Energy Efficiency Planning which provides essential information on engaging with energy efficiency policy mechanisms in each of SEEA’s member states and fosters conversation on the opportunities and challenges faced throughout the region.