Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance Announces 2024 Summit Award Winners
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.