Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance Announces Inaugural Summit Awards Winners
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.