Clean Energy Works Engages Hundreds of Stakeholders at Conferences, Events to Accelerate Adoption of Clean Energy Solutions

Staff members at Clean Energy Works engaged hundreds of stakeholders at multiple conferences this summer, in efforts to accelerate the adoption and implementation of inclusive clean energy solutions. These conferences serve as invaluable platforms for learning, networking, and driving our mission forward.

Here’s what we learned:

Demand is the new supply. On May 8th, Clean Energy Works attended the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) Summit, where the theme “Demand is the New Supply” highlighted the role of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in enhancing grid flexibility and resilience—essential needs as we transition to a renewable but variable clean energy supply. The discussions emphasized how non-debt-based solutions like inclusive utility investments can accelerate the adoption of DERs as critical grid assets, making them accessible to all residential customers. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) was also recognized as a vital funding source, enabling thousands of families nationwide to access flexible financing for building upgrades.

To upgrade all homes to be energy efficient and carbon free, we need to braid or stack resources in ways that can reach everyone. At the Getting to Zero Forum closing plenary in Charlotte, NC, our Director of Building Decarbonization, Matt Flaherty, presented actionable strategies to achieve an equitable, zero-carbon residential buildings sector, focusing on key complementary solutions that can retrofit existing homes at speed and scale. Moderated by climate staff from Governor Roy Cooper’s office, Matt emphasized the importance of inclusive financial solutions to overcome upfront cost barriers, ensure bill affordability, and remove other persistent barriers to clean energy access. He also highlighted the critical role grid-interactive efficient buildings can play in decarbonizing the electric power system—namely, through providing grid flexibility in virtual power plant (VPP) applications, which can also reduce the costs of home upgrades and increase resilience.

Inclusive utility investment is a scalable and fiscally sustainable solution that can support clean energy access, especially when direct funding is far below the need. To strengthen our relationships with energy justice advocates and broaden awareness of inclusive utility investments, our Building Decarbonization Associate, Camille Minns, attended the National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) Conference from May 21-24 in Chicago, IL. Through discussions with attendees from NEUAC, the North Carolina Justice Center, Energy Outreach Colorado, Greenlining Institute, and more, our team recognized the need for more industry-wide conversations on innovative financing approaches that can complement current limited funding streams. 

These engagements strengthened our team’s understanding of the importance of braided funding strategies, particularly in light of potential reductions in federal funding to programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Braiding inclusive utility investments with complementary financial mechanisms enables efficiency and clean energy access while ensuring bill affordability, while structurally addressing the causes of high bills. This approach can help programs like LIHEAP reach even more people over time.

Ambitious new goals for home energy upgrades and reduced energy bills demand innovative solutions and new thinking. On June 5, 2024, our Director of Building Decarbonization, Matt Flaherty, participated as a panelist at the DOE’s Affordable Home Energy Shot™ Summit, a new initiative aimed at reducing the upfront cost of upgrading a home by at least 50% while reducing energy bills by 20% within a decade. Matt shared insights on how inclusive utility investment models can both reduce the total cost of home energy upgrades and overcome upfront cost barriers—all while ensuring bill affordability and long-term major bill reductions. He also discussed the importance of equitable solutions in building decarbonization. His presentation emphasized the critical need to make energy efficiency accessible to all, especially priority populations who often lack access to conventional financing tools.

Funding from IRA tax incentives and rebates, GGRF, and BIL catalyze financial solutions that can make the clean energy transition more accessible. The team attended the 2024 Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) Summit in Weehawken, NJ. The summit served as a call to action for state energy offices, utilities, energy efficiency organizations, and industry professionals to begin implementing solutions following the influx of funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). To lift the urgent need for accessibility, we connected with many of our regional partners at organizations like RMI, NEEP, Rewiring America, and others. Our team noted interest in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), equity in rate design, and networked geothermal as a transition pathway for gas utilities.

Impact and Future Directions

These conferences have enriched our understanding, expanded our network, and highlighted the critical role we play in a just energy transition. Each event provided unique opportunities to engage with thought leaders, policymakers, and practitioners dedicated to the clean energy cause.