Smart Electric Power Alliance

We are excited to welcome this month’s new members to the SEPA community! These forward-thinking organizations bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and a shared passion for advancing a clean energy future. 🔧 Applied Engineering Consultants, Inc. 🌐 BASF ⚡ dcbel 🔋 Exowatt 🏡 Renew Home From energy-efficient home upgrades to structural engineering solutions, cutting-edge EV charging systems, and advancements in renewable energy materials, their work is driving the energy transition. We are excited to welcome them to the SEPA community, where collaboration powers progress. Are you ready to be part of this transformative movement? Explore how SEPA membership connects you to a network of innovators and amplifies your impact: https://lnkd.in/efqPGuk #SeeYourselfWithSEPA #CleanEnergyLeadership #EnergyInnovation

Excited to welcome Smart Electric Power Alliance President and CEO Sheri Givens back as a thought leader at #ETS25. Sheri leads SEPA’s work to address the most pressing issues encountered in the transformation to a carbon-free electricity sector. Her professional experience includes nearly twenty years in legal, regulatory, legislative, and external affairs in both the public and private sectors. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ebJ-3Spr #ethos #imagine #loveyourenergy Barrett Clark Sean Sayers Mark Ishac Benito Ramirez, III Mia Dance Chris Holt Rich Ahee #thoughtleadership #innovation #futureofenergy Zpryme

The clean energy transition is a global challenge that requires bold ideas, shared insights, and inspired action. SEPA’s President and CEO Sheri Givens and Chief Strategy Officer Emily Sanford Fisher share their reflections from SEPA’s 15th Executive Fact-Finding Mission to Germany in a new article for Public Utilities Fortnightly, “Lessons from Germany’s Clean Energy Transition.” Drawing from their journey in Berlin alongside 15 utility and technology company executives, the piece explores how Germany has tackled renewable energy adoption, enhanced grid resilience, and deployed cutting-edge technologies. While some approaches may not be replicable in the U.S., Germany’s experience offers some valuable insights to help address challenges in our own clean energy transition. At SEPA, we know that progress is fueled by collaboration. By learning from global leaders and aligning efforts across energy stakeholders, we can create pathways to an equitable and resilient energy future. Curious about how these insights can shape the future of clean energy? Dive into the article and discover transformative ideas for a carbon-free world: https://lnkd.in/dJD7x2RY #CleanEnergyLeadership #SeeYourselfWithSEPA #Energiewende #EnergyInnovation #PoweringTheFuture

Garrett Fitzgerald and I wrote an article with some help from our friends at Smart Electric Power Alliance outlining five key electric power sector trends from 2024 that we need to build on in 2025. Take a look and let us know what you are planning in 2025! Drum roll, please.... ♦️ Accelerating 24/7 Clean Energy Deployment and Interconnection 🔌 ♦️ Expanding EV Charging Infrastructure 🚙 ♦️ Strengthening Climate Adaptation and System Resilience 🛡️ ♦️ Enhancing and Accessing Distribution System Flexibility ⚙️ ♦️ Harnessing State Policy Leadership and Innovation 👩⚖️

#NorthernGreecePOD Recap Post 1: A Warm Welcome and Strategic Discussions Our recent trip to Northern Greece for the final Partnership Opportunity Delegation (POD) was a resounding success. The primary goal of this POD was to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices between U.S. experts in the clean energy transition and their counterparts in Northern Greece. As Greece shifts away from coal dependency, regions like Kozani are poised to become innovation hubs for renewable energy, bolstered by significant EU investments and a strategic focus on sustainability. The EU’s “Just Transition Fund” has allocated €1.6 billion to support Greece’s green transition, aiming to transform the local economy and position Greece as a leader in green technology by the end of the decade. Our journey began with a warm welcome from the Consulate in Thessaloniki, who provided an overview of Greece’s economy and the current state of its ongoing energy transition. Deloitte then presented a comprehensive brief on Western Macedonia, highlighting Greece’s focus on economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development. We were welcomed at the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace by Deputy Minister Gioulekis, where we discussed regional development, cultural heritage, and sustainable initiatives of this historic and critical part of the country. Panayotis Gavras, Head of Policy and Strategy at the Black Sea Trade & Development Bank (BSTDB), provided an insightful overview of regional energy and project finance, emphasizing the importance of advancing sustainable energy projects in the region.   The day concluded with a roundtable hosted by the Athens Riviera Forum, an independent non-profit organization. This session brought together numerous influential Greek energy and financial leaders to discuss economic cooperation, investment, and current and future approaches to the just energy transition. The discussions underscored the potential for collaboration and the shared commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic growth in our two countries. The first day set a strong context and foundation for the rest of our trip, highlighting the strategic importance of Greece’s energy transition as a model for the world and the many opportunities for international cooperation. Owen Herrnstadt, Hazeen Ashby - Export-Import Bank of the United States | Sheri Givens - Smart Electric Power Alliance | Emily Beagle - The University of Texas at Austin | J Brady Gutta - West Virginia University | Cassidy Riley, MPA - Coalfield Development Corporation | Peter Muhoro - Rappahannock Electric Cooperative | Haralambos Vasiliadis - Columbia University, NYU Tandon School of Engineering | Irene Skoula - C40 Cities | Nidhi Krishen - City of Philadelphia | Scott Quillinan - University of Wyoming | Kostas Pappas - Texas A&M Energy Institute

Reflecting on an inspiring week in Thessaloniki and Kozani, Greece, as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Partnership Opportunity Delegation (POD) on “A Sustainable Green Transition.” SEPA President and CEO, Sheri Givens, joined a dynamic group of leaders from Greece’s public, private, and academic sectors to explore collaborative opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable technologies, and workforce redevelopment as the country progresses its clean energy transition. Northern Greece is positioning itself as a hub for innovation in clean energy, bolstered by significant European Union investments, including the €1.6 billion Just Transition Fund which  is driving transformation in regions like Kozani as it transitions from coal dependency to clean energy over the next few years. Highlights from the week included: Just Transition Mechanism Insights: Understanding how Greece is navigating the balance between economic resilience and clean energy adoption. Cross-Sector Collaboration: Engaging with businesses, NGOs, and academic institutions to identify pathways for innovation and growth in renewable energy. Knowledge Exchange: Discussing shared strategies and fostering meaningful partnerships to accelerate the global energy transition. The spirit of collaboration throughout the delegation reaffirmed the critical role of partnerships and sharing best practices in addressing complex energy challenges and scaling sustainable solutions. We are appreciative to have been included on this impactful initiative and are eager to apply the lessons learned to advance decarbonization efforts worldwide. Department of State's Office of Global Partnerships #GlobalPartnerships #CleanEnergyLeadership #SustainableTransition #EnergyInnovation

The clean energy transition thrives on collaboration and innovation, and we are proud to welcome this month's new members to the SEPA community. Together, we are driving decarbonization, advancing grid resilience, and shaping a brighter energy future. 🌍 🌟 NOARK Electric 🔋 CMBlu Energy 🏔️ Mountain Association ⚡ Reactive Technologies Limited 🌱 NuGen Capital Management 💡 Pacific Gas and Electric Company Each of these organizations brings unique expertise and passion to the table, contributing to the transformative work reshaping our industry. At SEPA, we believe that real progress is powered by partnership, and we are excited to embark on this journey with our newest members. Are you ready to join the movement redefining clean energy leadership? Discover how SEPA membership can amplify your impact and connect you with a network of trailblazers: https://lnkd.in/egdr5eVQ #SeeYourselfWithSEPA #CleanEnergyLeadership #EnergyInnovation

This week, Deploy24, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s second annual convening, united key public and private sector stakeholders to explore technologies and strategies for a clean, reliable, and resilient energy system. Across two thought-provoking days, innovation emerged as the central theme. SEPA was excited to be part of Deploy24 and to highlight our members’ innovative work to reduce emissions, meet growing electricity demand, and modernize the grid. SEPA member Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), represented by Lora Anguay, Chief Zero Carbon Officer, was in conversation about bringing innovation into the heart of the grid with Emily Sanford Fisher, SEPA’s Chief Strategy Officer. Lora shared SMUD’s integration of new customer programs and advanced system operations in service of ambitious decarbonization goals. As part of this discussion, Lon Huber, SVP, Pricing and Customer Programs at SEPA member Duke Energy, talked about innovative ways to use AI in utility operations and new tariff structures to serve the growing demand for electricity to support AI. Innovation also was a key part of the discussion with SEPA member EnergyHub’s founder and President, Seth Frader-Thompson, DOE’s Acting Director of the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations Kelly Cummins, and Lon Huber about actionable strategies to build a clean and affordable grid in the face of increasing demand and more extreme weather. SEPA team members, Lakin Garth and Ann Collier, who work on emerging technology issues, participated in dialogues about geothermal heating and cooling and digitalizing the distribution grid. Innovative solutions are all around us; sharing information about these new technologies and strategies and how they are being successfully deployed is one of the keys to our collective clean energy success. 

Tomorrow kicks off our last POD (Partnership Opportunity Delegation) of the year! This week we are in Thessaloniki and Kozani, Greece where we will focus on “A Sustainable Green Transition”, exploring collaborations among businesses, government, and academia in renewable energy, sustainable technologies, and workforce redevelopment. Greece is emerging as a global leader in green technology and sustainable energy transitions, particularly in northern regions like Kozani, which are poised to become innovation hubs supported by significant EU investments. The EU’s Just Transition Fund has allocated €1.6 billion to aid Greece, primarily benefiting northern Greece, to ensure substantial financial backing for transformation projects. We have a fantastic group of POD participants that we are excited to engage with this week. We will have dynamic discussion, exchange best practices and collaborate on effective problem-solving. Stay tuned for more details from the week! Emily Beagle | Cassidy Riley, MPA, Coalfield Development Corporation | Scott Quillinan | J Brady Gutta, West Virginia University | Peter Muhoro, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative | Sheri Givens, Smart Electric Power Alliance | Nidhi Krishen | Irene Skoula, C40 Cities | Hazeen Ashby, Export-Import Bank of the United States | Owen Herrnstadt, Export-Import Bank of the United States | Haralambos Vasiliadis

We are thrilled to welcome Courtney A. Peterson, PCC as our new Chief People & Culture Officer, leading efforts to shape the future of SEPA’s diverse and geographically dispersed workforce! Courtney brings more than 20 years of experience in human resources, senior leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Her commitment to building inclusive and innovative workplaces will be instrumental in advancing SEPA’s mission to achieve a carbon-free energy future. Courtney’s impressive background includes serving as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer & Chief Diversity Officer at Edison Electric Institute (EEI), where she led HR, DEI strategies, and business diversity programs, while also spearheading industry-wide DEI efforts. As chief Administrative Officer for the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), she advanced workforce strategies for the energy sector’s talent pipeline. Her impactful contributions have earned her recognition as one of DiversityGlobal Magazine’s Top 15 Chief Diversity Officers and among Top Women Leaders of DC for 2024 by Women We Admire. In addition to her nonprofit and corporate leadership experience, Courtney is a certified leadership and executive coach and serves on the faculty at Georgetown University. She is deeply committed to community advocacy, serving on the board of directors for the National Association of Mental Illness in Montgomery County, Maryland, and as a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Please join us in welcoming Courtney Peterson to the SEPA team! 🎉