The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council is pleased to announce that we’re hiring an Executive Director. The position is part-time with the goal of growing it to full-time with successful fundraising.

Check out the job description.

All qualified candidates may apply by sending a cover letter and resume to Stephen Walz, VAEEC’s Governance Board Chair, at steve.walz@verizon.net.

Closing date for applicants is December 9, 2013.

It’s an exciting time for energy efficiency in Virginia. Please spread the word and help us find a rockstart to join the VAEEC team!

VAEEC is pleased to spotlight the companies, organizations, utilities and municipalities it works with to advance energy efficiency in Virginia.

November 2013 Member Spotlight: Siemens

We are the Infrastructure and Cities Sector (IC) of Siemens Industry, Inc. (SII).  We are proud to be a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, building controls, electrical distribution equipment, fire safety and security systems solutions, and guaranteed performance contracting solutions.   Our major markets served are Local Government and Municipalities, Water and Wastewater, Higher Education, K12 Schools, Healthcare, Federal Government, and Commercial Buildings.

We provide a full range of services and solutions from more than 100 wholly owned U.S. branch office locations coast-to-coast, serving America’s infrastructure and building needs for comfort, efficiency, security, and environmental friendliness, helping our customers save money in each of these aspects.  Worldwide, our division is nearly 30,000 employees strong and operates from more than 500 locations in 51 countries.  In fiscal 2012, worldwide our division had revenues of $7.8 billion.

In what ways does your company promote energy efficiency?

Siemens promotes energy efficiency by providing comprehensive energy and sustainability master planning combined with expertise in project implementation and ongoing services. This optimization leads to better insights throughout the process and delivers maximum results for the customer.  Siemens is uniquely qualified to provide an integrated approach across three disciplines (efficiency, supply and sustainability), which means reduced risk and improved results through coordination and prioritization of measures. Our dedicated and experienced teams of local experts are supported by the Siemens global network, which has resulted in a world-class ranking according to our customers.

How do you describe the value of energy efficiency to your customers?

In order to obtain optimal results from energy efficiency efforts, an important integration between energy efficiency, energy supply and sustainability must take place. These three categories combine to create comprehensive and powerful results for the customer. Addressing all three categories can greatly benefit their business.  The customer has the opportunity to significantly increase their energy efficiency efforts and protect their investment.

What innovations or trends do you expect to see in the near future?

The Energy & Sustainability market has evolved significantly over the past ten years. Today, energy management and environmental sustainability are key foundational elements of business strategy that are being driven by customers, shareholders, employees, communities and suppliers. We will continue to see an increase in environmental responsibility and a rise in setting of emission reduction goals with aspiration to become net zero.  There will be a greater reliance on energy to produce core product/service. As countries become more dependent on energy, they are faced with meet their nations’ energy requirements. They will need to reduce demand or build new generation plants. Legislation will continue to play a role in meeting demands and mandates.

What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the VAEEC?

Through membership in VAEEC, Siemens hopes to coordinate its efforts with others in the Virginia energy industry to promote and expand the use of economical and environmentally responsible energy efficient technologies and methods in Virginia.

Panelists at VAEEC’s April 2013 meeting

The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council will convene its second meeting of 2013 on Tuesday, December 3, 2-5pm, at The Place at Innsbrook (site of the April meeting) in Glen Allen. Features include a briefing on the 2013 Clean Energy Census in Virginia, the first of its kind. It will also include a Crystal Ball Panel that addresses the gubernatorial election’s implications for energy efficiency in the Commonwealth. Plus, this is a great opportunity to network with other energy efficiency thought leaders and stakeholders from across Virginia.

WHAT: Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) General Meeting

WHEN: Tuesday, December 3, 2013, 2-5pm

WHERE: The Place at Innsbrook, located in the Shoppes at Innsbrook, Glen Allen *Important: please enter through the Ballroom entrance” (directions below)

ETC:  Registration is free*. You do not have to be a VAEEC member to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

Register for free now by emailing us your name and company name.

*Future VAEEC meetings will have registration fees (with free registrations available for members) and members-only sessions

Agenda  

2:00 Introductory remarks by VAEEC’s Governance Board Chair, Steve Walz of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission

2:10    Roll call

2:20        2013 Clean Energy Census: How has NCSEA Leveraged the Census for EE Jobs Creation in North Carolina and Lessons for Virginia — Ivan Urlaub, Executive Director North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association

Specifics from the 2013 Virginia Energy Efficiency Census — Bill Greenleaf, Richmond Region Energy Alliance and VAEEC Governance Board

3:10      DOE Energy Efficiency Initiatives in Buildings — Subid Wagley, DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

3:20      Break, refreshments

3:30      Commercial PACE and the WHEEL — Cisco DeVries, President and CEO of Renewable Funding

4:00      Crystal Ball Panel: What’s on deck for energy efficiency in Virginia

Al Christopher, Energy Division Director, Dept. of Mines Minerals and Energy : What the new Governor could mean for energy efficiency and the State Energy Office

Andy Farmer, Education Resources Manager, State Corporation Commission: What’s ahead & their decision-making methodology

Bob Holsworth, Managing Principal, DecideSmart: How the most recent election might impact energy efficiency in the Commonwealth

Cynthia Adams, Executive Director, Local Energy Alliance Program and VAEEC Governance Boar Vice Chair: Update on federal energy efficiency policies

4:40    Members On the Horizon Lightning Round (Open Mic)

What’s on the horizon for the utilities, companies, organizations and individuals that comprise VAEEC ranks

4:55    Closing Remarks

5:00    Adjourn

Join us post-meeting for the Power Hour as networking continues with a cash bar
at Capital Ale House Innsbrook just around the corner. 

the crowd at VAEEC’s April 2013 meeting

Directions to The Place at Innsbrook:

From the North
I-95 South to I-295W (toward Charlottesville)

64 East toward Richmond Exit 178B
At first light turn left onto Dominion Boulevard
The Place is the second entrance on the right

From the East
I-64 West to I-295 West toward Charlottesville
64 East toward Richmond Exit 178B
At first light turn left onto Dominion Boulevard
The Place is the second entrance on the right

From the South
I-95 North to 64 West
Exit 178B
At first light turn left onto Dominion Boulevard
The Place is the second entrance on the right

From the West
64 East toward Richmond Exit 178B
At first light turn left onto Dominion Boulevard
The Place is the second entrance on the right

Post by Harold Crowder, VAEEC Managing Director

Coming to you  ‘LIVE’ from  “The Energy Capital of the East Coast: Virginia”

Governor Bob McDonnell praised the sponsors and attendees of the fourth annual Governor’s Conference on Energy in Richmond today, pledging to encourage the next administration to continue the commitment to provide this forum for the discussion of the many issues and ideas impacting energy industry development in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

VAEEC’s Governance Board Chair, Stephen Walz (pictured at left), presented, forecasting with his “wooden” crystal ball on ‘The Long View: 2013 Energy Outlook and Market Implications’ in an afternoon conference session. Mr. Walz pointed to a soon to completed census survey that will report on the state of energy efficiency regionally, including Virginia North and South Carolina, and Georgia. Further, he suggested the greatest untapped resource in Virginia is the potential of energy efficiency when considered on common ground.

Nearly 400 attendees, along with 35 exhibitors, are congregated for the event. VAEEC, a Bronze Level sponsor, was there promoting our mission and encouraging participation through membership.

Post-conference note:

A special thanks to David Hudgins, Director, Member and External Relations, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, who filled an open panelist position for the session ‘A Stronger Blend: How a Diversified Power Supply is Meeting Demand” when, as a sponsor, VAEEC was asked if we had a speaker.

Citing the projection of Virginia’s population growth rate at 30% and reaching 30-Million by 2040, it will be an ‘absolute driver’ in meeting demand for electricity. “Every megawatt from everywhere” will be required to meet the need! Renewables and energy efficiency alone cannot meet the future demand. Diversity in the fuel mix, including renewables and energy efficiency, is essential to providing affordable and dependable supply.

Without proffering a percentage of energy efficiency as a resource, Steve Herling, panelist from PJM Interconnection, conceded low consumption growth is an indicator that energy efficiency is making an impact.

The challenge is convincing consumers that the cheapest megawatt is the one not used.

Recently the VAEEC Governance Board agreed that the growth and demands on the Council were moving so fast as to merit additional support. By bringing a Managing Director on board, we could get immediate help and have the time and resources to plan the longer term needs for the organization and that position.

Enter Harold Crowder, who stepped up to the plate as Managing Director in September.

Crowder has specialized in helping utilities develop utility-sponsored, energy-focused programs for the residential, commercial, and industrial customer classes, as well as energy efficiency services to low-income customer segments. He has worked as a design architect in residential, commercial and education facilities in the private sector before taking a leadership role in a corporate architectural/engineering design department. And he’s a twenty-eight year veteran of Dominion Virginia Power.

Harold unique blend of talent, education and experience will enable the Council to meet the current demands and plan a strategic vision for our future.

Welcome Harold!

Read Harold’s full bio. He can be reached at harold@vaeec.org.