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.