The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is pleased to announce and welcome Darren Deffner to the newly created position of Director of Policy. In this role, Mr. Deffner will lead SEPA's efforts to monitor and analyze proposed and current federal and state policies to ensure that the organization's members understand the potential impacts to their businesses. He will provide members with timely information on state solar policy trends and the impact of those trends on solar markets and utility operations. Mr. Deffner will also serve as a valuable resource for utility members who have questions about policy issues specific to their own company.

 Prior to joining SEPA, Mr. Deffner served as the Manager of Environmental and Federal Affairs at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) where he was responsible for leading and coordinating energy and environmental policy development on renewable energies, smart grid and transmission issues. Prior to this position, Mr. Deffner helped foster community engagements and partnerships with elected officials, business associations, environmental organizations and community groups for PG&E in Silicon Valley. Mr. Deffner has also served as an aide to several U.S. Representatives as well as Chief of Staff to San Jose Councilmember Ken Yeager.

“We are excited to welcome Darren to the exceptional team at SEPA,” said SEPA President and CEO Julia Hamm. “Darren brings a wealth of experience from both the utility and policy-maker perspectives and is an integral resource for SEPA members as utility use and integration of solar energy continues to grow across the nation.”

In addition to his extensive policy resume, Mr. Deffner has served as an adjunct professor at San Jose State University concentrating on energy and the environment. He also served as a Board member for the Joint Venture Silicon Valley Network, the Environmental Advisory Board of the Santa Clara Valley Water District and the Silicon Valley Environmental Partnership.

Mr. Deffner received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from San Jose State University and a Master of Science degree in environmental sciences and policy from the Johns Hopkins University.

 

ABOUT SEPA

The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational  non-profit dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios for the benefit of the utility, its customers and the public good. With more than 1000 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.