The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is proud to announce and welcome Eran Mahrer into the newly created position of Vice President, Utility Strategy. In this role, Mr. Mahrer will lead SEPA's efforts in engaging utilities to develop best-in-class solar strategies and practices. He will work closely with utility leaders, regulators, developers and other key stakeholders to position solar energy as a core resource for utilities.

Prior to joining SEPA, Mr. Mahrer served as Arizona Public Service (APS) Company’s Director of Renewable Energy and Resource Portfolio Planning. In his 10 years with APS, he led the company’s renewable energy strategy, renewable and customer program resource planning, regulatory interface on renewable issues and implementation of all renewable programs. Mr. Mahrer was also responsible for the development and successful implementation of APS’ customer programs for distributed renewable energy, including photovoltaics and solar water heating.

“The creation of the Vice President, Utility Strategy position demonstrates SEPA’s commitment to helping utilities address the challenges and opportunities posed by solar energy,” said SEPA President and CEO Julia Hamm. “Eran comes to SEPA from a utility that has been one of the nation’s most proactive in the solar arena, on both the distributed and centralized fronts. At APS, he demonstrated thought leadership and solution implementation that allowed the utility to move solar from a niche resource into one that was treated as part of its core business. In his role at SEPA, Eran will serve as a leader in these types of initiatives to the benefit all of our utility and solar industry members.”

While at APS, Mr. Mahrer was recognized for the introduction of several innovative approaches to renewable resource integration such as the Community Power Project, Arizona Sun, Small Generator Standard Offer, School and Government programs, the Qualified Solar Installer program and a number of market-leading community outreach and education approaches, including the Arizona Solar Challenge.

Mr. Mahrer currently serves on the Board of Managers for Solar Energy Trade Shows, and previously served on the Board of Directors of SEPA and the Arizona Solar Energy Industry Association. Mr. Mahrer received a MBA from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, a Masters of Science from Washington State University, and a Bachelors of Science from the University of California, San Diego.

ABOUT SEPA The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios. With more than 1,000 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.