by Penni McLean-Conner
Energy-efficiency program administrators have learned that by working together they can advance energy efficiency more rapidly by multiplying the effect of their funding dollars and at the same time achieve greater energy efficiency for the public good. Program administrators represent a large investment in energy efficiency with annual budgets of more than $3.7 billion and growing.
Successful program administrators fully participate in the organizations to which they belong, said Carl Blumstein, director of the California Institute for Energy and Environment (CIEE).
“Gaining insight and best practices from program administrators and industry organizations is a “Ëœcontact sport,'” Blumstein said during a CIEE board meeting in June. “One cannot simply sit on the sidelines, pay the member fee and expect to gain meaningful insight. Successful program administrators recognize the need to be on the playing field, fully engaged in the debate, conversation and information sharing.”
Fortunately, there are many organizations that share an interest in advancing energy efficiency. Both time and budget eliminate the possibility of being involved in all of them productively; therefore, successful program administrators review various organizations and match their time and resources to those that most strongly align to their goals and objectives. To advance their programs effectively, directors must understand the roles of organizations they are screening and in which they are considering participation. These roles include advocating policy, professional development, program advancement, research and development, and education.
Advocating policy
Organizations operating at all levels—internationally, nationally and regionally—may focus on advocating policy, said Sue Coakley, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) executive director.
“Changing policy is the quickest and most effective way to advance energy efficiency success on a regional and national scale,” Coakley said.
Organizations advocating public policy will work to facilitate strategic alliances to develop and disseminate information. Policy advocacy involves outreach to inform policymakers on specific issues and opportunities to advance energy efficiency. Organizations that advocate policy typically conduct research to collect and present data and analyses to build the business case for adopting and implementing policies such as appliance standards. This is done to meet higher-level, public-policy goals.
Professional development
Professional development organizations typically provide an array of information and educational programs and outreach. This array includes conferences where professionals can gather, network and share ideas and best practices. These organizations often publish journals and books as well, and many offer certification programs.
Program administrators leverage these organizations for staff professional development. They may engage in a corporate sponsorship to leverage the educational opportunities for all of their staff or attain membership for specific staff members.
Program advancement
Organizations that advance programs do so either through specific program development based on member input or collaboration with other programs. Collaboration across programs occurs when an organization brings together the key partners from utilities, research and development organizations, manufacturing and other public and private sectors. The organization provides a forum for members to discuss, network and exchange information.
Research and development
Organizations focused on research and development (R&D) will endeavor to fund and promote new energy technologies. These organizations typically leverage the expertise of scientists and engineers. Grants and membership often fund the R&D efforts.
Organizations focused on R&D provide the value of sponsoring pilots and tests, thereby reducing the costs and risks associated with developing new technologies. Member opportunities include commercialization of technology and a realization on the R&D investment.
Education
While not a singular focus of any organization, most feel it is important to educate key stakeholders, consumers and policymakers. Education may be accomplished via initiatives such as the Alliance to Save Energy’s green schools and green campus programs. The programs teach kindergarten through college students ways to reduce energy use through math- and science-based curricula that extend beyond the classroom.
Program administrators are a powerful force in moving energy-efficiency measures forward when they work together. Time and budget constraints do not permit program administrators to participate in every organization. They must match the organization’s purpose and role with the desired results of participating. With the proper fit, participation in selected organizations contributes to the advancement of an administrator’s programs.
Author
Penni McLean-Conner is the vice president of customer care at NSTAR, the largest investor-owned electric and gas utility in Massachusetts. McLean-Conner, a registered professional engineer, serves on several industry boards of directors, including the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and CS Week. “Customer Service: Utility Style” was published by PennWell Books. Her new book, “Demand Side Management: Principles and Fundamentals,” will be available soon.
