Innovations in utility-run efficiency programs and new regulations, such as the recently published EPA rules limiting emissions from existing power plants, are changing the nation’s energy efficiency landscape. In the Midwest alone more than $1.45 billion was invested in electric and natural gas energy efficiency in 2012, and that amount is expected to grow to $1.81 billion by 2015.
More than 600 energy leaders from across the nation will gather Jan. 14-16 at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago to explore these and other energy issues at the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (MEEA) 12th annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference.
This week’s conference will address emerging energy industry trends, taking on critical questions such as:
- How can the industrial sector participate in energy efficiency? (Jan. 14)
- Is efficiency moving beyond program savings? (Jan. 14)
- How are utility incentives supporting efficiency? (Jan. 16)
- What solutions are emerging to lighting’s darkest challenges? (Jan. 16)
Immediately prior to the start of the conference on Tuesday, MEEA will co-sponsor the Midwest Industrial Energy Efficiency Summit: Scoring Savings with Effective Program Design from 8:30 AM to noon featuring an overview of best-in-class industrial energy efficiency programs. The summit is sponsored by MEEA in conjunction with the Midwestern Governors Association, the Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources, Great Plains Institute, World Resources Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the SEE Action Network.
Other conference highlights include:
Tuesday, Jan. 14
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kathleen Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy. 1:15 – 2 p.m.
- Energy Efficiency – Beyond Program Savings: Utility-run energy efficiency programs have traditionally been the backbone of the energy efficiency industry. But what other needs can energy efficiency fill? Panelists including Kentucky Energy Secretary Len Peters and private financier Mike Gordon of Joule Energy Reduction Assets discuss new ways to realize potential savings. 2 – 3:30 p.m.
- Residential Energy Efficiency Programming Innovations: Residential program experts will discuss the biggest innovations in residential programming, such as real-time evaluation, residential energy service contracts, and retailers’ and manufacturers’ roles in residential energy efficiency. 4 – 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
- Emerging Practices for Evaluating Energy Efficiency Programs: Panelists will discuss new and emerging models for measuring utility efficiency programs. 3:45 – 5 p.m.
- Realizing the Savings of Potential Energy Codes: How can we be sure that the energy savings promised in new energy codes actually materialize? Panelists will discuss training, formation of compliance collaboratives, ways codes can dovetail with utility programs and more. 3:45 – 5 p.m.
- 10th Annual Inspiring Efficiency Awards Dinner and Gala. MEEA presents awards in Education, Innovation, Impact, Marketing and Leadership and announces the 2014 Chairman’s Award winner. 7 – 9 p.m.
Thurs, Jan. 16
- Keynote Speaker: Jamie Meyers, Walgreens Manager of Sustainability. 8:40 – 9 a.m.
- What are the Barriers to New Technology Adoption?: What are the policy, market and procedural barriers that inhibit new efficient technologies? How can we move consumers and commercial and institutional entities to adopt new programs? Panelists will highlight lessons learned and university-based research focused on technology deployment. 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Emergent Solutions to Lighting’s Darkest Challenges: Digitalization of lighting technology presents one of the broadest channels for energy savings, yet industry professionals face daily hurdles in the push to accelerate market adoption. The session spotlights the brightest solutions for today’s key barriers to advanced lighting and controls. 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.
For a detailed conference agenda, visit www.meeaconference.org.
