The region-wide event focuses on promoting technical innovation and new ideas in utility energy efficiency programs. This year’s event will be at the Coeur d’Alene Conference Center in Idaho on April 26-27, with tours on April 28.
“This is the biggest utility energy efficiency event in the Northwest,” said Richard Génecé, vice president of Energy Efficiency for BPA. “It’s where utilities, implementers, contractors and policy-makers share ideas, best practices and strategies so that we can continue to drive the Northwest’s energy efficiency powerhouse.”
Attendees will build new relationships, gain a better understanding of emerging trends in the industry, and learn about new products, programs and practices to consider in their own organizations.
This year’s conference kicks off with a general session on energy efficiency in the Seventh Power Plan, which the Council adopted in February. The plan concludes that energy efficiency is the key to meeting our region’s future demand for electricity.
“The Council’s analysis found that energy efficiency can meet all of the Northwest’s anticipated load growth through 2035,” Council Chair Henry Lorenzen said. “It also provides a significant contribution to the region’s newly identified need for capacity resources which can help meet spikes in system demand. The Council is pleased to help sponsor the 2016 Energy Efficiency Exchange and to continue work with BPA, NEEA and other regional partners to promote this important resource.”
In addition to this topic, experts from around the Northwest will present on a range of issues, such as electric vehicle infrastructure, lighting and new methods of driving energy efficiency through data and behavior.
Attendees will also get an insider’s look at how energy-efficient technologies are tested, refined and applied to a number of local industries. The final day of the conference includes tours of the Fighting Creek Landfill Gas Project, Rohinni Lighting, and the Post Falls Hydroelectric Development, among other sites.
“The Northwest has been an established leader in collaborating on energy efficiency for the last two decades,” said NEEA’s executive director, Susan E. Stratton. “Efficiency Exchange brings together thought leaders and program experts to share new ideas and insights that benefit the whole region. Together, we are shaping our energy future.”
Between sessions, attendees can visit the Conduit Lounge and register, post and share information on Conduit, an online community that facilitates collaboration and coordination among energy efficiency professionals in the Northwest.
