June 30, 2017 – The 2017 Annual NEUAC Conference was held this week in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From June 25 through June 28, utility representatives and non-profit members, among others, attended workshops and exhibits that highlighted issues and solutions to helping low-income energy consumers become self-sufficient.
There were a variety of workshops provided, addressing issues, solutions, and ideas in helping low-income energy consumers become self-sufficient. Workshop topics at the conference included: Vulnerable Populations, Energy Efficiency and Renewables, Energy Policy and Advocacy, Tribal and Other Issues, Energy Assistance and Education, Fundraising, and Utilities and Regulations.
Within these workshops were a variety of detailed sessions related to each workshop topic. Some of these included: Innovative Low Income Energy Efficiency Programs, Solar Policy: Considerations for Low Income Customers, Addressing Cultural Differences in Low Income Communities, Addressing Structural Racism in Energy Assistance, Partnerships of Customers and Utilities, Putting LIHEAP Performance Measures into Practice, and Identifying Effective Electronic Outreach to Low Income Customers.
A highlight of the conference was the announcement of the national award winners for 2017. Congratulations to all those who received an award!
Sister Pat Kelly Achievement Award – Lou Gonzalez, Florida Power and Light.
The Sister Pat Kelly Achievement Award recognizes a person with exemplary achievement in furthering the NEUAC objectives of increasing awareness of low-income energy problems, advancing energy assistance policy and promoting charitable energy assistance.
The Corporate Excellence Award – National Grid
The Corporate Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievements by a company or corporate entity on behalf of its low-income customers.
The Victorine Q. Adams Award – The Salvation Army (TSA) Care to Share Program
The Victorine Q. Adams Award spotlights institutional innovation and achievement among non-profit NEUAC members. NEUAC presents the award to a non-profit organization that displays an innovative spirit towards raising public awareness and generating financial aid for people in need of energy assistance.
The Special Award for Service to NEUAC – Chris Hickling, Edison Electric Institute (EEI)
The Special Award for Service to NEUAC is awarded periodically when warranted to recognize outstanding contribution to the organization and its mission.
Congratulations to all the award winners and thank you for your vital role(s) in helping low-income energy consumers become self-sufficient.
Other activities during the conference included a raffle, where winners won a variety of exciting prizes and all proceeds benefit scholarships for future NEUAC conferences, an Oasis Cocktail Party, where attendees had the opportunity to expand their network with others, and two tours including Summit: Clean, Affordable Water for All, and the New Port Everglades Power Plant Tour, and a senior issues panel that highlighted issues low-income seniors face in various areas of the country and solutions to help them become self-sufficient.
The National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC), is a non-profit coalition of diverse member organizations and individuals dedicated to heightening awareness of the energy needs of low-income energy consumers and fostering public-private partnerships while engaging in other activities to help address those needs.
Thanks to all those who attended and we look forward to seeing you next year in Phoenix, Arizona!
Source:
NEUAC Press Release
