Businesses from 13 counties to convene

Businesses are preparing to gather for the Chester County Economic Development Council’s briefing.

EXTON >> As Pennsylvania’s legislative session takes on key measures affecting energy consumption and emissions, businesses from 13 counties are preparing to gather for the Chester County Economic Development Council’s 9th Annual Energy Briefing.

Presented virtually on Feb. 23, 2021, by CCEDC’s Smart Energy Initiative (SEI), the 9th Annual Energy Briefing will forecast 2021 energy markets, policies and opportunities in Pennsylvania and at the national level, including the status of alternative energy incentives. Registration is at https://ccedcpa.com/ events/9th-annual-energybriefing/

“This is always a ‘must attend’ event for business leaders looking to get a leg up on energy trends in Pennsylvania, and this year we’re anticipating significant changes impacting companies. Especially as the Commonwealth balances climate change goals with expenditures in the fight against COVID-19,” says CCEDC Chief Operating Officer Michael Grigalonis.

Says Paul Spiegel, founder of Practical Energy Solutions and chair of CCEDC’s Smart Energy Initiative, “With the growing push toward reduction of fossil fuel use, the use of geothermal and solar energy are going to be at the forefront of renewable energy tools, for individual property owners as well as at utility scale for large companies. Everyone that uses energy can benefit from learning more about how to transition to renewable energy.”

The Commonwealth’s key energy players will interact with facilities managers, energy professionals, building owners, developers, municipality managers and sanitation managers as they tackle key issues including the future of energy conservation provisions in Act 129, Pennsylvania’s role in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and carbon dioxide emissions, and legislation that would authorize community solar development.

Speakers will share their perspectives on the expectations of strong investments into renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions.

• Allen Landis, Executive Director, PA Energy Development Authority, will update attendees on RGGI, the nation’s first multi-state program to reduce power sector CO2 emissions while generating state revenue to support public and private sector investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

• Chuck Miller, Senior Director of Energy Solutions, Pennoni Associates, will share Pennoni’s approach to how on-site cogeneration/microgrids with battery storage can deliver continuous energy resources to critical operation centers, including industrial manufacturing and data centers.

• Micah Gold-Markel, Founder, Solar States, will speak on the state of the local solar industry and how Solar States is helping Philadelphia invest in renewable energy through the use of federal tax credits, Solarize Philadelphia and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs).

• Jeff Byers, Senior Efficiency Program Manager, PECO, will speak on the development and delivery of the PECO PA Act 129 energy efficiency program, ensuring energy savings are achieved on time and within budget as required by PA Act 129.

Attendees of the 9th Annual Energy Briefing include SEI’s network of energy professionals from 13 counties (Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, Northampton, Lehigh, Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, York and, Cumberland), who gather regularly to promote the growth of the smart energy industry in the region. The 9th Annual Energy Briefing is sponsored by PECO, Pennsylvania Geothermal Heat Pump Association, Inc., and Pennoni. The event is funded in part by the Chester County Workforce Development Board.

The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester

County and the surrounding region for more than 60 years. The CCEDC provides proven financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration. Together, with the support of the private and public sectors, CCEDC initiates, implements and innovates programs that improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County. For more information, visit www.ccedcpa.com.

The Smart Energy Initiative (SEI) of Southeastern Pennsylvania is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council and has become a key resource for the region’s diverse, competitive energy industry. It provides public education programming, consulting, incumbent worker training, sector-specific working groups, project leads and financing, and a host of other business-related services.