Energy efficiency works the same in rural and disadvantaged communities as it does anywhere else, right? The short answer is, not exactly.

Implementing clean energy projects in these communities comes with its own unique set of challenges, some of which include fiscal, geographical, and political. During this breakout session, we will take a closer look at how people in these communities are able to achieve success in implementing clean energy projects despite their many obstacles.

To illustrate these challenges and successes, this panel will explore energy efficiency from each perspective including small cities with a population of less than 20,000, a larger city with a population of more than 500,000 as well as the energy efficiency program implementer in their service territory. All of the cities represented are classified as disadvantaged and 2 of the 3 are classified as rural as per the CalEnviroScreen 4.0 tool.

Speakers

• Ann Kloose, City Of Fresno Sustainably Division
• Mark Staples, City of Taft, Director of Planning and Development Services
• Christine Viterelli, City of Arvin, Grants Manager
• Rochelle Butler (Moderator), SJVCEO, Energy Manager
• Michelle Villa (She,Her), Willdan Energy Solutions, Account Manager