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Our Mission

To optimize the use and impact of energy to enhance the quality of life in the Southeast.

Our Vision

All people in the Southeast live and work in healthy and resilient buildings, utilize clean and affordable transportation, and thrive in a robust and equitable economy.

Our Values

Take Initiative

We take responsibility for realizing a better quality of life in the Southeast.

Earn Trust

We pursue our work with benevolence, competence and reliability.

Value Others

We seek, respect and promote diverse perspectives.

Pursue Equitable Solutions

We recognize, acknowledge and account for a history of prejudice and inequality in southeastern communities.

Our Core Services

Research

We conduct research and provide contextualized analysis to increase understanding of regional issues and inform effective strategies.

Consultation &

Education

We provide technical expertise, market intelligence, strategic guidance and educational resources to help people solve problems, navigate change, and increase impact.

Program

Management

We collaborate with partners to devise, develop, and manage innovative energy projects, programs, and service models.

Facilitation

We plan, develop, organize, and manage execution of structured processes or meetings that help collaborators and teams make progress toward their goals.

Financial

Services

We seek, retain, and provide financial services to expand access to capital for energy efficiency investments in the Southeast.

As I reflect on the strides SEEA has made in creating transformative, energy ​efficient strategies, services, and resources tailored to the diverse needs of ​the southeasterners and islanders we serve, I am filled with immense pride.

Over the years, SEEA has emerged as a champion in promoting energy ​efficiency across the Southeast to ensure a just energy transition for all. ​Through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts, we work to create ​tangible improvements in the well-being of the individuals and communities ​we serve.

As we look ahead, I am confident in our ability to continue leading the ​charge towards a more energy efficient, sustainable future. With each new ​initiative and partnership, we further solidify our commitment to create a ​region where energy efficiency is not just a goal but a resource to transform ​lives.

As we enter 2024, I extend my deepest gratitude to our board, team, ​members, and partners, for their steadfast support. Together, we continue ​to pave the way to a brighter future for all those who call this region home. ​Please join me in celebrating our 2023 highlights!

Aimee Skrzekut

President, SEEA

Joe Gehrdes

SEEA Board Chair, 2023

Reflecting on 2023, I am reminded of the fundamental principles underpinning SEEA's mission to champion energy efficiency in all its forms throughout the region. In an era where environmental sustainability is not merely a buzzword but a dire necessity, and the demand for energy highlights constraints in the utility world, our organization's role in bringing energy efficiency back to the forefront takes on profound significance. Energy efficiency stands as a cornerstone in our efforts to meet demand, mitigate climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and foster a sustainable future for generations to come.

Energy efficiency isn't solely about the environment; it's tied to economic prosperity, social equity, and global security. Optimizing energy usage lowers costs, creates jobs, and enhances energy independence. SEEA's commitment as stewards requires advocating for policies and technologies that minimize waste and safeguard the environment.

Our mission demands action and impact. Collaboration, innovation, and dedication are essential. Whether through research, outreach, or partnerships, we must catalyze change for a more sustainable world. Let's stay true to our mission, navigating challenges with resolve. Together, we can shape a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future.

As Board Chair, I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you—our members, partners, supporters, stakeholders, and Team SEEA—for your unwavering dedication to our cause. Your passion, expertise, and tireless efforts are the driving force behind our organization's success. Let us continue to work hand in hand, united in purpose, as we strive to make a lasting impact in energy efficiency.

• Utility-Only Roundtables
• Southeast Energy Insecurity Project
• WAP Energy Burden Report Update
• Map of the Month Series
  

• Fifth National ​Climate Assessment
  
• First Annual Member ​Meeting
• 2023 Southeast ​Energy Summit

Making an Impact in the Region

Projects by state

Projects by state

Highlighted Work

Advancing Solutions to Energy Insecurity

Building a Community-Focused Framework for Federal Funding

Navigating Electrification Impacts on the Grid

Facilitating Equitable Building Energy Codes

Providing Opportunities for Learning and Collaboration

Advancing Solutions to Energy Insecurity

Energy insecurity is one of the South’s most stubborn challenges. In 2023, SEEA led ongoing regional and national efforts to address energy insecurity through research and collaboration. Our evidence-based thought leadership promotes equitable access to clean transit and affordable buildings. Our work was presented at over twenty national conferences, cited in the press and included in the Fifth National Climate Assessment. SEEA advised the development of a handbook to guide distributional equity analyses and national laboratory study of the equity dimensions of bioenergy. In 2023, SEEA wrapped up a pilot project developed with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation and SK Collaborative, which supported home health and efficiency upgrades for low-income renters in the City of Atlanta. Through the Southeast Energy Insecurity Project, we convened regional stakeholders on how to implement solutions to energy insecurity. We hosted a webinar series that offered best practices for developing policies and programs to address energy insecurity and discussed funding and partnership opportunities at the Southeast Energy Summit. Our inaugural Southeast Energy Insecurity Implementation Awards provided two micro-grants to advance energy insecurity mitigation initiatives in Georgia and South Carolina. The City of Savannah (GA) and Athens-Clarke County (GA) collaborated on a project to expand access to utility efficiency programs, while the Sustainability Institute used the award to identify and address pre-weatherization health and safety issues in homes in a disadvantaged community in Charleston, SC.

Building a Community-Focused Framework for ​Federal Funding

In 2023, SEEA helped deploy $50 million to underserved communities. We provided research that empowered communities to access transformative investments, make housing safer and more affordable, build resilient communities in the face of climate change, expand access to clean energy and transportation, and address longstanding disparities rooted in historic policies and practices. In Gwinnett County, GA, an inaugural Climate Solutions and Equity grant from Drawdown Georgia fueled the development and implementation of a climate, workforce, and housing transformation plan for unincorporated Norcross – one of the most diverse but underserved communities in Georgia. To date, this has enabled partners to attract an additional $21 million in philanthropic, state, and federal

Will Bryan and Grace Parker attended the 2023 GHCA Awards Gala on behalf of SEEA.

investments to this community. The Gwinnett Hispanic Construction Association recognized our work with local partners to build clean energy workforce pipelines for minority contractors with their Community Partner of the Year award. In Orangeburg, SC, SEEA provided research support for a coalition that secured a $23 million RAISE grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the largest single award that SEEA has facilitated. The grant will fund the construction of a multimodal transit hub with public transit access and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In North Birmingham, AL, and in Columbia, SC, SEEA provided local intelligence and federal funding expertise to support improvements to local housing through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Communities LEAP program. We also provided support to rural Alabama communities to secure federal funding. SEEA worked with multiple state energy offices to equitably deploy funds, including assisting the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority in identifying and developing plans to meet their priorities. This work ensures that the benefits of transformative federal investments, particularly through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, go to communities in our region that need this funding the most.

Navigating Electrification Impacts on the Grid

In 2023, SEEA shared its expertise, policy best practices, and recommendations about electric vehicle infrastructure planning with decision-makers across the Southeast. Recommendations included engaging with electric utilities early and often to prepare for the expected increase in electric vehicles connected to the electric grid by investing in transmission and distribution infrastructure and making charging sites ready for the future electrification of medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Other recommendations included ensuring the reliability of electric vehicle charging stations by increasing safety measures such as lighting and signage at public fast charging stations, providing ample electric vehicle charging stations to support drivers getting to safety during severe storms, including electric school buses and transit buses transporting differently-abled and elderly populations, and encouraging regional collaboration on infrastructure deployment with equity as a common theme among all proposed recommendations. This thought leadership was presented through various public avenues, including submissions to legislative and regulatory bodies at the federal and state levels and through StoryMaps, transportation equity analysis tools for decision-makers, and other stakeholders to inform funding applications and policy development.

“SEEA's work in energy-efficient transportation has been integral to [Towards Equitable Electric Mobility] TEEM cohorts in North Carolina and Virginia. Their regional expertise helped the TEEM cohort learn about EV toolkits, funding opportunities, and avenues for stakeholder engagement. SEEA's involvement in TEEM and their knowledge of technical resources and policy guidance has influenced our state advocacy, and we're excited to continue learning through this partnership.”

Samikchhya Bhusal

Forth Mobility, TEEM Project Manager

Facilitating Equitable Building Energy Codes

In July 2023, SEEA received three U.S. Department of Energy awards totaling $4.7 million for the Resilient and Efficient Codes Initiatives (RECI), marking a historic investment to support stronger and more efficient building energy codes in the Southeast.

Each project takes a unique approach, but shares the goal of enhancing energy efficiency, workforce development and equity. In Louisiana, SEEA and project partners will offer training and technical assistance supporting the implementation of the latest energy codes. In Georgia, SEEA and state leaders will conduct single and multifamily energy code compliance studies to prepare the state’s homebuilding industry for advanced code adoption and to identify and fill energy code training and education gaps. This will be the first multifamily energy code compliance study conducted in the Southeast, potentially saving residents $210 million in energy costs over five years. Lastly, SEEA will pilot data tools and a community toolkit in Savannah and Atlanta, GA to close equity gaps in building performance standards.

Our collaborative approach to problem-solving is reflected in the number and diversity of our project partners. The RECI projects are comprised of 17 partners, including homebuilder organizations, national laboratories and utilities. SEEA is the only RECI lead that is incorporating all of these critical perspectives into the planning and delivery of its projects. We are committed to seeking out community-based guidance that ensures the projects resonate with and benefit all communities in the Southeast.

Maggie Kelley Riggins represented SEEA at the U.S. DOE press conference announcing the RECI awards in New Orleans, LA.

Providing Opportunities for Learning and ​Collaboration

2023 Financials

2023 Members

Hear From Our Members

Bringing More Value to Our Members

In June 2023, SEEA held its inaugural Annual Member Meeting in Huntsville, AL. Hosted by Huntsville Utilities and TVA, the successful day-and-a-half event included training, collaboration, and networking. The agenda included a design thinking workshop followed by breakout groups that discussed what’s next for workforce development and energy efficiency policy in the Southeast. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs also provided an overview on available resources for technical assistance, block grants, and the Justice40 Initiative. We didn’t forget the fun and camaraderie! Following the first day’s training, we gathered on the hotel rooftop for a sunset reception.

We are thrilled that ICF will be our host for the 2024 Annual Member Meeting, June 3 – 5, 2024, in Reston, VA. In 2023, we added 23 new member organizations, totaling 108 members, the highest in SEEA’s history. We continue to expand the value and benefits of SEEA membership while advancing our vision that all people in the Southeast should live and work in healthy and resilient buildings, have access to clean and affordable transportation, and thrive in a robust and equitable economy.

Board member, Jay Wrobel leads a breakout group at the 2023 Annual Member Meeting.

Support Our Work

For more 16 years, SEEA continues to bring together key stakeholders from across the energy sector ​to build connections, explore innovative program solutions, and plan for a more prosperous ​Southeast. Your support enables us to continue to build a brighter future for people living in the ​Southeast.

BECOME A MEMBER

Your membership supports our mission to optimize the use and impact of energy in the Southeast. ​Learn more about member benefits.

EVENT SPONSORSHIP

Sponsorship helps us deliver meaningful event experiences for our members and stakeholders while ​also meeting your business development goals. Learn more about sponsor opportunities.

SUMMIT SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Southeast Energy Summit attendee scholarships are an investment in a more diverse energy ​efficiency workforce. Your support allows students, young professionals or community-based ​partners to learn more about the industry and gain professional development experience.

Jamie Fitzsimons

Director of Membership &

Corporate Development

GENERAL SUPPORT/SPECIAL PROJECTS

Your general support contribution allows SEEA to pursue special projects or initiatives that are aligned with our core values but might otherwise not qualify for traditional funding opportunities.

Want to learn more?

Contact Jamie Fitzsimons, director of membership and corporate development.

Our 2023 Team

Olivia Begalla

Buildings Program Associate

Maggie Kelley Riggins

Senior Program Manager

Catherine Nguyen

Marketing & Events Associate

Grace Parker

Research Associate

Contact Us

info@seealliance.org

seealliance.org