Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and its 51st State Initiative have been named as the recipient of the Keystone Policy Center’s 2016 Leadership in Energy Award.
Launched in 2014, the 51st State aims to provide a constructive platform where energy industry stakeholders can work together to create practical solutions to facilitate the integration of distributed energy resources — solar, storage, demand response and others — in ways that benefit all.
After generating paradigm-shifting visions of the U.S. energy future — and practical roadmaps that lay out clear paths to get there — the next phase of the initiative will focus on working with states and policymakers to implement needed changes to provide both customer and grid solutions. SEPA will provide direct assistance to states looking to transition toward market structures and programs that leverage distributed energy resources in a proactive manner.
Founded in 1975, the Keystone Policy Center is dedicated to promoting collaborative policy solutions and reaching common ground when all other efforts have failed. The Keystone Leadership Awards specifically honor leaders and decision-makers who embody the organization’s core belief that lasting results are crafted by considering diverse perspectives and building consensus.
“The 51st State, an initiative of the Smart Electric Power Alliance, is pioneering an innovative and collaborative approach to one of the most significant issues facing the energy sector today — the way that energy is bought, sold and consumed,” said Christine Scanlan, President and CEO of the Keystone Policy Center. “The 51st State’s approach, consistent with Keystone’s mission, is an example to the energy industry and other sectors on how collaboration and cooperation help stakeholders work toward and reach higher common ground.”
“As Chair of the SEPA Board of Directors, I couldn’t be more pleased with our recent progress facilitating the electric power industry’s smart transition to clean energy,” said Steven Malnight, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Pacific Gas and Electric Company. “Over the past 18 months, the 51st State Initiative has become one of the leading efforts steering national conversations about the future of the electric power industry and its ability to deploy and integrate distributed energy resources in a sustainable way.”
The Keystone Leadership Awards are being presented at a June 8 event in Washington, D.C. SEPA President and CEO Julia Hamm will receive the 51st State’s award from former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter.
“SEPA has taken a refreshing and creative approach to elevating and deepening the national discussion about the future of energy,” Ritter said. “The 51st State Initiative will have a positive influence on the new ways electricity is produced, transacted and used across the U.S. in coming years.”
“Two factors make the 51st State unique,” Hamm said. “First are the people engaged in the initiative. I am continually impressed by the diversity of perspectives and level of effort contributed, from the authors of 51st State concept papers and roadmaps, to the top energy leaders who have participated in the intensive and challenging discussions at various forums we’ve held in the last year and a half. Second is the fact that our efforts are not influenced by any specific policy considerations, industry perspectives or regulatory goals. This is truly an open process that seeks to provide the foundation and the tools for thoughtful and methodical change in markets across the country.”
News item from SEPA.