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DOE Launches Federal Efficiency and Renewable Advisory Committee

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Date: Dec 09, 2010

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On Nov. 12, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established the nation's first federal advisory committee for energy efficiency and renewable energy.  The Efficiency and Renewable Advisory Committee gives a diverse panel of efficiency and renewable experts a seat at the table within DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

The 20-member committee is tasked with advising EERE in its mission to address the nation's energy challenges by bringing technological innovations into the market.

“Once again, DOE is demonstrating its strong support for energy efficiency – this time, by establishing a federal advisory committee dedicated to our cause,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan.  “I am delighted to see that DOE not only has listened to appeals from the Alliance for such a committee, but also has selected stars of energy efficiency as its members.”

Committee Buoys Energy Efficiency

The creation of the Efficiency and Renewable Advisory Committee (ERAC) signals an important attitude shift within DOE. Efficiency is now receiving the same careful scrutiny and policy considerations as conventional fuels, for which DOE long ago established advisory committees. The committee includes representatives from the public sector, the private sector and academia.

“I am very encouraged that DOE pulled together this distinguished group to provide frank advice on what is working right and where changes are needed to speed our progress to a cleaner energy economy,” said Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Commissioner and ERAC member Philip Giudice. “There are no holds barred for this group,” Giudice added.

Inaugural Meeting Paves Way for Progress

Members of ERAC convened for their inaugural meeting on Nov. 30 at DOE's headquarters in Washington, D.C. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu addressed the committee members, laying out the economic, security and environmental challenges facing the United States in the energy sector. Chu asked committee members to educate EERE on the opportunities and activities that ERAC will provide. Committee members also were briefed on EERE’s many programs, with special attention to the BetterBuildings retrofitting initiative.

The meeting focused on how to attract and guide private capital investment, as well as how to address market barriers that inhibit the deployment of innovative American technologies. Because the advisory committee contains experts from venture capital firms, regulating bodies and private companies, ERAC is optimistic about its ability to meet these challenges.

“The entire clean energy value chain – from research, development, demonstration, deployment, jobs, policy and communication – were actively discussed in the first meeting,” said Giudice, who noted that his goal as an ERAC member is to “help the DOE utilize its capabilities to the fullest to expedite delivery of our clean energy future.”

The committee will reconvene in the spring and continue to meet twice a year. The committee decided, however, that much of the work will be handled in subcommittees that may meet more frequently. Subcommittee assignments will be determined in the near future.

ERAC Members

The volunteer members of ERAC are selected based on distinguished service in their professional community and knowledge of energy efficiency and renewable energy.  The ERAC members for fiscal year 2011 are: