From the President's Desk: Sept. 24, 2010

Within the “perfect storm” of skyrocketing energy demand and prices, the world has taken notice of energy efficiency — and forward thinkers in our midst have taken action. On Sept. 14, the energy efficiency community came together for a shining moment to discuss EE policy, recommit to the cause of saving energy, and commemorate those who are harnessing the power of that "perfect storm" to position us for a bright, energy efficient future.

This year’s policy summit featured timely discussions among preeminent voices in energy efficiency on opportunities to save energy across the smart grid. After hearing from our incredible line-up of summit speakers, including FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff and Alliance Vice-Chair Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas), I’m confident that U.S. policy will incorporate strong energy efficiency provisions soon enough. I'd like to thank our summit sponsor, Schneider Electric, for hosting this effective, informative event.

I also am delighted to report that the 18th Annual Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner was a shimmering success. Of the 500-plus government, industry and academic leaders who attended the gala, many rated it as the “best in Alliance history”!

It takes many ingredients to make a winning event, but none is more important than the caliber of the event’s content and speakers. This year’s were simply extraordinary. The EE luminaries who presented and received awards at our gala included Alliance Honorary Chair Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.); Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio); USGBC’s Rick Fedrizzi; and the DOE’s Cathy Zoi. Their remarks expressed just how important it is to employ efficiency in solving today’s energy problems.

I am so grateful to all of you who took time out of your busy schedules to support energy efficiency at our summit and gala events. If you would like high-resolution photos of the events, email Heather Rubacky. We also encourage you to fill out the gala evaluation form, as well as to check out our new Alliance “About Us” video.

See you at next year’s summit and gala, if not before!

Best,

Kateri Callahan