The annual California Climate & Energy Collaborative (CCEC) forum is always a highlight for TEC! This year, staff presented in several panels and touched on a variety of our programs and projects. The forum’s theme was about local action, so we were excited to bring our 50 years of local engagement expertise to the table.
Didn’t make it to the forum this year? Here are our team’s reflections on their sessions!
“Our panel, ‘A New Framework for Energy Programs: Designed by Communities, for Communities,’ stood out as one of the few sessions featuring community-based organizations as presenters. It highlighted the need for community representation in climate adaptation planning. With over 115 attendees, the turnout made it clear that there is strong demand for energy programs designed by communities, for communities. It reinforced the power and importance of equity-centered models like the SoCalREN Community-Based Design Collaborative. When communities are at the center of program design, we don’t just meet targets; we also build trust, relevance, and long-term impact.”
“In our presentation, ‘Direct-to-Renter: Locally Grown Energy Equity Solutions for Renters,’ we shared a new way to bring clean energy benefits to renters, who have been largely left out of the energy transition. Low-income renters must be able to quickly access cooling, resilience, and improved indoor air quality in the face of rapidly accelerating climate threats. We were gratified to see the strong interest and conversations sparked at the CCEC Forum, and are appreciative of the audience’s questions and suggestions for strengthening the program. We’re optimistic that we’ll see more partnerships and policies to implement this solution throughout California communities.”
“Our session ‘Filling Energy Workforce & Energy Project Pipelines: Cross-Sector Collaboration in the Inland Empire’ highlighted how the Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN) is increasing access to local green jobs, satisfying local capacity needs, and completing energy projects at critical community facilities by placing local fellows at public agencies to support energy projects in equity communities. Attending this conference was an inspiring reminder of the collective power and critical role of local and regional actors in shaping a sustainable future amidst an uncertain climate landscape.”
“The most important takeaway attendees took from our ‘Energized Communities: Empowering Local Governments to Reimagine a Decarbonized Future’ session is that smaller, multi-site community solar projects are not only feasible, but they are an essential part of an equitable and affordable energy transition. Our ‘Making Community Solar Work in California’ panel uplifted the importance of local leadership. By collaborating and sharing our successes, we can scale these solutions and build a future where every community has access to affordable local clean energy.”
“Our session ‘Local Governments United’ recognized not only the increasing threats of climate change, but of policies that pose barriers to decarbonizing. Attendees were more than motivated to take action and begin forming a coalition focused on legislative outcomes – the central one being: No policy about local government without the voice of local government. This new group will be that voice.”
Want to hear more about our team’s community engagement and energy expertise? Let’s talk!
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