While my colleagues in the Midwest are digging out from the latest weekend snowstorm, my attention has turned to the upcoming AESP National Conference in San Antonio.
I’m particularly fond of this conference because it provides a great opportunity to grow and expand relationships. Once again, the AESP has done a fantastic job of developing a comprehensive program filled with expert speakers that will deep dive into all things energy. And while the agenda may be packed, you should save the date to attend the sessions that my DNV co-workers and our utility partners will be spearheading.
First, our resident IT manager Ed Horn will be speaking about the modern art of “Social Listening”, at session 1B on Tuesday, 1/22/19 at 10:15 am. Social Listening is actively listening to digital conversations to learn what is being said about a topic. Ed will speak to how utilities and their efficiency programs can better spot trends to help gain the attention of customers, gauge changes in attitudes towards hot topics like solar PV, and better leverage their social presence to become a more trusted advisor. If you want to grow your social network, influence customer satisfaction, and potentially create more leads, then make sure to attend Ed’s session!
Next, Joe Wadel of Consumers Energy (MI) will present on “how data-driven program design & marketing” can help reach small business customers during Session 3C, Wednesday 1/23 at 8:30 am. While “big data” is a common energy conference topic, Joe will go beyond the hype to show how Consumer’s Small Business Marketplace used big data to drive better decisions during implementation. He will overview real-world results of this evaluated pilot that leveraged data to reach the hardest customers while breaking down internal silos. Additionally, DNV Pilots Program Manager for Consumers Energy, Mike Krygier will join Joe onstage for a moderated Q&A on how other pilot ideas can use data to produce better results. If your utility is looking for concrete examples of how data leads to better outcomes, then this is the session for you.
If you only attend one workshop, it should be “Session 6D: Flying cars and Receding Coastlines” from 3-4 pm on Wednesday the 23rd – Hosted by Karen Germain and yours truly. Society is on the verge of big changes, like flying autonomous vehicles! Our session is focused on anticipating the grid impacts of these changes, by helping program managers identify what elements they should start building into their efficiency programs. Our workshop is an engaging, open-audience discussion aimed at anticipating the different technologies and strategies grid operators will need to deploy to meet the challenges of tomorrow. If you are looking for inspiration for new programs, seeking innovation to drive savings, or just want to nerd out on the future of energy, then you need to attend this workshop!
Last, but not least, Steve Baab will moderate “Panel 7A: Supplier Diversity” on Thursday, 1/24 at 9:15 am. Steve’s panel brings the diversity in terms of perspectives and includes panelists from an electric utility, a prime implementation contractor, a diverse small business, and a certifying agency. Steve will guide the conversation to cover topics such as becoming a certified supplier and demystifying the utility Request for Proposal (RFP). If you are curious about what utilities really want in a diversity supplier, then this panel will not disappoint.
Safe travels and see everyone at the Alamo! If you can’t make it, don’t worry: I will be publishing a recap blog to catch everyone up. As always, if you would like more information on Smart Lighting, please visit our Knowledge Hub or reach out to me directly.
DNV and Smart Lighting Systems
DNV has successfully designed and implemented Smart Lighting System projects on behalf of our utility clients for four years. Our team has significant project experience in both retrofitting and new construction of lighting projects. We work through the project life-cycle to identify, justify and evaluate energy saving measures and provide a post-installation engineering review to verify savings.
Our team is available to work directly with large institutions to assist them with Smart Lighting System projects. For more information, please contact Wesley Whited. Wesley Whited is a Senior Consultant for Smart Lighting Systems at DNV. Mr. Whited has seven years’ experience in the commercial lighting market ranging from project management to sales. Mr. Whited is a graduate of West Virginia University (WVU) and holds a MBA from Capital University in Columbus, OH.
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