The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance is a nonprofit that is a collection of energy companies and energy nonprofits seeking to work toward greater energy efficiency to reduce energy costs for users. The coalition’s primary focus is on increasing energy efficiency to reduce the cost of energy across the U.S. Southeast, including in low-income communities. ^{1 2}

Background

The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance was founded in 2007. The organization provides research, consultation and education, stakeholder facilitation, program management and financial services to stakeholders in the energy sector. Member companies include local power companies such as Alabama Power, Dominion, and Mississippi Power; other associations such as the Association of Energy Engineers and the Association of Energy Services Professionals; as well as businesses such as Chick-fil-A and law firms. The U.S. Department of Energy is also listed as a member. ³

Diversity Initiative

The organization lists as a core value its desire to pursue “equitable solutions” because it says “we recognize, acknowledge, and account for a history of prejudice and inequality in southeastern communities and the role it plays in the issues we address.” ⁴  

Its blog also features a post by member American Efficient, which discussed their “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) action plan” where they noted that “as a group of mostly white people in a mostly white company” it is a “privilege, in all senses of the word” to enact a DEI plan. The group said that it would be unable to “hire [their] way into diversity” because it is a small organization, so it consulted with the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance’s director of membership and diversity inclusion, Pamela Fann. The plan that was ultimately developed involved sponsoring Black Energy Awareness Month for the North Carolina AABE Chapter, supporting the United Way of the Greater Triangle’s Anti-Racism Community Fund, and offering funds and paid time off for staff to develop their understanding of racism at work. The group said it was exploring future opportunities for outreach to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and an employee-giving match program. ⁵  

Issues

The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance advertises four major issue areas: energy efficiency policy, built environment, energy-efficient transportation, and regional investments. ⁶

The policy work involves lobbying utilities, local governments, state agencies, and other organizations for policies that promote energy efficiency including state, local and regional energy efficiency programs. ⁷

In the transportation space, the organization promotes the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure and various EV policy initiatives. The group supports the Alliance to Save Energy’s “50×50 Transportation Initiative to support the expansion of the federal EV tax credit,” and also supports “Engagement in state and local building code forums to advance “EV-Ready” code opportunities.” The group provides consulting services to the Alliance for Transportation Electrification (ATE). ⁸

1. “About.” Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. April 21, 2023. https://www.seealliance.org/about/
2. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. 2020. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/204949501
3. “Members.” Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. April 21, 2023.  https://www.seealliance.org/members/
4. “How American Efficient is Realizing a More Diverse Energy Industry.” Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. April 21, 2023. https://www.seealliance.org/how-american-efficient-is-realizing-a-more-diverse-energy-industry/
5. “How American Efficient is Realizing a More Diverse Energy Industry.” Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. April 21, 2023. https://www.seealliance.org/how-american-efficient-is-realizing-a-more-diverse-energy-industry/
6. “About.” Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. April 21, 2023. https://www.seealliance.org/about/ https://www.seealliance.org/about/
7. “Energy Efficiency Policy.” Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. April 21, 2023.  https://www.seealliance.org/initiatives/energy-efficiency-policy/
8. “Energy Efficient Transportation.” Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. April 21, 2023. https://www.seealliance.org/initiatives/energy-efficient-transportation/