Energy Efficiency Leaders to Discuss Green Jobs, Consumer Behavior & More at Ninth Annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference in Chicago

CHICAGO, Jan. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More than $1 billion will be invested in energy efficiency in the U.S. in 2011, an amount that's expected to nearly double by 2015.  With energy efficiency gaining momentum, the industry faces many new questions, such as:

• How can we create good jobs and new markets through energy efficiency?  
• How do we fast-track new and successful energy efficient product programs like EnergyStar appliance rebates?  
• What new programs and products will be available for consumers? Learn about new lighting technologies, smart meters and more.
• How to track behavioral-based energy efficiency tools to create lasting consumer benefit?

Hundreds of energy leaders from across the nation will gather January 12 to 14 in Chicago to explore these and many other hot issues at the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance's (MEEA) ninth annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference: Seizing the Momentum!

The three-day conference kicks off Wednesday, January 12th at 1 p.m. at the Chicago Hotel InterContinental with a keynote address from Commonwealth Edison President & CEO Anne Pramaggiore.

Highlights of the 2011 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference will include:

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

• Keynote address by ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore on the company's commitment to energy efficiency and plans for energy efficiency investment in the future.
• National Energy Efficiency Policy Update: Representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy and the Alliance to Save Energy will discuss the status of energy policies in the new Congress. Topics will include transmission planning, energy efficiency legislation, building codes and appliance standards at the national level, and the potential impact of carbon and climate legislation on efficiency.
• The Midwest's role as an emerging leader for Energy Efficiency Resource Standards, the efficiency case for consumer-owned utilities and additional sessions.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

• Keynote address by Bracken Hendricks with the Center for American Progress, who will present his findings from Efficiency Works: Creating Good Jobs and New Markets through Energy Efficiency.
• Sessions on:
  • Leveraging Retailers to Cost-Effectively Deliver Energy Efficient Product Programs
  • Potential New Lighting Programs and the Impact of New Technology and Regulations  
  • Creating Lasting Impacts: Behavior Change, Consumer Marketing and Claimed Savings
• 2011 Inspiring Efficiency Awards dinner and gala  

Friday, January 14, 2011

• Keynote address by Randy Blankenhorn, Executive Director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, addressing the opportunities and potential impact of energy efficiency in regional planning.
• Community Development and Energy Efficiency Session: Business and state government leaders review plans to leverage energy efficiency policies to propel economic growth and development through job creation, tax incentives and industry expansion for efficient technologies.

MEEA also will honor Midwest leaders who deliver groundbreaking advancements for energy efficiency at the 9th Annual Inspiring Efficiency Awards dinner and gala the evening of Thursday, January 13. The evening begins with a reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by the gala dinner and awards presentation from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This year's award nominees include:

More information about the Inspiring Efficiency Awards and this year's recipients can be found at www.meeaconference.org/awards_winners.php

Editor's Note:  For a detailed conference agenda, visit www.meeaconference.org.

For more information or to arrange interviews with conference presenters or MEEA representatives, contact Tim Frisbie at [email protected] or 312-251-9913.

About Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance – The Source on Energy Efficiency

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (www.mwalliance.org) is a collaborative network advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.  MEEA bridges the gap between policy adoption and program implementation.

MEEA promotes the market transformation of energy efficiency technologies, processes and best practices within a 13-state area, through policy advocacy, program design and facilitation and piloting of energy technologies. Energy efficiency is the critical first step in meeting our nation's myriad energy challenges due to low entry costs, proven and emerging technologies, ease of implementation, fast return on investment and measurable results.

Through our diverse network of members and regional allies, MEEA possesses the practical experience and informed vision to effect positive change today by supporting the region's stakeholders to achieve their efficiency goals for the future.

SOURCE Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance