Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Names Jay Wrobel as New Executive Director

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance – which promotes energy efficiency efforts across 13 states in the Midwest region – has named Jay Wrobel as its new Executive Director.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110208/CG44266)

Wrobel, who previously served as MEEA's Director of Programs, takes the helm at a time when both the association and the industry are experiencing tremendous growth.  MEEA has doubled its staff since Wrobel joined in 2007, and increased its reach from nine states to thirteen.

"Jay is a leader with a deep knowledge of energy markets, technologies and strategies," said MEEA Board Chairman Greg Lovett.  "He is perfectly suited to take MEEA's mission of supporting sustainable economic development and environmental preservation to the next level while balancing the economic impact on utilities and consumers."

"As utilities, state and local governments and the nation become increasingly committed to investing in energy efficiency, MEEA and our members and partners are poised to break ground in new areas," Wrobel said.  "Our first priorities will be piloting new programs and supporting emerging technologies to maximize energy savings for homeowners as well as commercial and industrial customers."

"Most energy efficient programs have focused on specific components, such as lighting," said Wrobel.  "The next opportunity is to develop whole-home energy performance programs, which will help homeowners cut energy use and save money by optimizing insulation as well as heating and cooling systems to make the entire structure more energy efficient."

Another emerging trend is the emphasis on behavioral change, or working to encourage consumers to adopt energy-conserving products and practices.

"Behavioral change is without question one of the industry's leading trends," Wrobel said. "These programs can encompass everything from smart meters to educational programs for elementary students."

MEEA's new Industrial Initiatives Program is also a big priority, because so much of the U.S.'s manufacturing and processing industries are located in the Midwest.  Industrial manufacturers represent a tremendous potential for energy savings, but have traditionally been a hard-to-reach market segment.  Because of its regional presence, MEEA is uniquely positioned to work directly with these organizations across multiple states to identify and implement new energy-saving technologies.

In addition to its program work, MEEA is the leading resource for energy efficiency policy at the local, state and regional levels.  With new governors in eight of the thirteen states in MEEA's region and hundreds of new legislators entering office, MEEA is primed to educate these new policymakers on the consumer, economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency.  

In all, Wrobel has more than 12 years of experience in energy, efficiency and sustainability.  He began his career on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade, but after four years returned to graduate school in search of a field where he could make a difference.

After earning his Masters in Energy and Environmental Analysis from Boston University, Wrobel analyzed power and natural gas markets at Cambridge Energy Research Associates and managed community energy planning projects at the Gas Technology Institute before joining MEEA.

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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