Category Archives: Events

Speaker Bios – 2024 Energy Briefing

Posted on by

Secretary Jessica Shirley

Currently serving as the Interim Acting Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), Jessica Shirley plays a pivotal role in the guidance of the department in its mission to protect and preserve Pennsylvania’s environment while fostering sustainable and equitable practices. Jessica arrives to the role of Acting Secretary with extensive experience and knowledge within the agency. Most recently, Jessica served as the Executive Deputy Secretary overseeing all programs from February 2023 to October 2023.

Secretary Jessica was the first appointed Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator at the PA DEP from May 2022 to February 2023 and in this position, she oversaw the implementation of the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Jessica ensured the Department maximized funds for the betterment of Pennsylvania’s environment, economy, residents, and communities. Jessica previously served as the Policy Director from May 2016 to April 2022 and in this position, she helped develop groundbreaking executive orders related to PFAS, climate change, energy conservation and sustainability in Commonwealth operations, and environmental justice. Jessica was involved in leading Pennsylvania’s first ever Litter Action Plan which received several awards and national recognition. In her earlier role as the Executive Policy Specialist from January 2010 to February 2011, Jessica was a trusted advisor in various policy areas and served as the Policy Office liaison for multiple advisory committees.

Jessica’s educational background includes a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

David Ferro

David Ferro is the CEO of Optics Consulting LLC has over 25 years as an energy advisor.  Starting his career with Hess Oil and Columbia Gas, Dave is now the owner of an energy management and engineering firm.  Dave and his team at OPTICS Consulting are actively managing fortune 100 companies’ energy spend, use of energy, as well as their greenhouse gas objectives. He is passionate about solving energy problems and supportive of the use of innovation to achieving objectives.  Dave’s experience working for both utility, public and private sectors provides him with a diverse background for making informed energy market decisions.

February 15, 2024 – 12th Annual Energy Briefing – 8:15 -10:30 a.m.

Posted on by

REGISTER>>  https://SEI-Energy-Briefing-Feb-2024.eventbrite.com

Agenda:

8:15 -8:30 a.m. Check-in, light breakfast, and networking

8:30 -10:20 a.m. Program followed by Q&A

Continue the discussion until 10:30 a.m. in the Gallery

What’s the impact on your business’ bottom-line?

This year’s Annual Energy briefing is for energy related companies which want to learn more about several topics that will impact their business and their community.

  • As the federal government begins to allocate billions of dollars to the states, how will this funding from the Infrastructure Act and the Inflation Reduction Act be distributed into the marketplace? How can your clients and potential clients fund their energy projects with these monies and tax credits?
  • The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $7 billion to launch seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) across the nation and accelerate the commercial-scale deployment of low-cost, clean hydrogen. Funded by the Infrastructure Law, the seven H2Hubs will kickstart a national network of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure while supporting the production, storage, delivery, and end-use of clean hydrogen. MACH2 is a local project and will be discussed at the briefing.
  • Alternative energy (Solar, CHP, Fuel Cells, Battery Storage.. ect) may be right for the environment but may not always be the best solution based on a company’s utility contracts. Learn what fees make up your power and gas contracts and why? This part of the briefing will discuss the true impacts of alternative energy products on a facility’s actual energy bills. Regardless of if you have alternative energy in mind right now, you can learn more about your utility bill and be able to make some strategic decisions moving forward.

Presenters:

Keynote presentation by Jessica Shirley, Interim Secretary – PA Department of Environmental Protection, which includes the State Energy Office.

Acting Secretary Shirley will share how the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s funding from the Infrastructure Act and the Inflation Reduction Act be distributed into the marketplace. Learn how your business and your client’s may benefit from these new programs.

David Ferro, CEO – Optics Consulting LLC

This presentation will include a high level review of the PJM grid followed by how local gas and electric utilities bill their clients. We will explore the many utility invoice line items that are often ignored and explain how alternative energy solutions impact these fee structures both positively and negatively. Examples and case studies will be presented showing both favorable and detrimental scenarios based on the type of utility invoicing. The goal of this program is to educate the audience on how alternative energy projects can affect your “bottom line” allowing for improved decision making.

Thank you to our sponsors!

 

January 9, 2024 – SEI Working Groups meeting – 5-7:30 p.m.

Posted on by

The Annual SEI Working Groups will meet 1/9/2024 from 5-7:30 p.m. in Exton! These sessions will help SEI understand what trends you are hearing about in the energy industry, what would be of value to our industry partners and what training needs do you have during this quarter and throughout 2024. For an invitation, please contact Jim Lauckner jlauckner@ccedcpa.com and include your name, company and role.

Breakout session subgroups are in the following categories:

  • Hydrogen
  • Microgrids
  • CHP and Renewable Fuels
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Geothermal
  • Solar and Energy Storage

January 18, 2024 – Solar Adopter’s Conference – 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. FREE

Posted on by

Learn more and register https://www.eventcreate.com/e/solarconference

About this Event
It’s always sunny in Chester County! On-site solar energy for big energy users can save money and help meet sustainability goals. With ample incentives available, 2023/24 is a great time to get the ball rolling on evaluating solar and energy storage options.

At the Solar Adopters Conference attendees will learn about how corporations, office and education campuses, agricultural producers and shopping centers can take advantage of the latest technology, available incentives, RFP guidance, and support from local governments and the electric utility to realize energy price stability, carbon emissions reduction and long-term cost benefits.

Who Should Attend
Business owners/managers, facility managers, and sustainability managers representing the following sectors (and others!) that are considering on-site solar and/or energy storage are encouraged to attend this free event:

  • Industry
  • Agriculture
  • Commercial entities, including office parks and shopping centers
  • Schools and higher ed. campuses
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Warehouses and distribution centers
  • Multifamily housing and hotels

As a Bonus…
All registrants have the option to receive a quick analysis of their site’s on-site solar potential – receiving a letter grade raking the solar potential at each address provided. Assessments are done by Station A – a solar RFP organizer, not a solar installer.

Hosted By
Chester County Environmental and Energy Advisory Board
Smart Energy Initiative of Southeastern PA
PA Solar Energy Industries Association
Exton Chamber of Commerce
Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

Agenda

  • 8:30-9:00 – Check in, networking, coffee and light breakfast
  • 9:00-12:00 – Program (subject to change)
    • State of Solar Energy in PA and Chester County
      Ron Celentano, Pennsylvania Solar Energy Industries Association
    • Site Assessments
      Leo Menard, StationA
    • Grid Connection Considerations
      Brian Barr, PECO
    • Financial Incentives
      Christine Knapp, US Department of Energy, PECO, Sustainable Energy Fund
    • Energy Storage, Micro-Grids
      Andy Meserve, EOS
    • Local Solar Case Studies
  • 12:00-1:00 – Lunch

Date: Thursday, January 18
Time: 8:30 am-12pm, with lunch following
Location: nth Innovation Center, 190 West Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320
Cost: Free!

October 2023 – CHP Grant information with Q&A session on Oct. 19th at 1:00 p.m.

Posted on by

DOE, in collaboration with its Partnership Intermediary, ENERGYWERX, has re-opened applications for small and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs) to receive grants of up to $300,000, at 50% cost share, to implement recommendations made in Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) assessments and/or DOE Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) assessments – including what are now called “Onsite Energy TAP” assessments – and, once qualified, other assessments submitted previously for qualification as “IAC-equivalent.”

View LinkedIn post on it here and DOE’s press release here.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed quarterly. The deadline to be include in the next quarterly review cycle is December 31, 2023 at 5 pm ET.

A DOE Objective Strategic Session (OSS) question and answer session will be held monthly, with the next one occurring on October 19, 2023 at 1 pm ET. Register here.

October 3 and 4, 2023 – Geothermal Training at CCEDC 8am-5pm in Exton

Posted on by

October 3, 2023 – Basic Troubleshooting Geothermal:  Basic Troubleshooting covers many introductory and refresher topics to prepare a technician to perform diagnostics on our equipment. This course covers loop types, basic geothermal heat pump principles, and the refrigeration cycle. The course also includes how to troubleshoot a geothermal heat pump from the water and refrigeration systems, leak detection, TXV diagnosis, reversing valves, and other water source heat pump components. Basic component replacement is discussed, as well as controls and air and water-side analysis. This one day class is the perfect course for a new technician or a seasoned technician looking to brush up on skills. REGISTER: https://Basic_Troubleshooting_Geo_Training_Oct3.eventbrite.com

 

October 4, 2023 – Flow Centers Application, Installation & Diagnostics:  This one day module will cover the basics of flow center selection and sizing with GDS pressure drop calculator demonstration, basic installation practices, troubleshooting, pump slaving, impact of water quality on pump life and warranty. This class also includes flushing of both pressurized and non-pressurized flow centers as well as antifreeze selection and safety practices. REGISTER: https://Flow_Centers_Application_Installation_Diagnostics.eventbrite.com

Instructor Bio – Jay A. Hammond, WaterFurnace

Jay Hammond has been in the geothermal heating and cooling industry for well over 30 years.  Jay started his career literally “in the trenches” installing loop systems for a contractor, later moving to installation and service for various HVAC/R systems.  He has been employed by two major geothermal heat pump manufacturers in positions including Field Technical Service Advisor, National Training Manager, and National Accounts Manager.  He also has been employed by a large geothermal contractor and has experience with consumer sales and all other aspects of contracting.  Mr. Hammond is currently Training Manager for WaterFurnace, International.  He believes that training is paramount to successful geothermal systems and satisfied customers.  Mr. Hammond has had many published papers and articles and has been invited to speak at various trade conventions and assemblies.  Mr. Hammond is also listed as inventor for a geothermal heat pump system patent.

Mr. Hammond is a NATE Instructor and Proctor, IGSHPA Instructor, a NCCER Level 1-4 HVAC Instructor, and is certified as an instructor with various other organizations and State authorities.  In his spare time, Mr. Hammond is an NRA Certified Instructor and coaches youth firearms teams.

 

October 19, 2023 – The True Impacts of Alternative Energy Solutions on your Utility Bill – 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Posted on by

The True Impacts of Alternative Energy Solutions (Renewables, CHP and EV Charging Projects) on your Utility Bill.

Join us for a strategic “look behind the curtain” as we explore the true impacts of Renewables, CHP and EV charging projects on your gas and electric utility bills.

Presenter Bio:

David Ferro, CEO of Optics Consulting LLC has over 25 years as an energy advisor.  Starting his career with Hess Oil and Columbia Gas, Dave is now the owner of an energy management and engineering firm.  Dave and his team at OPTICS Consulting are actively managing fortune 100 companies’ energy spend, use of energy, as well as their greenhouse gas objectives. He is passionate about solving energy problems and supportive of the use of innovation to achieving objectives.  Dave’s experience working for both utility, public and private sectors provides him with a diverse background for making informed energy market decisions.