| | SEPTEMBER 20258E ERGYTech ReviewIN MY OPINIONEVOLVING ENERGY CHOICES WITH THE CUSTOMER IN MINDBy Leslie Myers, Product Manager, Renewables, Puget Sound EnergyAs the Product Manager for Voluntary Renewables at Puget Sound Energy (PSE), I oversee six different renewable energy options that thousands of customers across Washington count on to align their energy use with their values. My role blends strategy and operations: I ensure our products run smoothly day-to-day while also setting the long-term vision for how they evolve to meet changing customer needs and support broader corporate sustainability goals.A big part of my job is to ensure our renewable programs don't just exist--they stay relevant. That means listening closely to what customers want and making changes accordingly. For instance, we recently decided to close two long-standing products to new enrollments. They had served their purpose well and were created in response to customer demand over a decade ago. One of those, Solar Choice, offered 100% solar renewable energy certificates (RECs). However, the solar landscape in Washington has changed dramatically in ten years. With solar now more mainstream, our customers are gravitating toward options like Community Solar, which offers more localized, tangible connections to solar arrays--sometimes right in their neighborhoods.Breaking Down Barriers to ParticipationOne of the most persistent challenges we face is the cost barrier. Renewable energy often carries a premium, especially when there's an upfront investment involved. Despite the growing interest in sustainability, cost remains the first hurdle to adoption.That's why we're committed to building inclusive programs. At PSE, we offer income-qualified customers the opportunity to subscribe to up to two shares of Community Solar at no cost. We also provide grants and incentives to install solar panels for nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and facilities that serve lower-income communities. These installations can reduce the organizations' utility bills or even generate credits to share with affordable housing residents. It's about making renewable energy accessible, not just aspirational.Communicating Impact and Making it PersonalHelping customers understand the environmental impact of their participation is essential--not just for retention but also for creating a genuine sense of ownership and purpose. The tricky part is that renewable energy is often intangible. The power generated may come from a state--or even multiple states--away. It's not something customers can easily see or touch, and that can make it harder to connect with.When we align our renewable offerings with what people truly care about, we not only accelerate adoption--we build a cleaner, more inclusive energy future for allLeslie Myers is a Clean Energy Product Manager at Puget Sound Energy. Her role with PSE is to oversee a suite of voluntary clean energy programs that allow customers to reduce their carbon footprints. She also has many years of experience as a marketing and communications strategist. Leslie has bachelor's degrees in history and Women Studies from Portland State University and a Master of Communications from the University of Washington.
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