| | SEPTEMBER 20259E ERGYTech ReviewTo bridge that gap, we publish an annual impact report showing the collective participation outcomes. These numbers can be significant and are always well-received. For our commercial clients, we also offer customized reports summarizing their energy impact--these are particularly valuable for organizations working to meet sustainability goals and report on their environmental performance.The Future of Renewable Programs: Specificity and SimplicityAs I look ahead, I see that customers want more specificity. If they can't install solar panels on their rooftops or produce their renewable natural gas, they still want to know exactly where their energy is coming from. That's why some of our newer offerings allow customers to replace their energy with electricity from a specific solar array or renewable natural gas collected at a Washington landfill. These options might be more expensive, but they're popular because customers value transparency and traceability--they want to know what's flowing into their homes.At the same time, I firmly believe in the enduring value of our legacy program, Green Power. It's affordable, easy to adopt, and offers real environmental impact. These projects are typically built in highly efficient locations--maximizing wind or solar generation--and the flexibility of Green Power means we can support emerging technologies like biogas or geothermal when the opportunity arises.Advice for Others in the Utility SpaceIf I had one piece of advice for other utilities or energy professionals, it would be this: ask your customers what they want. Don't assume. Some of our large commercial clients prioritize cost and consistency to meet corporate sustainability targets. For them, we offer a large-volume Renewable Energy Certificates product that sources energy mostly from the Midwest with some local supply--resulting in a lower price and a more streamlined supply mix. On the other hand, our residential customers often value a more personal, local connection, and that's where Community Solar shines.We've also learned that the best time to engage customers is at the start of their journey. We've integrated voluntary renewables as an enrollment option when customers sign up or change their service online. This simple step has dramatically increased program visibility and participation while being one of our most cost-effective outreach strategies.Finally, keeping an existing customer is far more cost-effective than acquiring a new one. That's why we invest in customer education and retention. Beyond the annual impact reports, we publish a quarterly newsletter, provide window clings for commercial participants, and share an educational e-book to help our customers understand the ripple effects of their support.My role is about listening--to the market, data, and, most importantly, our customers. When we align our renewable offerings with what people truly care about, we accelerate adoption and build a cleaner, more inclusive energy future for all.
< Page 8 | Page 10 >