In the energy efficiency business, it is common for utilities to offer a portfolio of a dozen energy savings programs implemented by several third-party implementors. However, this can result in a confusing digital customer experience. Programs are advertised inconsistently, using different branding and messaging, making it difficult for customers to navigate program information and expectations. The disjointed process may even prevent customers from engaging altogether.
We’ve all been there. We lose a loved one or experience some other tragic event in our lives. At first, the outpouring of support from family and friends is overwhelming. Depending on our culture, the pomp surrounding funeral arrangements or others offering support (though well-meaning) may be a bit disconcerting and overwhelming. And then, when it’s all over, the quietness starts. Days, weeks, and months may pass without so much as a word from anyone. We often go from overwhelming attention to deafening silence.
PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. – Franklin Energy and AM Conservation Group, the leading demand side management firm in the utility industry, announced today the appointment of Jim Madej as the company’s new chief executive officer. Madej succeeds founder Paul Schueller, who has served as CEO since Franklin Energy’s inception in 1994 and recently announced his transition to the company’s board of directors. Madej will guide the strategic direction and lead the executive teams of Franklin Energy and AM Conservation Group. With more than 30 years in the energy industry, Madej brings an extensive background in business transformation, operational leadership, energy efficiency and customer experience.
If you haven't heard already, Franklin Energy and AM Conservation Group's Innovation Lab works to bring ongoing innovation to our clients, prospective clients, partners, and the industry at large. One of the results of these efforts is verified best practices for the industry to follow. In a recent Innovation Project about Acquisition Message Testing, we learned email best practices for utilities to follow when communicating with customers.
In 2019, renewable energy generation reached nearly 22 percent of US capacity, surpassing coal-fired plants’ share for the first time, and the rush to deploy battery storage at grid-scale and behind-the-meter surged as battery costs fell sharply. And while natural gas dominated the US power generation mix at over 44 percent of generation capacity, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicted in January 2020 that generation from renewable sources will surpass natural gas by 2045. By all accounts, the nation had fast-tracked decarbonization efforts.
Then the pandemic hit, and the transition to clean energy took a back seat. From disrupted supply chains to paused procurement, halted production, and delayed projects, the double-digit increase of renewable energy production expected to take place in 2020 looks to have come to a halt. But it’s not all bad news. Renewable energy may have unexpectedly slowed in 2020, but it won’t be down for long. The demand for renewable energy is still up, and those clean energy goals are still in place.
Here is where things stand:
