A November 2019 briefing for members of the U.S. House of Representatives Problem Solvers Caucus demonstrated the critical role played by State and Territory Energy Offices in energy sector and community resilience due to their ability to advance innovative policies and programs across key sectors and assets, including in electricity, natural gas, fuels, healthcare facilities, shelters, and other critical infrastructure.
During the briefing, NASEO Executive Director David Terry highlighted the importance of energy in resilience efforts as a basis for other community lifeline services, such as transportation, communication, emergency medical care, as well as access to food, clean water, and shelter. The State Energy Offices’ work to improve both energy system resilience and community resilience involves working with local governments, businesses, investors, federal agencies, and others to implement strategies and projects that reduce energy system risk from natural disasters. Mr. Terry highlighted states’ policies supporting electric utility resilience investments, the creation of microgrids for mission-critical facilities, and investments in building energy efficiency to lower power demand and reduce the size and cost of backup power systems.
The briefing was hosted by NASEO in partnership with the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, and NASEO Affiliate member Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. It was attended by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee staff in addition to staffers from the offices of Representative Max Rose (D-NY ), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Christopher Smith (R-NJ), Matt Cartwright (D-PA) and Tom Reed (R-NY).