TVA selects SACE’s Dr. Stephen Smith to serve on Regional Energy Resource Council
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Rennicks, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, 865-235-1448, jennifer@cleanenergy.org
TVA selects SACE’s Dr. Stephen Smith to serve on Regional Energy Resource Council
Knoxville, Tenn. (September 13, 2013) ///MEDIA STATEMENT/// Today, the Tennessee Valley Authority announced the 19 members selected for a new Regional Energy Resource Council (RERC). The stated purpose of the RERC is to gather input from a range of stakeholders interested in the development and management of energy resources in the Tennessee Valley.
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy’s executive director, Dr. Stephen A. Smith, was selected to serve on the Council. Dr. Smith issued this statement about the Council’s formation and his inclusion:
“I am honored to accept the nomination to serve on this important body. I take seriously the charge as a representative of the Clean Energy and Environmental stakeholders in helping TVA and its Board determine the best way to manage the region’s energy resource activities and priorities.
“I look forward to working with other Council members in providing independent advice on important policy decisions and strategies. As the nation’s largest public power agency, TVA is stronger and more successful when the agency engages the Valley’s diverse stakeholders in meaningful collaboration.
“This is a period of dynamic change in the utility industry; TVA must be willing to change with the times. It is my hope that the RERC can help TVA during this period of new opportunities.
Background on Dr. Stephen A. Smith:
Dr. Stephen A. Smith brings more than 30 years of experience and energy expertise to his newly appointed seat on the RERC. Smith has provided extensive leadership and professional expertise to external organizations, committees and working groups and has specifically served on the Tennessee Valley Renewable Energy Information Exchange; the U.S. Secretary of Energy’s Tennessee Valley Electric System Advisory Committee; as well as numerous stakeholder processes through TVA including its Integrated Resource Plan Stakeholder Review Group, Green Power Marketing Team, Regional Resource Stewardship Council, Energy Vision 2020, and Integrated Resource Plan Review Group.
Dr. Smith holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Kentucky Wesleyan College. In 2009, he and his family commissioned a 7.1 kilowatt rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system on their Knoxville home to compliment the solar thermal system installed the year before. By coupling these solar technologies with additional energy efficiency investments, the Smiths strive to live in a “net-zero energy home.”
Background on the RERC:
TVA operates the nation’s largest public power system: providing electricity to more than 9 million customers in parts of seven southeastern states. To help manage energy resource priorities among competing objectives and values, TVA is forming the Regional Energy Resource Council to obtain advice and views from the public and private sectors and individuals interested in the development and management of energy resources in the Tennessee Valley
The Council will consist of up to 20 members, chosen to ensure objectivity and balance in representing a broad range of views and interests, including environmental, industrial, business, consumer, educational, and community leadership interests. All members of the Council shall be persons possessing demonstrated professional or personal qualifications relevant to TVA’s energy resource activities. The first meeting of the RERC is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, in Scottsboro, Alabama.
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Founded in 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org