Discussions encompass programs that impact member-consumers, ranging from energy audits to EVs

EnergyLines November 2020

 

With the pandemic halting large gatherings across the state, organizers chose to hold the Fall 2020 Marketing and Member Services Meeting virtually. Taking place in six sessions, the virtual meetings provided updates on pilots, offered information on industry programs and facilitated feedback from members in roundtable discussions.

 

“We were able to create a dynamic agenda that speaks to issues that are of direct interest to our member cooperatives and their member-consumers,” says Scott Bowers, Vice President of Public Policy and Member Services.

 

The Rural Energy Audit Pilot

 

In the first session, Blake Kleaving, Manager of Energy Management Solutions, explained guidelines and expectations for relaunch of the Rural Energy Audit Pilot Program for member-consumer farms and small businesses.

 

During the session, Kleaving provided participants a first look at all new marketing and communications materials. 

 

Touchstone Energy Forum

 

Hoosier Energy Communications Manager Greg Seiter moderated the second session’s discussion about Touchstone Energy, which has proven to be a valuable resource – with a sizeable price tag – for many co-ops over the years. This open forum included discussion that will help guide future plans regarding this affiliation.

 

Indiana Auto Industry Analysis

 

Automotive manufacturers and suppliers served by member co-ops employ more than 20,000 Hoosiers and account for more than 100 MW of electric demand. This industrial sector is an economic force in Indiana. Bernard Swiecki, Director of the Automotive Communities Partnership at the Center for Automotive Research, gave an in-depth look at the automotive industry for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021 during the third MMSC session.

 

Member Engagement and Co-op Response During The Pandemic

 

The pandemic has altered member cooperatives’ daily business practices this year. In the fourth session, Harrison REMC’s Energy Advisor Nick Geswein moderated a discussion on how work has changed in the pandemic with members sharing unique ways they overcame and engaged with member-consumers during the pandemic.

 

Future Marketing Pilots, Programs

 

The fifth session provided information on future programs and services benefiting cooperatives and member-consumers. Kleaving reviewed the past decade of the Team Up – Together We Save marketing campaign and offered an interactive discussion on the future branding of new pilots and program initiatives, including details on upcoming beneficial electrification pilots.

 

Electric Vehicle Pilot Project

 

The final session presented by the Emerging Energy Resources team of Ryan Henderson, Josh Cisney and Chad Jenkins, provided an overview of the Electric Vehicle pilot and future pilots. Participants discussed their electric vehicle strategies and experiences rolling out the EV Charger Program.

 

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