Energy Democracy and Empowerment

Originally aired January 19, 2022

One of the unique opportunities of the clean energy transition is reorganizing the energy system to empower and benefit communities. Sponsored by ASU LightWorks, this panel explores how to achieve energy democracy — creating space for communities to shape energy futures, diversifying ownership of energy assets, and scaling community solar and clean energy programs for national impact.

Speakers

Clark Miller (Moderator)

Professor & Director, Center for Energy & Society, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University

Clark Miller is a Professor and Director of the Center for Energy & Society at ASU’s College of Global Futures. His research focuses on science, technology, and globalization, including the governance of energy system transitions, the social sustainability of clean energy change, and the design of knowledge systems for US and global policymaking.

Chéri Smith

Founder & CEO, Indigenized Energy Initiative

Chéri Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indigenized Energy Initiative (formerly Covenant Tribal Solar Initiative), working to eradicate energy poverty in indigenous American communities through solar capacity building, entrepreneurship, and education. A descendant of the Mi’Kmaq tribe of Maine and the Canadian Maritimes, she previously coordinated stakeholders and training at Tesla-SolarCity to employ 6,500 new clean energy workers.

Emily Schapira

President & CEO, Philadelphia Energy Authority

Emily Schapira is President and CEO of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, where she led a $1 billion, 10-year initiative to advance energy efficiency and clean energy across Philadelphia, creating over 10,000 jobs. She previously served as Director of Global Accounts for Lighting at WESCO Distribution and worked on sustainability programs at Verizon and Intel.

Cecilio Ortiz-Garcia, PhD

Professor & Chair, Public Affairs and Security, University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley

Dr. Cecilio Ortiz-Garcia is a Professor and Chair of Public Affairs and Security at the University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley. His research addresses the social acceptance of energy technologies, energy governance, and justice in post-disaster recovery. He is co-founder of INESI (the National Institute for Energy and Island Sustainability) and a member of the RISE Network for Resilience through Innovation in Sustainable Energy.