Grid reliability has always been an essential—if underappreciated—aspect of successful operations in manufacturing and energy-intensive industries. With trends in electrification and renewable energy on the rise, businesses have increasingly prioritized reliable energy supply as a key factor in investment decisions. In many cases, these same businesses want access to clean, locally-generated energy in order to meet corporate renewable procurement and efficiency goals. When comparing regions for the expansion or relocation of operations, companies may consider a region’s ability to provide these three energy attributes—1) clean, 2) local, and 3) reliable—as deciding factors.

In this discussion, chamber officials and industry professionals will discuss the imperative of grid reliability for attracting and retaining businesses, avenues to balance reliability with clean energy, and opportunities for public-private sector coordination to ensure modern, stable energy supply.

Speakers

• Bryn Baker, Senior Director, Market and Policy Innovation, Clean Energy Buyers Association

• Jose Beceiro, Director, Site Selection and Incentives Advisory, Kroll, LLC

• Kera Gautreau, Senior Director of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, Greater Houston Partnership

• Zach McGuire, Director, Clean Energy Initiatives, Columbus Partnership; Executive Director, Columbus Region Green Fund