LHENA Talks Speaker Series

LHENA Talks is a monthly speaker series that takes place on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. Each talk features a guest speaker and focuses on community issues of interest and is sponsored by a local business. LHENA Talks strives to bring together residents, businesses, and community members alike to foster a space for fruitful discussions while highlighting the amazing work being done in our communities. Interested in being a speaker or sponsor? Take a moment to fill out this form. ​​

LHENA Talks #12: Clean Energy Partnership

Wednesday, June 22
7-8pm
Zoom
"[The] Clean Energy Partnership is a first-in-the-nation agreement that brings together the City of Minneapolis, Xcel Energy, and CenterPoint Energy in support of the City's Climate Action Plan and 2040 Energy Vision."  This LHENA Talk featured two representatives from Xcel Energy to talk about the Clean Energy Partnership, how it fits into community opportunities to act on climate goals, and how the City of Minneapolis fits in. 
Speakers:  Suzanne Murphy (Senior Manager, Community Relations at Xcel Energy) and Sara Barrow (Manager, Policy and Outreach at Xcel Energy).

Suzanne Murphy is a longtime City Council Policy Aide and Senior Policy Aide for Councilmember Andrew Johnson, who recently transitioned to the role of Senior Manager, Community Relations in Minneapolis for Xcel Energy.  

Sara Barrow has been with Xcel Energy since 2014.  Her current role is Manager, Policy and Outreach focusing on "Carbon Free Future MN" and the plans that are in the works to help Minnesota get to 100% carbon free energy by 2050.
Other topics covered: 
  • The Clean Energy Pact and how neighbors can sign on 
  • Home Energy Squads and how residents can get energy assistance or efficiency assistance (HES is managed by CEE, who also manages LHENA's loan programs)
  • Renewable energy opportunities for residents
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Moderator: Peter Schmitt - Peter is a board member for the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association.  He works for US Solar, a local company focusing heavily on community solar.  Peter has worked in the energy sector in both paid and volunteer roles since 2015.
Sponsor: This LHENA Talk was generously sponsored by Xcel Energy. Half of their donation will benefit The Bridge for Youth.