Smart Energy Voices- Episode 97

Smart Energy Voices- Episode 97

Energy and Equity with Emily Schapira

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In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil welcomes Emily Schapira, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Energy Authority. She’s also a recent winner of the DEI Impact award in the Catalyst for Change category. They discuss how the Philadelphia Energy Authority is making great strides in the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

 

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • Learning about the Philadelphia Energy Authority [01:25]
  • Emily’s background in the energy industry [02:50]
  • Renewable energy and the job market [05:38]
  • The Philadelphia Energy Authority and the federal government [09:45]
  • The priorities of the Philadelphia Energy Authority [12:43]
  • How its partnerships are created and structured [16:03]
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace [19:37]
  • What’s next for Emily and the Philadelphia Energy Authority [26:35]

Learn about the Philadelphia Energy Authority

The Philadelphia Energy Authority is a quasi-governmental entity focused on building a robust and equitable clean energy economy. It holds long-term contracts on the city's behalf and develops programs and projects to drive the market.

In 2015, Emily put together a proposal for the Philadelphia Energy Campaign: a billion-dollar investment over 10 years to create 10,000 jobs in clean energy focused on city buildings, schools, affordable housing, and the commercial/industrial sector.

Renewable energy and the job market

When the Philadelphia Energy Authority launched its energy campaign, economic development and jobs were driving forces in politics. The unemployment rate among young black men was two to three times the city average and needed to be addressed, and the city was also facing a labor shortage in certain industries. The Philadelphia Energy Authority set out to provide skilled labor from the most marginalized communities. Through the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, the Philadelphia Energy Authority has since completed projects valued at over $800 million and created 7,000 jobs. 

The Philadelphia Energy Authority offers a three-year vocational training program at Frankford High School and runs programs for young adults through PowerCorpsPHL and the Energy Coordinating Agency. The students are trained in solar, electrical, weatherization, and clean residential construction. Most of the work is done by small and diverse companies. 

Many graduates from the Green Retrofit Immersive Training (GRIT) program enter employment for the contractors who work in its residential construction program.

The priorities of the Philadelphia Energy Authority

In partnership with the city’s Office of Sustainability, the Philadelphia Energy Authority is leading the Inflation Reduction Act strategy for Philadelphia and has applied for over $2 billion in grants so far. Emily believes the Authority should ultimately receive up to $5 billion. Emily also continues to push the energy campaign forward, which supports the water department and gas utilities in figuring out the future of the regional energy system that incorporates a hydrogen hub.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

Emily emphasizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) shouldn’t be a buzzword or performative. She advises that you must look at your company and ask “Where are we missing diversity? Does our company represent the people we serve, the people in our communities? Are we tapping the best parts of the workforce?” Businesses must work hard to give everyone the same opportunity and make sure everyone is uplifted in their communities.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Emily Schapira

Emily has led the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) as its President and CEO since 2016. PEA is an independent municipal authority building a robust, equitable clean energy economy in Philadelphia. PEA has supported over $800M in energy efficiency and clean energy programs and projects so far, creating over 7,000 jobs. PEA's work has been nationally recognized as a model for other states and municipalities. It covers City infrastructure, the School District of Philadelphia, housing, small businesses, and commercial and industrial properties. Prior to joining PEA, Emily led energy efficiency work across commercial and industrial customer portfolios for WESCO and Aelux and served in sustainability roles with Wharton, Intel, and Verizon. She chairs the board of the Philadelphia Green Capital Corp, Philly's green bank.

 

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