CESA Working Groups and Learning Networks
CESA manages a number of working groups and learning networks, which are small groups geared towards discussing specific topics. Groups hold periodic meetings for discussion and resource sharing, and for presentations by experts in the field. Some of these groups are restricted to CESA members or representatives of state energy agencies. Participation requirements and restrictions for each group, and information on how to get involved, are described below. Those who sign up to join a CESA working group and/or learning network will receive information, resources, and event invitations related to the respective topic.
Aggregated Distributed Energy Resources Working Group
The Aggregated Distributed Energy Resources (ADER) Working Group explores the fast-expanding field of battery-based ADERs, often called virtual power plants (VPPs). The group offers a forum where state regulators, policymakers, and agency staff can learn from practitioners and each other. Monthly online meetings feature presentations by experts on topics members choose, followed by Q&A, facilitated discussion, and peer exchange. Topics include ADER markets and value frameworks, ownership models and the role of third-party aggregators, program design and best practices, compensation and incentive mechanisms, regulatory frameworks, case studies, technical components, and more.
CESA Staff Contact: Todd Olinsky-Paul
Open to: State officials, staff and consultants
Frequency: Monthly, held on the fourth Thursday, 2-3 pm ET
To join: Email [email protected]
Energy Equity Working Group
The Energy Equity Working Group gives CESA members a protected space to discuss states’ efforts to maintain momentum on energy justice and/or to implement energy equity efforts at the state level. It also considers how CESA members pursue equity in program development and implementation at their own agencies, and it offers best practices on topics such as community engagement, solicitation and grant development, and more.
CESA Staff Contact: Anna Ziai
Open to: CESA Members
Frequency: Quarterly (date/time currently in review)
To join: Email [email protected]
Energy Storage Working Group
As part of CESA’s Energy Storage Policy for States project, the Energy Storage Working Group provides CESA members with regular opportunities to learn and share knowledge about energy storage. The group meets regularly for policy and program updates from members, and to hear from experts on topics of interest such as market participation, energy storage valuation, energy storage in microgrids, and virtual power plants. The working group is regularly attended by representatives of 21 CESA Member states.
CESA Staff Contact: Todd Olinsky-Paul
Open to: CESA Members
Frequency: Sessions are the second Monday of every month at 1pm ET.
To join: Email [email protected]
Energy Storage Working Group for Utility Regulators
The Energy Storage Working Group for Utility Regulators provides regulatory agency staff with regular opportunities to learn from experts, share knowledge, and discuss challenges and strategies to benefit their energy storage work. The group meets monthly for updates and information sharing from attendees, and to hear from experts on topics of interest to the group including policy and regulatory frameworks, strategies to support state program development, and technical and safety considerations for energy storage.
CESA Staff Contact: Todd Olinsky-Paul
Open to: Regulatory agency staff
Frequency: Sessions are the second Wednesday of every month at 3pm ET.
To join: Email [email protected]
Low- and Moderate-Income Solar Office Hours
These monthly office hours are an open forum for state staff working on solar and solar+storage programs for low-and moderate-income households. Participants can trade ideas, share best practices, work through common challenges, and bring questions to peers working on similar issues, all with the goal of expanding equitable access to solar energy.
CESA Staff Contact: Amanda Sen
Open to: Solar for All grantees and state officials, staff and consultants
Frequency: Sessions are on the third Wednesday of the month, 4-5pm ET.
To join: Email [email protected]
Networked Geothermal Working Group
The Networked Geothermal Working Group serves as a touchpoint for CESA members to learn about and develop networked geothermal initiatives in their respective states. The group features guidance from external experts, peer-to-peer knowledge and resource sharing, and efforts toward member collaboration.
CESA Staff Contact: Anna Ziai
Open to: CESA Members
Frequency: TBD
To join: Email [email protected]
Offshore Wind Working Group
CESA facilitates multi-state dialogue on state offshore wind policies and programs. Working group participants provide regular updates on project and policy developments and discuss major policy areas such as planning, procurement, transmission, ports, workforce and economic development, community benefits, and more. This working group meets every two months.
CESA Staff Contact: Sam Schacht
Open to: CESA Members
Frequency: This working group meets every two months.
To join: Email [email protected]
Water Cooler Office Hours (Federal Energy Policies and Impacts on States)
The Water Cooler Office Hours (or “Water Coolers”) provide CESA members with an informal, protected space to learn about, discuss, and ask questions regarding federal energy developments and how they may affect state programs. Past Water Coolers have featured presentations and Q&A from experts on topics across the energy spectrum, e.g., national lab research on the interconnection queue and state electricity prices, the implications of federal legislation and actions on states, and more.
CESA Staff Contact: Anna Ziai
Open to: CESA Members
Frequency: Every three weeks on Tuesdays at 1pm PT
To join: Email [email protected]