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 clean 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.
Energy Storage Working Group
As part of CESA’s Energy Storage Policy for States project, the Energy Storage Working Group (ESWG) 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 Contacts: Todd Olinsky-Paul and Olivia Tym
Open to: CESA Members
To Join: Email [email protected]
Energy Storage Working Group for Utility Regulators
The Energy Storage Working Group for Utility Regulators (RESWG) 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 Contacts: Todd Olinsky-Paul and Olivia Tym
Open to: Regulatory agency staff
To Join: Email [email protected]
National Community Solar Partnership+ Solar and Storage Working Group
This working group is focused on understanding how to monetize solar + storage to scale grid and resilience benefits. These sessions are held every two weeks, alternating between educational sessions with presentations from subject matter experts and collaborative, Q&A-based discussions. Attendees will explore strategies to reduce energy costs, enhance resilience and meet their state decarbonization goals and learn about best practices to optimize value streams and develop solar+storage markets.
CESA Staff Contacts: Hanna Jones and Olivia Tym
Open to: NCSP+ members, awardees of Solar for All funding
To Join: Please fill out the registration form here
National Community Solar Partnership+ Defining, Achieving, and Verifying Solar Savings Working Group
This working group will work to address challenges in ensuring low-to-moderate income (LMI) households experience meaningful financial benefits from solar programs. By exploring best practices and existing methodologies, the group seeks to define and standardize approaches for achieving and verifying household savings across various solar program types. It will also provide technical assistance to states and inform the development of scalable, transparent, and equitable solar initiatives. Insights from this group will guide further research by NREL and CESA, supporting the successful launch of future state programs. This working group is expected to launch in January 2025 – more details to come!
CESA Staff Contact: Hanna Jones
Open to: NCSP+ members, awardees of Solar for All funding
To Join: Email [email protected]
Offshore Wind Working Group
As part of the Offshore Wind Accelerator Project, CESA facilitates multi-state dialogue on state offshore wind policies and programs. States discuss procurement mechanism best practices, contracting structures, workforce and economic development considerations, and more. We invite experts on a diverse range of topics such as transmission, the European policy and regulatory experience, port development, and job growth.
CESA Staff Contact: Vero Bourg-Meyer
Open to: CESA Members
To Join: Email [email protected]