Dec. 9, 2020
The 16th semiannual CalPlug workshop brought together experts in the energy sector to discuss how current-day energy consumption has affected communities – especially disadvantaged areas. The virtual event, held on Nov. 16, addressed specific concerns regarding the effects of energy consumption on the nation’s carbon footprint and energy-use challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
G.P. Li, CALIT2 director, welcomed the panel of distinguished speakers and a remote audience. Li explained the focus of the CalPlug workshop: climate change, energy consumption and energy insecurity in California’s disadvantaged communities during Covid-19.
“A 2016 report found that 3.3 million households – or about two out of three low-income households are energy insecure,” Li said. “While we are moving towards solving the problem of climate change, we have to look at the integrative relationship among them and how we can find innovative creative solutions,” he said.
Li highlighted a recent quote by Bill Gates, “As awful as this pandemic is, climate change could be worse. If we start now, tap into the power of science and innovation, and ensure that solutions work for the poorest, we can avoid making the same mistake with climate change.”
“Climate change, energy consumption and community need to all work together,” Li said. “We’re all in it together to face this greatest challenge in the world.”
Video presentations of CalPlug Workshop 16 speakers are available below. Click images to view.
Click title to download a PDF of each presentation.
G.P. Li, Director of CalPlug
“Welcome”
Joy Pixley, PhD, CalPlug Research Director
“Highlighting Plug Loads in Energy Efficiency Programs for Commercial Customers”
Michael Klopfer, PhD, Calplug Technical Director
“Energy Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic in Los Angeles”
Scott Hinson, Chief Technology Officer, Pecan Street
“Shifting Energy use Trends Due to COVID-19”
Steven Davis, UCI Associate Professor of Earth System Science
“Effects of COVID-19 on CO2 Emissions in the US and Globally”
Kim Trenbath, Lead, Systems Technology R&D, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
“Advances in Plug Load Control Technology”
Amir Tabakh, Manager of the LADWP La Kretz Labs and Energy Efficiency Solutions Engineering
“The Role of Utilities in the New Paradigm”
– Sharon Henry
