What’s Next for Energy Policy and Sustainability?

Attending the NASEO 2025 Energy Policy Outlook Conference as a first-time participant was both enlightening and invigorating. This event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in energy policy and sustainability.

One of the standout themes of the conference was the call to think "outside the box" in a holistic way. For example, innovative approaches to policy were emphasized as a crucial lever for addressing current issues. This was especially relevant given how policy dominated much of the dialogue, creating both challenges and opportunities for deeper collaboration across the political spectrum. Interestingly, the divergence between political parties was clear, yet the shared urgency to find solutions for energy needs created some common ground.  

Data management emerged as another critical area of focus. The sheer growth of data centers—especially in Northern Virginia, which I learned has the largest concentration of such facilities in the world—has brought about significant challenges in energy usage and load demand. The role of AI was also highlighted, showcasing how advanced technologies are helping to better understand energy consumption patterns in real time, such as predicting how residents of a building consume energy to optimize distribution.  

Climate change shaped nearly every conversation, driving home its direct impact on energy production and demands. A standout phrase from the event captured this growing urgency perfectly: "The cheapest megawatt is the one you don’t have to generate." This idea emphasizes the need for greater efficiency while also tackling the broader question of whether the future demands "more energy or less." From the discussions, it became clear the answer is a resounding "more energy"—though it must be delivered more sustainably.  

Rebates were another significant takeaway—how they are communicated, implemented, and structured plays a big role in incentivizing energy efficiency. Companies that provide full-service platforms, including portals, web, and mobile functionality, seem to be dominating here, though they run the risk of becoming overly cookie-cutter in their approach. Nonetheless, their impact on shaping how consumers engage with energy efficiency cannot be ignored.  

Throughout the conference, one phrase especially stuck with me: "You can have great goals, but they mean nothing if you don’t demonstrate along the way." This was a powerful reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability when addressing energy policy and committing to climate action.  

Overall, the NASEO 2025 conference was a whirlwind of learning and connecting with some of the brightest minds in the industry. The themes of innovation and technology boundless at this event resonate deeply with the work we do, and I left feeling excited about the partnership possibilities with whom I connected. There’s so much more to explore, and we can't wait to grow with this vital industry.