Baltic Nations Meet with AIRE Team

On June 10, AIRE hosted a cohort of clean energy specialists from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to discuss a project, "Baltic Cooperation on Utilizing Innovative Low-Carbon Energy Technologies." This was made possible through Cultural Vistas partnership with the U.S. Department of State to facilitate international exchange programs as part of their International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

The project consists of largely director-level energy professionals from the Baltics focusing on low-carbon technology, carbon-zero policymaking and planning, and regional coordination and cooperation towards low-carbon energy plans and infrastructure. The AIRE team provided the cohort with a briefing on recent clean energy and carbon neutrality efforts and how federal and state partnerships help in achieving these goals, discussing their effective programmatic, project-based, transactional, financial, behavioral change and policy strategies in the Energy Sector.

The IVLP brings thousands of visitors to the U.S. every year to foster cross-cultural ties between international professionals and their American counterparts. Learn more about IVLP.

Solar United Neighbors Event at Central Library

One of Arlington County's Community Energy Plan strategies is to facilitate the deployment of modern technology to increase grid resiliency. On May 30, the AIRE team hosted Solar United Neighbors and EcoAction for an informational presentation on Solar 101. Interested residents were educated on how to join the solar co-op group buying program, Solar Switch. The solar experts engaged residents on installation logistics, financial incentives and more.

AIRE Panelist at U.S. Clean Energy Transition Conference

On June 12, private companies, not-for-profits, legislators, industry representatives, academia, and federal, state and local policymakers convened at the National Press Club to discuss the energy transition. The panel discussed innovative technologies to upgrade the aging grid infrastructure, strategies to enhance grid reliability and withstand extreme weather events and the importance of partnerships between government, industry and communities to achieve a robust energy future. AIRE team member and outreach specialist, Jenna Peabody, spoke on the County's Community Energy Plan (CEP) resilience goals and strategies, the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for microgrids and resiliency hubs, and resources that enable residents to improve their individual and collective grid resiliency.

ACT NOW: Solar, as we know it, is at risk. Here’s how you can take action before it’s too late.

Next year, the SCC will make a crucial decision on net metering, a system that allows you to store solar credits. Net metering is a key factor in making solar energy affordable in Virginia. However, local utilities are advocating for its elimination, which could significantly reduce the savings homeowners currently enjoy. 

By installing solar panels before the SCC issues its ruling, you can secure the benefits of the current net metering policy. 

We've partnered with LEAP and Solarize Virginia to guide you through the process. Solarize Virginia, a trusted solar resource for over a decade, offers free solar assessments, vetted installers, and discounted rates. To install this year and secure your net metering benefits, sign up before June 30 or visit SolarizeVA.org to learn more about the benefits of solar energy. 

Capital Area Solar Switch

Is installing solar panels worth the investment? Find out from the experts at the #SolarSwitch program. Learn more.