Industry influencers from across the country converge to discuss "securing the future" of clean energy; NCSEA to unveil results of 2014 NC Clean Energy Census

Raleigh, N.C., August 15, 2014 – The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA), a leading 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to shaping the state's clean and efficient energy future, will host its 6th annual Making Energy Work conference October 1-2, 2014 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C. Nearly 600 state, regional and national clean energy providers, advocates and decision-makers are expected to attend the two-day conference to discuss the latest information, solutions and technologies impacting a secure energy future and how clean energy plays a role in a globally competitive economy.

"This is a critical time for the clean energy industry," said Ivan Urlaub, executive director, NCSEA. "The energy choices we make today have a complex social, political, economic and environmental impact. Making Energy Work will connect highly engaged public and private sector leaders who have a stake in North Carolina's clean energy future – including government officials, utilities representatives and industry members – in order to elevate North Carolina's position as a clean energy leader and cultivate a thriving, reliable and affordable clean energy ecosystem."

With North Carolina on the leading-edge of renewable energy and energy-efficiency initiatives, this year's conference theme – Securing the Future – will focus on clear, actionable dialogue for ensuring a flourishing energy future, while fostering connectivity and intelligence to drive a sustainable ecosystem of job growth, business and economic development. The agenda begins with a powerful state of the industry briefing by NCSEA's team of knowledgeable resources and market intelligence experts, followed by keynotes, exhibitions, networking and breakout sessions that will explore models for efficiency and sectors ranging from solar and wind to smart grid and electric vehicles. Example sessions to look out for include, "Local Governments Making Clean Energy Work," "Making the Business Case for Clean Energy," and "Innovations in Conventional Energy."

"NCSEA has served as the go-to resource for clean energy information and connectivity, and is committed to uniting policymakers and businesses through the organization's strong understanding of the country's rapidly evolving clean energy market and the sectors that contribute to continued growth," said Dennis Richter, President of National Renewable Energy Corporation. "The level of expertise and quality of panelists at Making Energy Work represents the best of the energy business who strive to continue the challenging conversation and to drive critical policy change."

New to the agenda this year, Making Energy Work will feature "Power Pitches" — five minute opportunities for select companies to show how their innovations positively impact the clean energy industry. NCSEA also plans to unveil the results of its 2014 North Carolina Clean Energy Census, providing job growth and sector breakdowns on the state's growing energy market. As an additional draw, the evening reception on Oct. 1 will foster inspiring dialogue where attendees can receive a combination of actionable information and valuable conversations on all perspectives of clean energy. The complete list of keynote speakers will be unveiled in September. Interested attendees can register online at http://www.makingenergywork.org/register.html.

For more information on Making Energy Work 2014, including panel and speaker descriptions and registration, please visit the www.makingenergywork.org or contact Christy Marcinkowski at events@energync.org.

About NC Sustainable Energy Association

The NC Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) is the leading 501(c)3 nonprofit partner organization dedicated to driving public policy and market development that create clean energy jobs, economic opportunities and affordable energy to benefit all of North Carolina by educating, empowering leaders and removing barriers that impede growth of the state's clean energy economy.

NCSEA has solidified its reputation as a trusted and collaborative resource – leveraging deep ties with members, businesses, consumers and policymakers, and a strong understanding of the state's rapidly evolving clean energy market – in order to elevate North Carolina's position as a clean energy leader and cultivate a thriving clean energy ecosystem. Since 1978, NCSEA has driven some of the most successful policies across all energy sectors that help to consistently increase jobs, market exports, the local tax base and fiscal return on clean energy policies.

For regular updates, please visit NCSEA online at energync.org and follow NCSEA on Facebook and Twitter.