Clean Technologies
Climate smart technologies will soon become the standard as federal, state, and local governments implement climate action plans to reduce carbon emissions and improve the climate crisis by moving towards a more sustainable way of living.
Microgrids
In the next couple of decades, climate smart infrastructure is expected to replace aging outdated systems that support lifeline sectors such as energy and transportation. Microgrids are projected to play an outstanding role in this, particularly for emergency backup power. To better familiarize people with microgrids, Andrea showcased how Native American Tribes and small communities in Northwestern California are using them to power critical infrastructure during extreme weather events, such as Power Safety Public Shutoffs, rolling blackouts, and wildfires.
The content focused on educating the public about how microgrids work, the environmental benefits, and the overall energy cost savings they provide. The digital efforts included website copy, social media copy and posts, and video production. Andrea’s firm grasp on how to leverage attention with digital marketing garnered new high-level partnerships and recognition at the federal and state level. New grant opportunities followed.
Microgrid Video Series
Part of the educational component for communities with microgrids included a video series. The content visually showed what a microgrid looks like, how the solar array captures energy from the sun, and the overall economic benefits it provides by reducing energy costs by up to 40 percent. Another story focused on how Solar+ microgrids are serving as a model for how to provide emergency power for fuel stations around the State of California during extreme weather when power from the main grid is lost.
With strong images, compelling interviews, and informational graphics, Andrea’s storyteller marketing format successfully captured the capabilities of the climate smart technology – the stories were used to illustrate a success story in California, as all levels of government usher communities to adopt sustainable living models to reach zero emissions by 2030.
During threats of rolling blackouts in California due to extreme heatwaves and aggressive wildfires, communities with microgrid capabilities disconnected from the regional electrical grid during peak hours to contribute to the state-wide effort to conserve energy.
With strong copywriting, Andrea educated the public about the events while they were happening. She crafted messaging that carefully explained how important clean technologies are in the fight against climate change. Because people’s lives had been disrupted by the power being cut, the posts generated curiosity and understanding about the importance of acting on the climate crisis.
Rolling blackouts
PSPS Events
During the Public Safety Power Shutoffs, a Native American Tribe in Northwestern California became a hub for services to the greater Humboldt County region due to its microgrid capabilities. The solar array and backup batteries on site kept the lights on when the rest of the community went dark. In this case, it was proven how clean technologies can keep essential services going during an emergency so people can still have access to food, supplies, and fuel, and seek warm shelter if needed.
Andrea highlighted the event with copywriting for online platforms and press outreach initiatives. Over a hundred outlets ran the story including the Washington Post, NPR, and Associated Press.
Notable press:
Andrea is a highly skilled publicist and has helped climate-concious governments gain national press. See examples below:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2020/01/01/amid-shut-off-woes-beacon-energy/
https://apnews.com/article/california-lifestyle-power-outages-environment-and-nature-government-and-politics-80e3044da4163d6963c4035f402cdf62
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/renewables-clean-energy-climate-disasters_n_5fad67d1c5b6cae94043c56b
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/power-struggle/
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2019/03/microgrid-system-saves-tribe-200000-a-year/
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article270311677.html
https://www.npr.org/2020/01/11/795248921/california-reservations-solar-microgrid-provides-power-during-utility-shutoffs
https://www.wired.com/story/casino-microgrid-future-of-energy/