Growth in voluntary clean energy procurement is currently stymied by a lack of credit access. Many energy customers cannot access virtual power purchase agreements or other clean energy procurement mechanisms because they have no- or low-credit ratings. In fact, only 23 percent of the most mature U.S.-listed companies have sufficient credit ratings to support the development of large-scale offsite clean energy projects. In this workshop, we'll frame the issue and engage with attendees to unpack this challenge and identify potential paths forward.

Green tariffs and other utility-offered clean energy programs can be an option for energy customers to help meet their demand for impactful clean electricity, particularly in regions with regulated electricity markets. In this session, leading buyers and utilities will share what has made existing green tariff programs successful for both parties. Participants will come away with an increased understanding of where these programs are available, elements that have made the programs attractive to customers, important questions for customers to ask their utility, and how utility/customer partnerships can help meet the needs of customers to access clean energy that is cost-effective, available to customers with smaller loads, drives local benefits and decarbonizes the grid.

As the internet grows, so are its adverse environmental impacts. Join this session to hear the best thinking from thought leaders and participate in interactive brainstorming — to gain insights about the future of the internet and its growing energy footprint.

Net-zero emissions goals are unachievable without large-scale integration of clean energy technologies beyond wind and solar. Energy customers can expedite the deployment of emerging carbon-free technologies but often lack the information necessary to engage with confidence. This panel of cleantech incubators and accelerators will explore how to de-risk engagement with startups and identify pathways to successful cleantech partnerships.