Community Engagement to Inform New Power Sources Programs

MFA assisted Puget Sound Energy by working with underrepresented and highly impacted communities in their service area to develop programs that include local power sources, such as solar and battery products. The aim of the Distributed Energy Resources program is to balance energy demand, reduce our carbon footprint, and lower utility bills for homeowners. MFA developed and implemented an engagement strategy that effectively centered overburdened and vulnerable populations in the design process, placing equity front and center. This approach was so successful that it’s now being replicated across multiple PSE projects. 

The MFA-led team coordinated stipends for underrepresented participants and community-based organizations, and closely tracked stakeholder engagement, providing weekly updates to the client. All community feedback was incorporated into an end-of-phase engagement summary for integration into PSE's filing to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. The feedback was integral to the development of an application process for new local power sources, such as solar and battery products for PSE customers. This effort contributed significantly toward PSE’s reputation as an industry leader in equity and sustainability.