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City of Tacoma Job Opportunity – Customer Energy Solutions Portfolio Planner

June 4, 2026 By SBC staff

Are you looking to make a change? The City of Tacoma has a new job posting that may be exactly what you are looking for. Check out the below description or click here for all the details!

Position Description:

Tacoma Power’s Power Management team is looking for a Customer Energy Solutions Portfolio Planner to join their team! In this role you will work closely with the Customer Energy Solutions (CES) Manager and Leadership team. This position provides technical, data-driven and innovative advice informing the development and maintenance of the CES program portfolio. A key task is drafting the biennial Conservation and Energy Programs Plan, which serves as a roadmap for CES’s development and implementation of its conservation program portfolio. The plan must cost-effectively achieve energy conservation targets under the WA Energy Independence Act while also meeting policy objectives related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and supporting positive customer engagement. Another key responsibility of this position is to lead the conservation potential assessment and the demand response potential assessment activities that inform both our plan and our regulatory obligations. On an ongoing basis, the position also provides analysis to inform portfolio management and program modification using industry knowledge, program data, outside data sources and customer data from the utility’s various systems. The position actively helps to advise on a transition to new energy programs such as demand response and electrification programs into the overall CES portfolio. Additionally, this position may serve as a technical coordinator in the region in matters related to CES’s program programs and portfolio.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Serve as lead for Conservation Potential Assessment (CPA) process
  • Serve as lead for Demand Response Potential Assessment (DRPA) process
  • Provide insight, data, and analysis for Electric Vehicle Potential Analysis (EVPA)
  • Develop the Customer Energy Solutions (CES) plan which includes conservation targets and electrification strategies needed for regulatory obligations
  • Provide analysis for cost effectiveness tests (such as the Utility Cost Test and the Total Resource Cost) for new and ongoing programs.
  • Reviewing and analyzing data from internal and external sources including AMI data, market research, and business intelligence information, etc.
  • Utilize deterministic and probabilistic economic models for near term and long-term planning decisions for the CES Program Portfolio.
  • Ensuring the plan complies with internal and regulatory guidelines
  • Collecting and editing quantitative and qualitative data that describes the plan
  • Coordinating with multi-departmental / multi-disciplinary team members
  • Assist purchasing processes for program vendors
  • Working with management to create performance metrics
  • Developing business cases for initiating, improving and terminating programs bpry using sophisticated economic tools and methods
  • Presenting recommendations to management, program staff, and stakeholders as it relates to the strategy of the portfolio
  • Study, interpret and recommend actions regarding public policy impacts on programs
  • Provide recommendations for Power Management on policy matters
  • Liaisons with policy staff to track and comment and relevant state and federal legislation

If this sounds like you, you can apply directly from this link.

Filed Under: Jobs

Help Shape the Conversation at SBX 2026!

May 25, 2026 By SBC staff

Agenda Topics & Call for Speakers

Smart Buildings Exchange Fall Conference | November 9-10, 2026 | Downtown Seattle

What’s on the SBX Agenda?
We’re excited to announce the SBX 2026 agenda. Grounded in our theme, “Accelerating Performance at the Speed of Innovation,” this year’s topics center on one question: what will it take to move smart buildings from promising projects to genuine, repeatable scale? The agenda digs into the practical barriers and opportunities that matter most right now—financing structures, policy alignment, AI-driven operations, and what it will take to make smart buildings the norm rather than the exception.

SBX is built on practitioner knowledge and real-world experience. As noted in the grid below, we’re actively looking for speakers, panelists, and moderators who can bring grounded, honest perspectives to our attendees — not polished sales pitches, but genuine insight from the work you’re doing in the field.

We’re especially interested in voices from:

  • Building owners, managers, and operators
  • Engineers, commissioning professionals, and energy managers
  • Sustainability and decarbonization leaders
  • Utility and policy experts
  • Technology providers with real-world deployment stories
  • Finance and capital professionals working on building performance

We’ve designed this year’s program to be direct, substantive, and honest. We’re interested in hosting multiple perspectives; disagreement is ok and leads to progress. If you have real experience, a grounded perspective, or a passionate point of view on any of these topics, we want to hear from you.

Interested in speaking or have speaker suggestions? We want to hear from you!
Ready to share your expertise or know great speakers who should be considered? Complete our speaker suggestion form to tell us about yourself or the suggested speaker(s), areas of expertise, and which topics would be a good fit. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and our programming team will be in touch with those whose experience aligns with our conference themes.

>> Submit Your Speaker Suggestion Form Here <<

___________________________________________________________________________________________

SBX 2026 is where the Pacific Northwest’s smart buildings community comes together to do the hard work of figuring out what’s next. Whether you join us as an attendee, a speaker, or a sponsor, we hope to see you there.

Questions? Reach us at [email protected]

More information: www.sbxconference.org

Filed Under: Education & Training, Featured Event, SBC News, SBX

OSE: 2026 Building Decarbonization Grants

May 21, 2026 By SBC staff

2026 Building Decarbonization Grant Program Now Accepting Applications!

The Building Decarbonization Grant program is open to applications through August 10 and will award up to $4 million for projects at BEPS-covered buildings. These grants will help fund engineering design and capital retrofit projects to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from recipient buildings ahead of BEPS compliance deadlines. As in 2025, OSE will prioritize buildings like nonprofits, affordable housing, senior housing, and other facilities serving frontline communities, as well as buildings whose current energy data show them exceeding upcoming BEPS greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) targets. However, all buildings covered by BEPS are eligible and encouraged to apply. All grant information is posted on the Building Emissions Navigator webpage.

Key Details

  • Pre-Application Info Session: OSE’s info session on May 6 covered the application guidelines, eligible projects, tips for project readiness, and examples of prior awardee projects. Those unable to attend can view a recording of the session and access the presentation slides on the Navigator webpage.
  • Eligibility: Buildings must be covered by Seattle’s BEPS to be eligible. These include multifamily or nonresidential (i.e., commercial) buildings larger than 20,000 square feet.
  • Application: Apply via the link on the Navigator webpage. In the coming weeks, OSE is hosting two information sessions on Zoom, with pre-registration required. The sessions will be recorded and posted on the Navigator webpage.
    • Wednesday, May 27, 12:30 – 1:30 PM. Register here
    • Tuesday, June 16, 5 – 6 PM. Register here
  • Deadline: Submit the online application form by August 10, 2026, at 8 PM to be considered.
  • Technical Assistance: Free technical assistance is available to applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Buildings owned or occupied by nonprofit organizations, or serving Seattle’s Frontline communities will be prioritized, but all buildings are eligible. Apply for assistance now!

Building Emissions Navigator Coaching Cohorts

To help you understand BEPS and develop your path to compliance, the City of Seattle provides support through the Seattle Building Emissions Navigator. The Navigator offers free group training and customized technical assistance for your building — and it’s available to building operators, owners, and property management teams.  

Three cohorts are currently underway, and the Navigator will host at least one additional cohort starting this fall:

  • Virtual cohort with four monthly workshops, starting September 16

Before enrolling in the program, you must attend a one-hour online info session or watch the info session recording. Then email [email protected] to request an enrollment form.

Filed Under: Resources

Still Time to Register for Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Training 2026

May 14, 2026 By SBC staff

PNW AEE Logo

Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Training 2026

June 1, 2026  |  8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
International Place – South Tower: Earhart Conference Room
18000 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA, 98188
Add to Calendar  Get Directions

The Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers is pleased to announce that it will host an in-person Certified Energy Manager (CEM) training and examination on June 1 thru June 5, 2026. The training and examination will be held at the International Plaza – Earhart Conference Room. 

The Certified Energy Manager is the premier credential for energy professionals and is recognized worldwide. A Certified Energy Manager is an individual who optimizes the energy performance of a facility, building, or industrial plant. The CEM is a systems integrator for electrical, mechanical, process, and building infrastructure, analyzing the optimum solutions to reduce energy consumption in a cost-effective approach. They are often team leaders and help to develop and implement their organizations’ energy management strategies. CEM’s have gained increased recognition within the energy industry and by companies looking to strengthen their competitive position by having responsible energy strategies and sustainable operational practices.

This in-person, 4-day training program will help applicants prepare to take the CEM examination that will be administered on the 5th day of the program.

The cost of the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) training is $2395 including the 4-day in-person training, exam, and application for CEM certification. Attendees who are members of the AEE Pacific Northwest Chapter will receive a $200 discount. Fees must be paid at time of registration.

For further information please contact: [email protected]

Tickets

$2195 AEE World and PNW Chapter member Certified Energy Manager Course
$2,395 Non-Member Certified Energy Manager Course

View Meeting

Register Now

Filed Under: Education & Training, Webinars

A Look Back at April with Smart Buildings Center

May 12, 2026 By SBC staff

Looking back at the month of April, here at Smart Buildings Center, we:

  • Celebrated Earth Day and our impact on the environment
  • Hosted our third session in our SBX Plus webinar series, How to Utilize Diagnostic Tools to Identify Energy Savings. The presentation showcased how modern diagnostic tools uncover hidden inefficiencies in building systems and pinpoint actionable energy-saving opportunities. You can catch this recording, register for future sessions, and find more information and registration opportunities for Smart Buildings Exchange webinars and in person conference here.
  • Attended events to learn from stakeholders and share information about our programs!

~ Northwest Facilities Expo

Our OBEP fellow Andrea joined by other Climate Corps fellows and San Timoteo staff

Building Potential/SBC Senior Project Manager Rebecca Sheppard presented at the conference and let loose with some Energy Efficiency Bingo!

~ PSE Commercial Strategic Energy Management Conference

SBC/Building Potential Chief Program Officer attended the annual PSE CSEM conference where annual SEMMY awards were given out

Filed Under: SBC News

BOC Operator of the Year 2026 Nominations Are Now Open!

May 11, 2026 By SBC staff

Do you know someone who has been improving the energy efficiency of their work environment using BOC skills? Nominate them, a co-worker, employee, or yourself for BOC Operator of the Year. We want to hear how methods learned in BOC classes are helping people make improvements in their work environment.  Click the link below and share the success stories. Nomination deadline is June 12th!

Click here to be taken to the nomination form!

Filed Under: SBC News

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News & Articles

City of Tacoma Job Opportunity – Customer Energy Solutions Portfolio Planner

June 4, 2026

Help Shape the Conversation at SBX 2026!

May 25, 2026

OSE: 2026 Building Decarbonization Grants

May 21, 2026

Still Time to Register for Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Training 2026

May 14, 2026

A Look Back at April with Smart Buildings Center

May 12, 2026

Contact Us

Smart Buildings Center
Pacific Tower
1200 12th Ave. S., Suite 110
Seattle, WA 98144

206-538-0832

[email protected]

Smart Buildings Center is a project collaboration with Building Potential

        

Smart Buildings Center · Pacific Tower, 1200 12th Ave. S., Suite 110, Seattle, WA 98144 · 206-538-0832

© 2026 · Northwest Energy Efficiency Council