Wednesday, March, 29 | 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Session: D1: Energy Equity and Sustainability | Track D: Resiliency and Reliability- Adapting to Climate Trends
Deb Perry
Ameren Illinois | Manager, Energy Efficiency Strategy & Innovation
Presentation Title:
Bringing Energy Efficiency to Underserved Communities
Abstract
In partnership with implementation partner Leidos, the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program donated $175,000 to the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation (JJK Foundation) in East St. Louis to purchase an electric shuttle bus and charging station. The JJK Foundation currently provides transportation services to roughly 75% of their participating students with an aging transportation fleet, most of which are living in underserved and diverse communities with limited transportation access. This electric shuttle bus will provide a sustainable method of transportation for students for the foreseeable future. This will be the first electric vehicle charger at a community-serving institution in the East St. Louis area. The use of EV vehicles in underserved communities not only helps reduce carbon emissions, but it also helps to educate at-risk youth about the benefits of energy efficiency in everyday life and how they can make an impact for the future.
Bio
Deb Perry is the manager of Strategy & Innovation for the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency department. Her responsibilities include oversight of Marketing, Communications, Market Development Initiative, and Innovative Pilots. Deb has held various positions throughout her 11 years with Ameren Illinois and is passionate about serving customers and providing access to programs for those that need it most. Deb has had the pleasure of contributing to the design and launch of the braided Community Action Agency channel, customer centric focused income qualified offerings and the community- based programs known as the Market Development Initiative (MDI). Prior to Ameren Illinois, her career spanned management and accounting in the private sector. Deb holds a bachelor's degree in accountancy as well as a Certified Public Accountant designation from the University of Illinois.