Energy Institute of Alabama Launches

A new institute dedicated to energy issues in Alabama launched last week, creating a new resource for the state’s policy makers. Called the Energy Institute of Alabama, the organization is a joint venture of the six major energy companies in Alabama: the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority, the Alabama Rural Electric Association, Alabama Power Company, Electric Cities of Alabama, PowerSouth Energy, and Tennessee Valley Authority.

See the Institute’s Website Here

According to the Institute, its “mission is to promote reliable, affordable, and clean energy to help grow our economy, create high-paying jobs, and build public support for Alabama’s energy industry.” It will work closely with elected officials and other policy makers in an effort to educate the thought leaders responsible for Alabama’s energy future.

Chairing the Institute is Seth Hammett, a familiar face in Alabama politics and in state energy circles. Hammett served as Speaker of the House for twelve years and represented Covington County in the Wiregrass for a total of thirty-two years, retiring from office in 2010. Hammett currently serves as Vice President of Business Development for PowerSouth Energy. Governor Robert Bentley in 2011 called on Hammett to to lead Alabama’s economic development efforts and establish a strategic economic development plan called Accelerate Alabama.

The Institute is also assisted by a group of senior policy advisors from institutions and companies across the state. Those include Chuck Karr, Dean of the University of Alabama’s College of Engineering; Corey Tyree, Director of Energy and Environment, Analytics and Strategic Growth at Southern Research; Jim Sullivan, President of The Sullivan Group and former President of the Alabama Public Service Commission; Steven Taylor, Director of Auburn University’s Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts; and Oliver Kingsley, Jr., Associate Dean of Special Projects at Auburn University’s College of Engineering.

“In the past eight years, PACE has worked closely with all of the partners involved in the new Institute in our efforts to effect sensible energy policy in Alabama,” remarks PACE Executive Director Lance Brown. “More voices in the energy space means a richer conversation for both policy makers and the public. We look forward to collaborating with the Institute to expand the dialogue on energy issues in Alabama.”