(EAST LANSING, MI – Nov. 10, 2017) – On Thursday, Nov. 9, the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council hosted the 5th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala, where leaders in Michigan’s advanced energy sector were honored for their innovation and leadership. The event featured remarks from Valerie Brader, executive director of the Michigan Agency for Energy, and Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industry Association.

“Year after year, Michigan’s advanced energy sector continues to grow and create good jobs for Michigan residents, all while reducing electricity costs for businesses and families and expanding access to clean, renewable energy,” said Liesl Clark, president of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. “We are proud to host the Energy innovators Gala to shine a spotlight on the great work advanced energy businesses are doing across Michigan.”

Michigan Energy Innovators honorees included:

Business of the Year – Bedrock Detroit

Bedrock is a full-service commercial real estate firm specializing in the strategic development of urban areas. Since Bedrock’s inception, one of the company’s strategic goals was to be a leader in energy and sustainability initiatives related to real estate development and property management. Bedrock has added energy efficiency programs to every facet of its operations.

“Our team is extremely proud of an ongoing dedication to advanced energy initiatives,” said Kevin Bopp of Bedrock.  “And we are excited to continue our work in this important category for the greater Detroit region.”

Emerging Business of the Year – Powerley

Powerley is a Home Energy Management (HEM) solution, which creates a platform for utility customers to manage and control the energy usage of their home, and the connected appliances and devices within it. Powerly helps provide utility customers with both real-time power usage data and the ability to control their power usage, delivering energy savings up to seven times greater than traditional energy efficiency programs.

“We’ve successfully bridged the smart grid to the smart home,” said Manoj Kumar, CEO of Powerley. “In doing so, we are elevating efficiency by engaging families in an entirely new relationship with their energy and their homes.”

Employer of the Year – CLEAResult

CLEAResult is committed to helping businesses and individuals reduce energy use and lower bills by designing energy efficiency programs. CLEAResult believes in cultivating talent from within, encouraging growth in every corner of the organization by pushing its employees to explore educational and training opportunities when possible. CLEAResult has also launched employee satisfaction surveys and continues to strengthen its communications with employees through many avenues.

“Now is a great time to be part of Michigan’s rapidly growing advanced energy sector,” said Tim Mahler, Vice President of CLEAResult. “We look forward to continuing to expand and create jobs in Michigan.”

Public Official of the Year – Michigan Public

Service Commission Chair Sally Talberg

Sally Talberg was appointed chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission in March of 2017. Talberg has a critical role in implementing the landmark energy legislation that officially took effect in April of 2017.

“Michigan’s landmark energy legislation positions our state for a successful future with energy that is reliable, affordable, and cleaner for Michigan residents and businesses,” said Talberg.