Introducing the Inaugural Energy Resiliency Business Symposium

In the final months of 2019, the Bay Area was rocked by a series of sporadic, wide-sweeping, and highly disruptive public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events. Though most Fremont residents and businesses were fortunate enough to avoid disruption, the incidents left many wondering what they could do to ensure that their lights stay on and shield themselves from all-but-certain rate hikes.

Although last year’s PSPS events revealed systemic risks to our power grid, there is fortunately room for optimism. Commercially viable solutions for intelligent building controls, solar generation, and energy storage already exist, and Silicon Valley companies, including many here in Fremont, are pioneering the way. These include companies like SepiSolar, a clean energy system engineering firm; Gridscape Solutions, provider of Fremont’s fire station backup microgrids; and Delta Controls, a manufacturer of commercial battery systems and AI-powered building controls. In addition, the City continues to advance its own sustainability agenda, most recently undertaking an update to the City’s Climate Action Plan.

The confusion and concern expressed by the business community combined with the innovation in the energy space happening right here in Fremont inspired our Economic Development team to organize an event that would convene regional stakeholders to discuss important topics such as clean technology and business continuity. To that end, we have partnered with Delta Electronics and City National Bank to launch Fremont’s first Energy Resiliency Business Symposium at 8 a.m. on March 25 at Delta Electronics’ headquarters in Fremont. The Symposium will bring together business executives, facilities managers, commercial landlords, real estate developers, and anyone interested in energy resiliency.

Many of the featured speakers are from Fremont-based clean technology companies specializing in renewable energy, battery back-up power, and building automation controls. The Symposium will also cover real case studies of how local businesses and landlords have made modest investments in their energy profile and realized overwhelmingly positive outcomes in profitability and resiliency.

The case studies will dive into Sonic Manufacturing’s zero net energy (ZNE) production facility in Fremont — the first in the country — including an overview of the project’s specs, operational and financial performance, and the unique leasing structure that allowed the company to reap the benefits of a zero-dollar electric bill at no upfront cost. Notably, these case studies will reflect both the tenant and landlord perspective, highlighting the win-win opportunities available when taking a holistic approach to a business’ energy usage.

In addition to the program, the Symposium will include an optional tour of Delta Electronics’ state-of-the-art LEED Platinum facility, which features many of the company’s own technologies throughout the building and showroom. To register, please visit our Eventbrite page. We look forward to seeing you there!

For any questions, please contact Donovan Lazaro, Economic Development Manager, at dlazaro@fremont.gov.