One of the greatest challenges to increasing access to clean energy in Low and Moderate Income (LMI) communities is attracting adequate financing. Despite building a track record as a lucrative investment opportunity, projects serving LMI subscribers may carry the perception of additional risk or lack the scale to attract private financing. Leaders in this space are overcoming these challenges by utilizing innovative financing mechanisms to recruit the required funds while serving the unique needs of LMI participants.
This panel will highlight innovative approaches to closing this funding gap by enabling scale and mitigating perceived risks- from recruiting Program Related Investment dollars to issuing Climate Impact Notes. Leaders in the space will speak to the challenges they face in attracting traditional financing, the innovations behind their success, and the benefits to increased accessibility of clean and affordable energy.
Topics to be discussed:
Challenges faced by worthy projects that do not fit the traditional financing model.
Lessons learned from developing financial innovations and working with underserved markets.
The potential impact of recent environmental justice policy on the energy industry.
Speakers:
Jason Moore is a Managing Director at NY Green Bank on the Investment & Portfolio Management team, where he works to accelerate the deployment of clean energy assets in New York by structuring and executing transactions for clients and business partners.
Joel Blaine is the Manager of Business & Project Development at GRID Alternatives. Joel works to develop solar for multifamily affordable housing as well as community solar projects, focusing on innovative financing models to move LMI projects forward.
Cullen Kasunic is the CFO at BlocPower, an energy efficiency developer and climate technology startup that uses innovative financing and energy data to drive adoption of clean energy products in disadvantaged communities in New York City and nationwide. Over the past decade Cullen has worked across energy asset classes to increase tech adoption through financing.
Moderator: Molly Kiick is a Bard MBA in Sustainability candidate completing a capstone project on energy and environmental justice. She is a Project Manager on the Consulting and Execution team at RR Donnelley.
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Impact Capital Forum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. New York, N.Y.