Stakeholder groups bring together a cross-section of interested parties around a particular set of issues, with the objective of developing consensus for a proposed solution. Groups may include utility representatives, regulators, consumer advocates, environmental organizations, customers and consultants.
In the Midwest, ten states have convened stakeholder groups to address energy efficiency. There are differences across the region in the membership and scope of the stakeholder groups. Some were created by legislation, while others are efforts of government agencies. Some stakeholder groups are convened on a statewide basis, while others are utility-specific.
MEEA supports the use of a statewide collaborative so that stakeholders across the state may learn from one another and that the resources invested in the collaborative by government agencies and/or individual participants can be maximized. A statewide collaborative helps ensure that information is reported consistently across the board. This also can support and encourage dual fuel programs with electric and natural gas utilities.
Guiding Principles
Regardless of the structure or objective of the stakeholder group, there are several important elements that should ensure a strong collaborative process:
- Broad group of knowledgeable stakeholders representing a variety of interests
- Open to the public - any interested individual can attend
- Clearly defined objectives
- Independent facilitator
- Regularly scheduled meetings with agenda
- Open communication and sharing of information
- Reporting mechanism
Stakeholder Collaboratives in the Midwest
| State | Stakeholder Group | Currently Active |
| Illinois | Illinois Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) |
 |
| Indiana | ||
| Iowa | Iowa Energy Efficiency Collaborative |
|
| Kansas | ||
| Kentucky | Utility-specific stakeholder groups: LGE/KU |
|
| Michigan | Michigan Energy Optimization Collaborative |
|
| Minnesota | 1.5% EE Solutions Working Group |
|
| Missouri | Utility-specific stakeholder group |
|
| Nebraska | ||
| North Dakota | ||
| Ohio | Utility-specific stakeholder groups |
|
| Wisconsin | Utility-only and trade ally stakeholder meetings, non-public |
|