California Center for Sustainable Energy

Sustainable energy leader cited for regional energy leadership and jump-starting solar power in California

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2012) - The San Diego County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation declaring “Irene Stillings Day in San Diego County,” commemorating her long-term service as an advocate for sustainability and clean energy during sessions held today, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012.

Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Pam Slater-Price presented the proclamation to Stillings, who stepped down as the executive director of the independent, nonprofit San Diego-based California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE) in March 2012. Stillings continues to serve CCSE in her new honorary position as executive director emeritus.

During her ten years leading CCSE, Stillings brought many new education and clean energy programs to the region. The county awards proclamations to San Diegans who make noteworthy civic contributions to the community.

"Irene did great work for the California Center for Sustainable Energy. She really helped to jump-start California’s foray into solar use and other forms of energy savings," said Supervisor Slater-Price. "Most people want to do the right thing, but it has to be right for them financially. Irene helped them do that by making the center a partner in their efforts."

"A decade ago, Irene helped bring together an array of stakeholders to craft a balanced regional energy strategy from a new and fresh perspective," said Supervisor Jacob. "Since then, Irene’s collaborative, innovative and forward-thinking leadership has helped the region blaze new trails, particularly when it comes to the benefits of solar energy."

When Stillings started at CCSE in 2002, it was known as the San Diego Regional Energy Office with a staff of seven and annual revenues of less than $5 million. Today, CCSE has almost 90 employees and closed 2011 with more than $70 million in revenue. Last year alone, CCSE awarded about $62 million in direct incentive payments to Californians who made investments in sustainable energy by purchasing solar electric, solar water heating systems, fuels cells and electric vehicles.

In 2003 and 2007, Stillings directed CCSE to help San Diegans rebuild homes lost to wildfires with energy-smart, sustainable materials. In 2007, she re-branded the organization as the California Center for Sustainable Energy recognizing their geographical expansion. She also opened the region’s first education center for energy, providing workshops and programs for professionals and community members and serving 25,000 people annually.

Stillings managed the establishment of the California Solar Initiative in San Diego, which supplies incentives for rooftop solar, and is credited for San Diego’s success as the number one solar city in the state. She helped direct the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project that provides incentives for electric vehicles for drivers all over California and the implementation of Energy Upgrade California in San Diego via partnerships with the county, local municipalities and San Diego Gas & Electric.

Prior to coming to San Diego, Stillings held executive positions at New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, ConneXt, Inc. and Navigant Consulting, Inc. She is also the owner of imsMENTOR, a consulting firm focusing on enhancing individual and organizational effectiveness.

Stillings has held leadership positions on numerous national committees and has been an active spokesperson on the state and national level. Currently, she serves on the executive committee of the Marketing Executives’ Conference, the policy committee of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the board of the San Diego World Trade Center and the board of the San Diego Chapter of E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs).