In recognition of PG&E’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the company recently received the California Black Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Corporate Community Leader Award during the organization’s 21st annual Ron Brown Business and Economic Summit and Women’s Symposium in Los Angeles.
The award reflects PG&E’s numerous partnerships with the chamber and other community organizations and the investments the company has made in college scholarships, job creation and in working with local leaders and citizens towards developing more options for renewable energy sources.
The summit started in 1994, the same year the chamber was founded. The annual event, named after the former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, focuses on issues important to African American businesses such as funding sources, technology and opportunities in the green economy. Every year, PG&E participates in the event to help attendees become more successful suppliers in the utility industry.
John Simon, PG&E executive vice president of corporate services and human resources, who accepted the award for the company on Aug. 27, acknowledged CBCC President and CEO Aubry Stone’s efforts toward creating an environment for African-American and minority-owned businesses to thrive in the utility industry.
“The energy industry is changing and PG&E will need to evolve to meet changing customer expectations,” said Simon. “Your support has opened doors not only for African American enterprises, but for all diverse businesses. Our partnership with you — as our customers, as Californians and as business and civic leaders — helps us to be a better company.”
“The California Black Chamber of Commerce takes a leadership role in working to achieve greater prosperity for African American-owned businesses in California,” said Stone. “The CBCC is pleased to recognize PG&E for their commitment to having an inclusive procurement process, and their achievements to create opportunities for African American, female and minority-owned businesses.”
During the keynote luncheon on Aug. 26, PG&E Vice President of CPUC Regulatory Relations Robert Kenney emphasized the importance of working with community based organizations and listening to customers. He said this collaboration will continue to support the success of the company’s supplier diversity program and in the deployment of clean energy technologies.
“It’s critical for companies like PG&E to work with and understand the diversity of the customers it serves,” said Kenney. “It’s important for us to have an inclusive process.”
Kenney noted the company’s 2015 record spend with diverse suppliers ($2.5 billion) and African American-owned businesses ($440.5 million). He also discussed targeted programs for economically disadvantaged and underserved communities, such as the Solar Habitat Partnership with Habitat for Humanity, where families have saved $10.5 million in energy costs; and GRID Alternatives, which has provided nearly 2,500 low-income households with solar energy that has resulted in an estimated $60 million in energy savings.
“We know we need to be playing an active role in the communities we serve,” said Kenney. “We need to continue to work together on policies that will protect and advance business opportunities. There’s so much to gain by working together.”
