Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Inc.

“The organization changed its bylaws by adding four additional voting members to its board of directors, extended the term of certain board seats from two to three years, added an at-large seat to the executive committee and changed the officer terms to two or more years from one year.”

“The completed 990 is reviewed by the finance/audit committee established by organization's board of directors. All members of the board of directors are given the opportunity to participate in meetings of the finance/audit committee, independently review the form and participate in a conference call with the organization's audit firm to address questions prior to the form's filing.”

“The finance/audit committee of the board oversees operation of the conflict of interest policy and the organization's overall compliance with it. A conflict of interest "occurs when an interested person...has a material financial interest in a transaction in which neea is involved, or to which neea is a party in the future, or which otherwise affects neea." an "interested person" is an officer, employee, member of the board of directors of neea, or anyone else who is in a position of authority with neea, as well as family members of neea officers, employees or board members; entities which are more than 35% owned, directly or indirectly, individually or collectively, by one or more neea officers, directors or employees; and other entities (excluding section 501(c) tax-exempt organizations) of which a neea officer, director or employee serves in a position of influence (e.g., as an officer, director or key employee). A "material interest" is defined as anything over 2 percent of the total dollar amount to be voted upon in the case of a transaction in which a neea board member is involved. The board of directors and staff review the policy annually and complete annual disclosure forms. The forms are confidential, made available to the chair, board and executive director as necessary to implement the policy. Procedures a. Prior to a board or committee action on a transaction, an interested person having a conflict of interest shall disclose all material facts pertaining to the conflict of interest. These facts shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting. B. An interested person who has a conflict of interest shall not participate in or hear the board or committee discussion of the transaction except to disclose facts and answer questions. The interested person shall not attempt to exert his or her personal influence regarding the transaction at any time. C. An interested person who has a conflict of interest shall not be counted for purposes of determining a quorum with respect to a vote regarding the transaction, and shall not vote on the transaction or be present when the vote is taken. Such person's ineligibility to vote shall be reflected in the minutes of the meeting. D. If it is not clear whether a conflict of interest exists, the interested person shall disclose all material facts pertaining to the potential conflict of interest to his or her supervisor or the chair of the board or the chair's designee. The chair of the board shall have the sole authority to determine whether a conflict of interest exists, or may delegate this decision for a vote of the board.”

“On a biennial basis, the board of directors commissions a salary survey by an independent firm. This information is used primarily in the board's evaluation of the propriety of compensation paid to the organization's executive director and all staff. Neea completed a salary survey in 2014.”

“The organization's governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements are provided to members of the general public upon request.”

“The organization's mission is to mobilize the northwest to become increasingly energy efficient for a sustainable future. Neea works with the bonneville power administration, utilities, public benefits administrators, state governments, public interest groups and energy efficiency industry representatives. These entities work together to make affordable, energy-efficient products and services available in the marketplace. Neea partners with local utilities to create lasting market changes that result in long-term, cost effective energy savings. By working together through neea, local utilities achieve regional economies of scale and aggregate influence to encourage marketplace adoption of new technologies, services and business practices. Investing in neea's work has created a virtual energy efficiency power plant that saved 1,042 average megawatts (amw) for the northwest region since 1997; the equivalent annual output of two power plants, and enough to power 900,000 homes each year. Working in collaboration with our funders, efficiency allies, and our other strategic market partners to champion innovation, neea has identified the key initiatives and programs that will deliver significant long-term savings.”