Energy and Policy Institute

“There were no committees to act on behalf of the organization.”

“Upon completion of the draft form 990, the board chair distributes it to the treasurer and secretary for review. These officers evaluate the return for accuracy and completeness, and any questions or revisions are addressed prior to finalization and submission.”

“Epi's conflict of interest policy addresses actual, potential, and perceived conflicts of interest to protect the integrity of epi and prevent directors or other insiders from using their position for an impermissible private benefit. Epi's board of directors must complete and sign a written disclosure form annually to identify any potential conflicts of interest. Potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed and resolved by the board. Special procedures described in the policy must be followed when a potential conflict involves a board member. Any discussion or resolution of a conflict must be recorded in board meeting minutes pursuant to the recordkeeping requirements of the policy.”

“Executive director compensation is determined through a combination of market analysis and performance review. Epi's board chair conducts a biennial salary market assessment using salary surveys and data from peer organizations to establish a compensation range for comparable roles. The board chair also conducts an annual performance review, which considers the extent to which the executive director fulfilled their goals and responsibilities. The board chair proposes a salary increase when either: 1) the salary market analysis shows comparable positions are being compensated significantly higher than the executive director's current salary; or 2) the executive director surpassed the performance metrics set by the board in the previous year. The last compensation review took place august 2024.”

“The organization does not make its governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements available to the public.”

“In furtherance of its charitable purpose and goals, the energy and policy institute conducted research and public education in 2024. Epi informed the public about utilities' use of political influence operations to grow their profits at the expense of human health and the environment. By publishing articles and reports, and by educating stakeholders including other advocates and media outlets, epi informed the public about the activities of electric and gas utilities that led to higher utility costs, and impeded the transition to a cleaner, more affordable and more sustainable economy. Key accomplishments included: -epi published a report on the sources of support for opposition to wind and solar energy development, and funding of those efforts by interests affiliated with the fossil fuel industry. -epi published a report showing how utilities charged ratepayers for their political activities, lobbying, corporate branding, and public relations expenses. -epi educated the public about activities by gas and electric utilities to misinform the public about the environmental effects of their activities. -epi published articles and reports explaining how utility companies, their executives and their campaign committees offered financial support to political candidates and campaigns. -epi educated stakeholders about executive compensation and incentive practices used by utility companies and how they can affect ratepayers. - epi investigated and reported information about the details of utility rate structure changes and increases, and how they would affect ratepayers. - epi investigated and reported on how electric utilities have lobbied and advocated to oppose clean air regulations. -epi conducted public record requests to increase transparency about how energy regulators and policymakers communicate with energy utilities about policy matters, and conducted litigation to ensure that public officials complied with open records laws.”

“The organization does not have a separate audit committee. However, the board chair assumes responsibility for oversight of the annual financial statement audit and the selection and engagement of the independent accountant. The board chair communicates directly with the auditors and reports to the full board as appropriate."”