© Conservation Council of New Brunswick 2025
Energy Efficiency is the Heart of the Solution
A Panel on Energy Poverty
Hear from our line up of New Brunswick's top energy experts!
Join the Conservation Council of New Brunswick for a compelling panel discussion on February 14, as we tackle the pressing issue of energy poverty and highlight energy efficiency as a vital solution. Hosted at the Provincial Archives in Fredericton, this hybrid event (in-person and virtual) will explore how energy poverty affects our communities, the policy challenges that need to be addressed, and practical strategies to make energy more affordable while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
This panel discussion will feature a panel of expert speakers, including policymakers, energy specialists, and community leaders, who will share their insights, success stories, and actionable ideas to drive change.
Event Details
Date: February 14, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: 23 Dineen Drive, Fredericton
Format: Hybrid (in-person and virtual participation available)
Meet our Featured Speakers
Randy Hatfield has served as the Executive Director of the Human Development Council (HDC), a social planning and research council based in Saint John, since 2002. He is an advocate for social and economic inclusion and sits on a number of local Boards, including the Community Living Board. Randy holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, a Master’s degree in political science from the University of Alberta, and a law degree from the University of New Brunswick
Abhilash Kantamneni (Abhi) is the Director of Action Research at Efficiency Canada, specializing in energy poverty and home trades business practices. His data-driven research has helped communities across US and Canada use energy efficiency to reduce poverty, create ‘good jobs’ and improve housing. His public speaking and capacity-building work on energy poverty has earned wide recognition, including being named ‘Canada Storyteller’ by SSHRC and ‘Energy Leader’ by Midwest Energy News. Abhi holds a B.S in Electrical Engineering from Anna University, a Masters in Physics, and a Masters in Computer Science from Michigan Tech.
Jessica Brown is the Senior Advisor for Programs and Outreach with the Government of Prince Edward Island. For over a decade, she has been involved in shaping climate change policy and programs at both municipal and provincial levels within her home province of PEI. She is passionate about crafting innovative solutions to reduce energy poverty and strengthen community resilience. Jessica holds a BA in Psychology and Environmental Studies, along with advanced certifications in Behaviour Change, Environmental Science, and Project Management. Through her career, she has worked in both energy efficiency and climate adaptation-focused roles. She is a dedicated advocate for prioritizing low-carbon resilience and applying an energy equity lens to policy and strategy development.
Kathleen Brennan is the Acting Director of Policy and Planning with the Province of Prince Edward Island’s Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action. As a provincial civil servant for over 15 years, Ms. Brennan has practical experience and strong aptitudes in government relations and a solid appreciation for the complexities of building public policies while working in collaborative, multi‐sectoral environments. She has been instrumental in leading the province’s unique, whole-of-government approach to climate action which has helped bring awareness to pathways for reducing energy poverty on PEI.
Beth Pollock has been at the forefront of energy efficiency and conservation in New Brunswick for over 15 years. The former Director of Energy Efficiency Services for both NB Power and Efficiency NB she has been instrumental in bringing energy savings opportunities to residential, commercial and industrial customers in New Brunswickers. She has extensive experience in collaboration with provincial and federal policy makers especially as it relates to serving the more vulnerable populations of our province. Beth will continue this work in a new capacity as Director of Corporate Citizenship.