CEBA’s first-ever Member Forum at Climate Week NYC left members feeling inspired, connected, and ready to lead. From policy challenges to corporate leadership, the day showcased the power of collective action in shaping a clean energy future.

Setting the Stage: Progress and Headwinds 

CEBA CEO Rich Powell opened the forum with a candid look at the challenges, wins, and opportunities ahead for corporate clean energy buyers. Since the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, businesses have gained the long-term certainty they need to invest. 

Despite these headwinds, corporate demand continues to rise. As Rich noted: “In 2025, wind is down, solar is flat, but corporate energy customers are buying more than ever before.” Already this year, buyers have announced 18.1 gigawatts (GW) of new clean energy capacity, keeping pace with last year’s record-breaking total and bringing the cumulative total since 2014 to nearly 120 GW. 

To help quantify this impact, CEBA is partnering with REsurety on a forthcoming study that will measure corporate clean energy’s contribution to reducing emissions. 

The Policy Fights Ahead 

Rich also emphasized the urgent need for permitting reform, calling outdated infrastructure rules the single greatest barrier to delivering carbon emission-free power. With bipartisan support, permitting reform could unlock a wave of investment in innovative U.S. energy technologies. But as he reminded members: “The forces of change need to be active and loud. Only then can we deliver the transmission and new generation needed to meet this period of growth with carbon emissions-free energy.” 

He also urged members to make their voices heard during the upcoming Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP) revisions — a critical opportunity to shape how corporate climate action is measured. 

Industry Perspectives: Removing Barriers 

In a panel on policy challenges, CEBA’s SVP of Policy, Nidhi Thakar, underscored the organization’s goal: “to provide as many ways as possible to make load growth clean.” 

Industry leaders highlighted the need for “capital, confidence, and certainty” in markets, while panelists called out the “embarrassing amount of time” it takes to bring projects online in the U.S. Their message was clear: policymakers at every level must remove barriers to accelerate deployment. 

Corporate Leadership in Action 

In addition, Misti Groves, CEBA’s SVP of U.S. Strategy, led a panel on corporate leadership. Speakers emphasized that companies must think generationally, build strong internal business cases, and act decisively during today’s critical policy window. 

CEBA forum sponsor and board member Raj Bazaj of Constellation reminded members that collaboration is essential and no company can do this alone. 

What’s Next 

Closing the forum, Markus Walther, CEBA’s Director of Global Clean Energy, Climate & Standards, previewed the GHGP comment period and shared upcoming CEBA resources — webinars, toolkits, and guidance to help members engage effectively. 

The forum was an inspiring start to Climate Week NYC and a powerful reminder that corporate leadership is driving the clean energy transition. 

Follow CEBA on LinkedIn to stay connected, track our presence at Climate Week, and learn how you and your company can help build a low cost, reliable, carbon emissions-free global energy system.