The recent presidential debates barely touched on the subject of energy, and when they did, the discussion usually descended quickly to well-packaged sound bites that rehashed old battle lines pitting economic progress versus environmental preservation.

For those of us working in the ever-evolving energy management field, this false choice had a dated, 20th century quality to it, like a drive-up restaurant where waitresses glide up to your muscle car in roller skates to take your order for a burger and fries.

In truth, there has never been a more dynamic time to be in the energy field. Better technology, better research tools, better training programs and more imaginative solutions to long vexing problems have seen us make unparalleled progress in continuing to solve the fundamental need our economy and its people have for readily accessible, affordable and sustainable energy supplies. All these factors go into a prudent energy management program. The most basic conservation strategies such as lowering thermostats and turning the lights off in unoccupied rooms now go hand in hand with the most highly sophisticated energy audit programs and alternative energy tools such as photovoltaic cells. The list goes on.

It’s an invigorating time to be in this industry, and the purpose of this blog will be to note, chart and reflect on its major (and occasionally minor) currents so that friends and clients of Cherokee Energy Management can make better informed decisions about their energy programs and use. In upcoming posts, I’ll address issues ranging from the status of the renewables industry to the long-term impacts of shale gas racking—and much more. In addition, I am happy to entertain questions or requests for elaboration on energy management issues that would likely be of broad concern to readers. Write me anytime you please at vince@cherokee-energy.com.

My hope is that you will return to this blog because it is of good functional use in your day-to-day work. Ideally, it will both inform and stimulate—and perhaps challenge you to new ways of approaching your and your organization’s energy future. I look forward to the conversation.