Energy’s influence on the global economy, as well as policy and politics at the state and federal levels is undeniable. From how we get it, to how we use it, to balancing its effects on the environment and the creation of American jobs, it has an almost immeasurable impact on our economic and policymaking institutions and our daily lives.  Widmeyer, ranked among the top ten O’Dwyer’s Public Relations’ environmental and public affairs firms, understands how to create powerful communications programs and leverage them for our clients’ benefit.  We help clients engage clearly and effectively when public opinion, law or regulation is at stake.

A Proven Team

Our team is well-versed in the evolving landscape where energy policy meets political reality and includes former energy policy staffers on Capitol Hill and at the Department of Energy.  Our past experience and current client portfolio crosses a wide spectrum of energy fields – from oil and gas, to energy efficiency, to electricity, to renewables and many others. We’ve worked with trade associations, utilities, advocacy organizations and coalitions, and have deep experience in many of the most significant public policy debates of the past two decades.

Client Portfolio

American Energy Innovation Council (AEIC)
Widmeyer helped plan and conduct the launch of the AEIC: a new, high-profile coalition of seven CEOs seeking a renewed national focus on energy R&D. Widmeyer developed a brand, an identity, eye-catching ads and an introductory video along with a set of videos featuring all seven members (including Bill Gates, Ursula Burns and Jeff Immelt). We organized and managed the AEIC’s announcement event and release of its energy business plan at the Newseum, as well as the launch of the website, videos and social media presence. The campaign generated extensive national media coverage, and the effort helped secure a meeting with President Obama, as well as meeting with senior Members of Congress.

National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling
In the aftermath of the largest environmental disaster in American history, Widmeyer worked with the President’s Oil Spill Commission to help it manage the initial media frenzy and effectively communicate its priorities to Gulf Coast residents and a concerned nation. Widmeyer provided strategic counsel and logistical support for the Commission’s launch, as well as on-site media relations assistance to Commission press staff before and during the first public meetings in New Orleans and DC. We also developed the Commission’s Twitter presence and provided initial counsel on the Commission’s earned media efforts and social media strategy.  Media coverage secured by Widmeyer’s team includes NBC’s TODAY Show, National Public Radio’s Morning Edition and The Wall Street Journal.

PPL Electric Utilities
Widmeyer served as a Conservation Service Provider for PPL Electric Utilities, helping the JD Power top-ranked public utility meet its state-mandated energy efficiency and conservation goals through a strategic outreach campaign designed to reach residential, business and institutional customers. Elements of the campaign include earned media outreach, social media engagement and robust partnerships with a wide range of groups, including museums, chambers of commerce, universities and other high-profile institutions within PPL EU’s service territory. The public relations effort was conducted under the umbrella of the E-power brand, which is the utility’s suite of programs that help customers reduce energy use through energy efficient lighting and appliance rebates, CFL discount programs, energy assessments, weatherization and other efforts that have a demonstrable impact on energy use.

Additional Representative Clients
Consumers United for Rail Equity
National Ocean Industries Association
United Parcel Service
U.S. Climate Action Partnership

Widmeyer Energy Influencers Index
Energy’s broad global reach means that the most influential individuals on energy issues span the globe with a variety of backgrounds – business, academia, associations, governments and non-profits. To help our clients understand the broader context of their energy messages and to provide them with avenues to connect to these global influencers, we developed the Widmeyer Energy Influencer Index – an updated list of the most prominent global influencers on energy, environmental and sustainability issues. This index contains more than 2,000 contacts on six continents, and includes experts from academia, foundations and think tanks, as well as leaders in government and associations, cutting-edge business leaders, prominent advocates, top-tier media, lobbyists and community activists. We work with our clients to utilize our Energy Influencers Index to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the landscape within the energy sector – such as helping them identify allies for their priorities, finding partners for earned media opportunities or facilitating relationships to help develop coalitions on public affairs campaigns.