The county’s Environmental Commission on Saturday will host its annual Energy & Environment Forum, planned to educate the community on efforts to increase energy sustainability in Loudoun. 

The event kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Academies of Loudoun with welcome remarks from commission Chair William Marsh. 

He will be followed by keynote speaker Kelsey Bagot, the chair of the and State Corporation Commission, regulates Virginia’s electrical utilities. 

The day will also feature two panel discussions. 

The first will focus on how rapid growth of power demand, infrastructure and sustainable solutions impact the community. That presentation will includeDominion Energy Director of Electric Transmission Engagement, Permitting and Land Greg Mathe, Equinix Senior Legal Counsel Arthur Haubenstock, MountainViewSolar Chief Executive Officer Mike McKechnie and National Lab of the Rockies representative Nehemiah Emaikwu. 

The second discussion will focus on issues related to protecting natural resources while meeting those energy demands. Panelists include Loudoun Department of Planning and Zoning Director Dan Galindo, Good Works leadership team representative Kim Hart, Piedmont Environmental Council Senior Energy and Climate Advisor Ashish Kapoor, Loudoun Water Deputy General Manager of Administration Mark Peterson and Loudoun Department of General Services Environment and Energy Division Manager Steve Swarr. 

The forum will also include a town hall and open house to allow community members to provide feed back to the commission on energy and environmental issues. Those comments will be shared with the Board of Supervisors. 

Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy light refreshments while visiting a variety of nonprofits, businesses and agencies which will share resources related to energy and environmental stewardship as well as related county programs. 

The event is expected to conclude at 2 p.m.TheAcademies of Loudoun is located at 42075 Loudoun Academy Dr.