Submit an Energy-Efficient Idea
Share concepts, technologies or strategies that may benefit the Northwest.
Advancing emerging technologies is a core part of how the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) supports long-term Market Transformation. This work focuses on identifying, evaluating and advancing early-stage ideas with potential for regional impact.
NEEA accepts unsolicited proposals for emerging products, technologies and strategies through this form, providing innovators, manufacturers, technology developers, researchers and community partners with a structured process for sharing new ideas with regional relevance.
Ideas submitted through this form help inform regional scanning efforts and may lead to follow-up discussions, additional evaluation or potential collaboration. Submission does not guarantee funding, partnership or inclusion in NEEA initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Should Submit?
This form is intended for organizations or individuals exploring solutions with potential regional impact. Typical submitters include manufacturers, technology developers, startups, researchers, utilities, energy service providers and community organizations.
What Types of Ideas Are Considered?
Proposals may include early concepts, emerging technologies, system-level approaches or market strategies that address regional needs. Examples include:
- Energy-efficient products or components
- Technologies suited for colder climates or rural applications
- Approaches that improve system performance across HVAC, lighting, envelope or controls
- Concepts that combine savings with co-benefits such as affordability, resilience or grid flexibility
- Market strategies aimed at reducing barriers and supporting adoption
Ideas may range from exploratory concepts to technologies ready for performance validation.
Is This the Right Place to Submit My Idea?
This form is designed to collect ideas for potential exploration. It is not a request for proposal, pilot application, or product listing process. Submitting an idea does not represent a commitment from NEEA or regional utilities.
What Happens After Submission?
Once submitted, proposals are routed to the appropriate NEEA team for review. This process may involve:
- An initial assessment of relevance, alignment and potential impact.
- Requests for additional information or clarification, if needed.
- Internal review to determine whether a follow-up discussion is appropriate.
Due to volume and resource considerations, acknowledgement or follow-up is not guaranteed.
Submission Guidelines
Include the following information to support an efficient and thorough review:
- Description of the product, technology or strategy
- Problem or market need addressed
- Innovative features or differentiation
- Stage of development (concept, prototype, field-tested, commercialized)
- Potential energy savings or estimated market impact
- Type of support requested
- Relevant links or references, such as product pages, reports or contact information for partners
A proposal document may be uploaded directly through the form.
Submit Your Idea:
NEEA Emerging Technology
Explore Emerging Technology Work
Learn how early-stage technology identification, scanning and product management activities support long-term Market Transformation in the Northwest. Keep reading for a detailed look at NEEA’s current focus areas and long-term priorities.
Learn About Regional Coordination
The Regional Emerging Technology Advisory Committee (RETAC) brings regional utilities and partners together to align research, share findings and identify gaps in emerging technology work. Explore meeting materials and the role RETAC plays in supporting consistent regional coordination.
Engage with Product Council
Product Council sessions are an active forum for sharing research results, reviewing new technology opportunities and discussing innovations with regional partners. Learn how these sessions support emerging technology development and how to participate.