employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

Smart Electric Power Alliance

Is this your company?

Dynamic Organization in Clean Energy Space - Anonymous employee Smart Electric Power Alliance Employee Review

5.0
Jun 12, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

* Focus on clean tech (solar, battery storage, electric vehicles, etc) and electric utilities -- doesn't advocate for one or the other; tries to straddle the educational middle * Many co-workers have a personal interest/belief in advancing the clean tech industry, which creates a shared purpose * Fun, friendly, relaxed but busy environment * Corporate culture to not work after hours and weekends (or at least not email your co-workers if you do on occasion) * Management solicits feedback from all staff regularly, discusses results and acts as appropriate * Generous benefits - 24 days of vacation/sick plus federal holidays plus the week before New Year's off * Opportunities for professional development and education if you make time to incorporate them into your workplan * Freedom to show leadership and voice your opinions within your work area (and perhaps beyond) * Make time to do fun things both in the DC office and after conferences where multiple staff travel * Well positioned financially -- growing organization * Well respected in the industry -- everyone knows SEPA and the work they do

Cons

* Given high level of interest in clean tech industry, hiring process is highly competitive on technical side (research, consulting, programs)... * Non-technical side is either standard experience or uses temp-to-hire, i.e. Finance, HR, IT, events, membership, marketing, etc * The clean tech space is evolving rapidly and the organization reflects that with changes moving from solar-only to multi-technologies and the rapid expansion of projects and staff. Exciting transitions for some, but not for everyone. * Numerous staff telecommute through case-by-case hires or transitions, but most current and future positions are in DC...takes time to get to know and develop working relationships with remote staff.

Explore other reviews about Smart Electric Power Alliance

5.0
May 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great mission oriented organization with wonderful people. Love the focus and content.

Cons

No real cons. Changes in leadership have changed the culture but that always happens with new leadership. A little less mission oriented these days perhaps but still a very solid organization.

2.0
May 28, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Benefits, Supportive and knowledgeable colleagues, Opportunities to network within the industry

Cons

SEPA picks and chooses who and what to dignify. There is an obvious and consistent lack of congruence and direction within leadership in this organization. Because of this, SEPA has lost plenty of talented and hard-working people with the constant changes, restructures and lack of clarity and respect for the diversely skilled and passionate people that have worked here. Despite the impact of industry shifts, SEPA's most recent C-suite cronies have uprooted the culture and values that made SEPA such an attractive place to work. Feedback on the matter is rarely addressed and actioned and the fear of retaliatory behavior is imminent. Going along doesn't guarantee security here unless you land in a sweet spot where your manager will advocate for your value. Albeit the organization's mission is a good one, in theory, and is what keeps SEPA acknowledged but does not yield respect behind the scenes due to the shady behaviors of the decision makers. Until SEPA gets to the root of the problem (a flip-floppy revolving door of performative leadership) the company morale will continue to be chipped away until they are left with exactly what they want - easily placated operators who will keep their head down until their number is called.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All