Municipal and State Energy Edge Forum

What Municipal and State Energy Edge Forum does

Municipal and State Energy Edge Forum (DBA: MSE Forum) is a privately held, founder-owned professional community founded in 2008 by Sierra Dall in Boulder, Colorado. The organization operates as a subscription-based networking and knowledge-sharing platform that convenes renewable energy professionals — including attorneys, policy makers, municipal utilities, co-ops, consultants, developers, university professors, and architects — for monthly Zoom meetings focused on cutting-edge projects, energy policy, and solutions to obstacles in renewable energy advancement. Its value proposition is the cross-sector convening of experts rather than delivery of a discrete technology product; the underlying technology stack is limited to standard off-the-shelf tools (WordPress, BoldGrid, Zoom, Web Hosting Hub).

The forum's differentiation rests on a curated advisor and partner network that includes former U.S. Department of Energy and EPA officials, leading energy law practices, university extension programs, vertically integrated independent power producers, and recognized microgrid and community choice aggregation specialists. Coverage spans at least twelve U.S. states, and content verticals range from solar and microgrids to agrivoltaics, EVs and alternative transportation, blockchain transactive energy, CCA/FIT, and low-income programs. Distribution is primarily community-led, driven by referral and direct outreach, supported by a content-marketing website, social channels, and email.

Revenue mechanics are described as a recurring membership/participation stream, with pricing details not publicly disclosed and no institutional funding, acquisitions, or M&A activity referenced in the available record. The organization operates with a small team (11-50 employees) and has not disclosed revenue, ARR, or member counts. Its business model is fundamentally a professional association/forum rather than a software or services enterprise.

Name

Municipal and State Energy Edge Forum

Legal name

Municipal and State Clean Energy Forum

Website

https://mseforum.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Municipal and State Energy Edge Forum is a privately held, Boulder-based professional community founded in 2008 that convenes renewable energy attorneys, policymakers, utilities, developers, and academics through monthly Zoom meetings to collaborate on clean energy projects and policy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Networking Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Interest-Based Communities & Forums (BPAMABAC)

Keywords

• Renewable energy networking
• Clean energy forum
• Professional energy community
• Energy policy collaboration
• Sustainable energy consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Boulder

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership/Participation: The forum connects professionals who are directly involved in commercial, residential, utility, grid, municipal/local, or state renewable energy projects, programs or policies. Members pay to participate in monthly online meetings and access collaborative discussions.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

MSE Forum is a professional networking and knowledge-sharing forum that hosts monthly online Zoom meetings bringing together attorneys, policy makers, municipal utilities, co-ops, consultants, developers, university professors, businesses, and organizations involved in commercial, residential, utility, grid, municipal/local, and state renewable energy projects and policies. Members participate in facilitated discussions on cutting-edge clean energy projects, policies, and solutions to obstacles preventing renewable energy advancement, supported by a topic-organized resource website and a curated directory of advisors.

Product overview

MSE Forum is an interactive online forum and networking platform that connects renewable energy professionals including attorneys, policy makers, municipal utilities, co-ops, consultants, developers, university professors, and organizations for collaborative problem-solving, information sharing, and discussions on clean energy projects, policies, and solutions. The platform facilitates monthly Zoom meetings on various renewable energy topics followed by interactive expert discussions. The forum organizes resources across specialized clean energy categories including Microgrids, Grid, Solar, Bio Energy, Agrivoltaics, Storage, EVs and Alternative Transportation, Clean Energy Tech, Policy and Programs, Efficiency Programs, Municipal Programs, CCA/FIT, Finance, Low Income Programs, Developers, Attorneys, Municipal Utilities, Universities, and City/Town Leaders. MSE Forum itself is not a software product but rather a community networking and educational service.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MSE Forum Monthly Member Meetings Recurring monthly online Zoom meetings that bring together renewable energy professionals (attorneys, policy makers, municipal utilities, co-ops, consultants, developers, university professors, businesses, and organizations) for facilitated discussions of cutting-edge projects, energy policies, and obstacles to renewable energy advancement.
• MSE Forum Advisor Directory Curated public directory of nationally recognized clean energy advisors across legal, regulatory, technical, academic and development disciplines, exposing members to expertise in microgrids, CCAs, FIT programs, energy law, financing, and policy.
• MSE Forum Topic Resource Pages Website content organized by topic to help members find advisors, resources, and discussion material on specific clean energy themes such as microgrid, solar, storage, EVs, bio energy, agrivoltaics, policy, finance, CCA/FIT, municipal programs, and low-income programs.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• BoldGridminorOthersBoldGrid is an Inspirations-based web builder used to create the MSE Forum website. Built on WordPress content management system.
• WordPressminorOthersWordPress is the content management software platform powering the mseforum.com website.
• Web Hosting HubminorOthersWeb Hosting Hub provides web hosting support for the MSE Forum website.
• Renewable America LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFully vertically integrated Independent Power Producer with over 2GW of solar power plants operating globally. The US team focuses on Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs serving communities with locally generated power. President Ardi Arian leads Renewable America team and its efforts to develop the Community Solar market through CCAs in California.
• Clean CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks directly with utilities, municipalities, and policymakers to identify and deploy cost-effective local renewable energy. Founded by Craig Lewis who designed and introduced the first US Feed-In-Tariff program. Conducts renewable energy siting surveys, designs procurement and interconnection processes, drives policy innovation, and establishes Community Microgrids.
• eco(n)law LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBaird Brown's law practice focuses on development and financing of energy and sustainable infrastructure projects and regulatory/policy issues. He is counsel to the Microgrid Resources Coalition and represents state and local sustainability agencies. Served as co-chair of energy-related committees of the American Bar Association and International Bar Association.
• General MicroGridscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLarisa Dobriansky serves as Chief Business and Regulatory Innovations Officer, helping shape utility regulatory reform, power market design, and financing mechanisms to capture the value of advanced microgrid capabilities. Previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for National Energy Policy at the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharles B. Howland heads the Environmental group after 28-year career at USEPA. Advises on environmental law including cleanup and redevelopment of sites, and grid edge energy projects including brightfields. Also General Counsel for Customized Energy Solutions.
• Clean FocuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJeff Hintzke's group of companies originates, develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates renewable energy projects in the United States and China. Clean Focus Yield owns and operates renewable energy projects ensuring stable cash flows and attractive dividends for investors.
• Center for Strategic Policy InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKevin Daehnke is Founder and President, spearheading the Clean Growth Incubator for buildout of clean, renewable energy in cities. Assisted in development of key federal and California state initiatives including California Senate Bill 989 for brownfield sites.
• Community Choice Partners, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSamuel Golding specializes in designing large, multi-municipality Community Choice programs with strong public oversight mechanisms. Helped create the first CCA program in the US while Managing Director of Local Power Inc.
• BIRAenergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed by Rob Hammon PhD and Ian Hammon-Hogan, BIRAenergy leads the residential market to reduce emissions, reverse climate change, and improve business practices by integrating efficiency, renewable and storage technologies into homes and communities.
• Integrated Resources NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerry Braun is an energy technology generalist with decades of experience. Directed the first major US solar power program and organized solar/renewable energy R&D at Southern California Edison and PG&E. Launched the Renewable Energy Secure Communities (RESCO) program.
• Synergistic SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRobert Perry serves as Director of Energy Research for the World Business Academy. Currently participating in CEC/CPUC proceedings relating to microgrid commercialization and transitioning to a high-DER future.
• Microgrid Architect (Shalom Flank, PhD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Shalom Flank became the nation's first microgrid architect over a decade ago and continues to design and develop MW-scale microgrid projects in the U.S. Northeast. Frequent advisor to National Science Foundation and commercial companies commercializing clean energy technologies.
• Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhyllis J. Kessler practices energy law with focus on electricity and gas through cutting-edge renewable technology. Experience includes solar, wind, microgrid, fuel cell, energy storage, cogeneration, biofuel-generation, interconnection and line extension.
• ThompsonMcMullancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCliona Robb provides advice to municipal governments and large retail users on energy matters including negotiations with investor-owned utilities, electric co-operatives, and municipal utilities. Appointed by Virginia Governor to the Solar Energy Development Authority.
• Silent Running LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJames Dodenhoff brings decades of experience across diverse energy sectors from North Sea oil projects to wind farms in Scotland, photovoltaics in Arizona, and clean energy innovations in Hawaii.
• People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMark Scully leads PACE which seeks to transition Connecticut to clean energy through grassroots education and advocacy. Through 100PercentCT Project, developing viable plans for individual towns to move to 100% renewable energy.
• Green Spaces (Chattanooga)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichael Walton leads Green Spaces, a 501(c)3 advancing sustainability through Empower Chattanooga program focusing on resilience and affordability in underserved neighborhoods.
• Solar United NeighborscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorey Ramsden leads the Go Solar team developing educational materials and project models in rooftop solar, community solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. A national organization representing solar owners and clean energy supporters.
• Beacon Climate InnovationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoneer Azzam founded Beacon Climate Innovations, bridging emerging innovation technologies to climate change solutions. With three decades of experience and Greentown Labs membership, developing climate solutions efficiently.
• Trinity River Community Solar Systems (TRCSS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJames Orenstein and Michael Fladmark lead TRCSS, a 501c3 non-profit creating renewable energy resources for communities experiencing energy poverty in North Central Texas. Focus includes Blockchain Transactive Energy, ERCOT's Aggregated DER pilot, storage, and EV charging.
• Chase Systems LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRichard Chase is Commissioner of Princeton Municipal Light Department and provides renewable energy consulting with expertise in municipal utilities on policy, siting, procurement, design, construction, operations, and maintenance of wind and solar projects.
• Ohio State University Extension Sustainable Development InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMyra Moss leads the Sustainable Development Initiative at Ohio State University, approaching energy, education, planning and research from a sustainable perspective with communities, organizations, and businesses.
• Cornell University Community and Regional Development InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDavid Kay is a Senior Extension Associate providing leadership for CaRDI programming in energy, land use and community development, focusing on community and economic development implications of energy transitions.
• Sinton InstrumentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRon Sinton has 43 years of experience in solar cell manufacturing and R&D, working on how public policy promoting clean energy from cities and states can complement regulatory changes. Expert witness at 5 utility hearings.
• Pate & AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRichard Pate is a results-proven industry leader and expert in AMI technologies, utility operations, and workforce management.
• Boston UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRichard Reibstein teaches non-lawyers about environmental law at Boston University, with primary focus on research for environmental agencies. Students analyze community choice aggregation issues.

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): Large, established sustainability membership organization (LEED). Comparable membership-based community model for sustainability professionals but operates at significantly larger scale and broader scope than MSE Forum.

Direct peers

• Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA): The primary US solar industry trade association. Comparable membership-based business model and stakeholder base (developers, utilities, attorneys, policy makers), though SEIA focuses narrowly on solar while MSE Forum is broader.
• Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC): Nonprofit that works across states to advance clean energy through regulatory policy, credentialing, and workforce development — comparable mission of connecting municipal, state, and utility stakeholders in the renewable energy transition.
• Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA): Membership organization focused on utility integration of clean energy, grid modernization, and distributed energy resources. Comparable as a convening body for utilities, developers, and policy makers navigating the energy transition.
• National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO): Association of state energy officials from all 50 US states. Highly comparable audience (municipal and state energy decision-makers) and comparable mission of cross-state policy collaboration and information exchange.
• American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE): National renewable energy membership organization convening developers, investors, and policymakers — directly comparable to MSE Forum's role of aggregating cross-sector clean energy professionals for collaboration and policy engagement.
• Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA): Nonprofit coalition of state-level clean energy programs and agencies. Highly comparable in mission — facilitating information sharing and collaboration among public-sector and stakeholder renewable energy programs at the state/municipal level.
• RE-AMP: Midwest-based network of nonprofits and funders working on climate and clean energy policy. Comparable as a multi-stakeholder convening network in the clean energy/clean energy policy space.
• Clean Energy Group (CEG): Nonprofit providing technical assistance and policy analysis on clean energy for states, municipalities, and low-income communities. Directly comparable audience and mission to MSE Forum's municipal and low-income program focus.

Emerging players

• Microgrid Resources Coalition: Coalition focused on microgrid policy and deployment — directly intersects with MSE Forum's microgrid content track and shares advisor overlap (e.g., eco(n)law counsel relationship). A more niche peer in the same ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Municipal and State Energy Edge Forum