West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and the Energy Efficiency Subcommittee of the Kent County Essential Needs Taskforce will host a forum discussion that will introduce how energy innovation and sustainability might positively impact the need for emergency utility assistance in West Michigan through improvements in technology, partnerships, or public policy. The two-hour forum will define the issues and facilitate discussion toward potential innovations. A panel will highlight Key Barriers for Consistent Utility Access, How Utility Assistance Works, Potential Systems Level Solutions and Current Initiatives. Table discussions will follow on theme: “How can we reduce the need for emergency assistance through innovation or investment?”