Price for buffet lunch is $15 (includes complimentary parking in the hotel garage).

If you plan to eat, please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 865-679-9854 by Friday, July 7.

 If you choose not to eat, a charge of $7 will cover parking and event arrangements.

The formal meeting begins at 11:55 a.m.

The choice of electric vehicles (EV) is growing quickly now. The total cost of EV ownership has decreased drastically thanks to governmental incentive programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But for many potential EV drivers, the scarcity of charging locations compared to fossil fuel stations still is a formidable barrier to make the leap.

The EMPOWER TN project, managed by Darcy Ayers, focuses on education and direct technical assistance to rapidly increase the number and distribution of EV charging facilities at workplaces statewide. The project is funded through the U.S. Department of Energy.

With Equitable Mobility Powering Opportunities for Workplace  Electrification Readiness or EMPOWER, East TN Clean Fuels hopes to be a one-stop shop for helpful workplace-focused resources, such as funding opportunities that may offset the cost of purchase and installation. By bringing EV ports to work, EMPOWER TN is simplifying the transition to EV's and making charging convenient and easy, especially for those without access to chargers at home.

Since estimates show that the second-most frequently utilized charging is the workplace, EMPOWER TN is working to reduce the barriers to these employees accessing EV's and the economic and environmental benefits of driving electric. As EV ownership expands and infrastructure matures, EMPOWER TN strives to make sure EV's are truly for everyone.

Darcy Ayers is a Colorado native who has spent the better part of the last 20 years in East Tennessee. She graduated from UT Knoxville with a Bachelor’s in Anthropology, a minor in Geography, and a Master’s in Applied Sociology. Before joining the ETCleanFuels team in June 2023, she was Program Director at SEEED, leading the Career Readiness Program and other workforce development boot camps for young adults. Darcy is excited about the opportunity to continue serving her community through the pursuit of a just energy transition. Outside of work, you can find her always doing something for her rugby club or hanging out at home with her husband, dog, and cat.

For more information on TSK and its meetings, please email TSK secretary, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 865-679-9854.