Kelly Speakes-Backman | Department of Energy

Kelly Speakes-Backman was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) at the U.S. Department of Energy from 2021-2022. In her role, Speakes-Backman led and directed the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, focused on creating and sustaining American leadership in the transition to a global clean energy economy. She oversaw the planning and execution of the organization’s $3.2B portfolio of research, development, demonstration, and deployment activities in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation.

Speakes-Backman most recently served as the first CEO of the Energy Storage Association, the national trade organization for the energy storage industry. She has spent more than 20 years working in energy and environmental issues in the public, NGO and private sectors. In 2019, Speakes-Backman was honored by The Cleanie Awards as Woman of the Year.

Speaking Engagements

PDAS Speakes-Backman Gives Remarks to the U.S. Conference of Mayors

On January 20, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Kelly Speakes-Backman provided remarks to mayors from across the country at the 90th Winter Meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM).

Articles by Kelly Speakes-Backman

Investing in the Future of Our Planet

Happy Earth Day!

Letter from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Kelly Speakes-Backman

Read the letter from Kelly Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, featured in the Water Power Technologies Office’s 2020-2021 Accomplishments Report.

Happy National Battery Day! (We’re geeks, we’ll admit it)

On National Battery Day, Kelly Speakes-Backman provides an overview of EERE's past and present contributions to the advancement of this remarkable technology.

Calling All Clean-Energy Innovators: Help Fight Climate Change Where You’re Needed Most

The Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize offers up to $2.5 million for projects that bring clean-technology entrepreneurship, research, incubation, and commercialization to communities suffering disproportionate harm from the effects of climate change.

Solar Gets Local: How the SolSmart Program Drives Deployment in Communities

Learn how local jurisdictions across the United States are exploring solar energy.

Looking Back on a Banner Year for Clean Energy

From a literal groundbreaking geothermal project to new justice- and equity-focused energy initiatives and more, Kelly Speakes-Backman celebrates EERE’s 2021 accomplishments.

Charged Up, Ready to Go!

Last week, Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg hit the road in an electric vehicle (EV) and drove to Takoma Park, Maryland. With cameras rolling, the two Cabinet members provided a glimpse into their trip.

This Holiday Season, Be a Clean Energy Champion

Check out these expert tips from EERE’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary on how to spark dinner conversation with clean energy.

Taking Stock at COP 26

Preparing for the world’s most important climate change conference, EERE’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary discusses how the United States will contribute solutions.

Celebrating 45 Years of the Weatherization Assistance Program

This historic effort to alleviate the disproportionate energy burden of low-income households will continue saving Americans hundreds of dollars on their energy bills with a new $3.5 billion infusion.

Efficiency and Renewables Office Celebrates Energy Awareness Month

It’s a great time to spotlight how EERE’s 11 technology offices are working to ensure a more reliable power grid, safer and healthier homes and buildings, and affordable energy for all.

Celebrating the Manufacturing Workforce of Tomorrow

More than 12 million U.S. workers have manufacturing jobs today—and millions more will in the next decade. Here’s how EERE is preparing future manufacturing workers with the technologies and skills they need to achieve a carbon-free economy.

A Commitment to Our Clean Energy Future: The Presidential Visit to Flatirons Campus

Get the inside scoop on President Biden and Secretary Granholm’s tour of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory with some of the country’s top energy researchers.

EERE FY 2022 Budget Request: Spurring Innovation and Job Creation Through Accelerated Development and Deployment of Clean Energy Technologies

Here’s the breakdown of EERE’s request for $4.73 billion to invest in energy efficiency, renewable power, and sustainable transportation technology advancements that will lead to billions in private sector investment and create millions of jobs.

Every Day is Earth Day

Earth Day may be a single day in April, but EERE celebrates it every day. EERE’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary explains how.

COP26: Committing to a Cleaner World

At the global climate change conference in Scotland, President Biden and Secretary Granholm launched several new initiatives critical to the U.S. decarbonization strategy. Learn about them here.

GeoFlight Takes to the Air to Help Identify Geothermal and Mineral Resources at the Salton Sea

Read about the recently launched GeoFlight: Salton Trough initiative, a collaborative effort between the Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office and the Department of Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey.

Efficiency and Renewables Office Celebrates Energy Awareness Month

The leaves are changing colors, the air is getting cooler, and it’s once again October—also known as Energy Awareness Month, a national effort celebrating the central role of energy to our national prosperity, security, and environmental well-being.