Cassandra Smith has been at City Light for nine months. She’s part of Customer Energy Solutions (CES) where she works as an Energy Advisor. “Our group assists CES with a wide range of activities,” Cassandra explained. “We’re all-knowing of the utility’s energy conservation programs! We educate customers and trade alleys about current rebate and incentive programs, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and other emerging technology. Every day is a little different.”
Cassandra grew up in Issaquah and moved to Seattle five years ago. “I live in the Northwest Seattle neighborhood. I love it because it’s close to fast public transit, Carkeek Park and the Puget Sound.” She recently graduated with honors from South Seattle College in Sustainable Building Science Technology. She also has an associate degree in Sociology from Bellevue College.
In this week’s (spot)Light, Cassandra shares her hobbies and why she enjoys working at City Light.
“My favorite activity is practicing yoga. I became a certified yoga instructor a couple years ago and taught for two years. Now I practice two – five times a week at my neighborhood studio. I enjoy hiking, biking and kayaking. I also have a little veggie garden that I am proud of! It’s full of different varieties of squash, onions, carrots, and potatoes.”
“I love living in the Northwest because we are constantly surrounded by nature, which inspired me to pursue a career in resource conservation. Before electricity, I worked in the solid waste and recycling industry. My friends and family take advantage of my knowledge even when I’m not working, which is fine with me because I am helping to make the world a better place.”
“I got married to my crafty, beer brewing husband last October. We will soon celebrate our first wedding anniversary! We are hoping to buy our first house in the next upcoming months in Seattle. This would mean a bigger garden and at least one dog.”
“I was attracted to City Light for a few reasons. City Light is 100% carbon neutral and has the longest running conservation program than any other utility. City Light has a strong Mission, Vision, Values. I’m also a big fan of Debra Smith! She is a great role model for women in leadership and the utility industry.”
“What I love about my job is that I’m able to talk about energy and resource conservation! I get to walk away knowing that I did something good for our customers, community and our planet. I am surrounded by an amazing team, including a wonderful supervisor. Our work in CES is unique to the utility because our mission is to help reduce consumption so that City Light doesn’t have to build more power plants.”