When talking to an energy counselor, it’s common to hear such terminology as R-value, cellulose and daily kilowatt average. With Amber Hall, an energy counselor with Clark Public Utilities, terms such as relationship, compassion and active listening are heard just as often. “The in-home energy review process can be like completing a puzzle together,” she said. “I have a few of the pieces, the customer has some and the house itself holds the others. By working together to fit the pieces, we can reveal the bigger picture.”
Hall’s background in social science and human development brought her to the utility a dozen years ago, where she put her skills to work in the community care department. For years, Hall helped low-income customers access grants or other assistance through various federal and utility energy bill programs. Networking with other Clark County assistance agencies and taking an interest in customers’ concerns helped her develop a unique skill set she now brings to her role as an energy counselor in the Clark Public Utilities Residential Energy Services Department.
Throughout her education, Hall had mentors who emphasized a partnership between social science and building science.
“I was lucky to have a fabulous teacher in high school who encouraged my interest in technology and science,” said Hall. “I’ve always been a people person and my early career in social work and community care definitely focused on that part of my training. But because of that teacher’s support early on and the encouragement of an insightful manager at the utility in recent years, I was eager to take on the math and technology needed to complete the energy counselor certification process.”
