Press Conference with Governor Polis Reinforces Utility Company’s Leadership in GHG Emissions Reduction

Linhart PR’s utility experts developed a communications strategy for the announcement that sought to reinforce the company’s leadership in GHG emissions reduction and demonstrate support for the governor’s approach, ahead of the 2021 Colorado legislative session, by aligning with his team on messaging and outreach, generate earned media coverage to build visibility and reputation as a reliable, responsible power provider and position the new renewable energy plans as important drivers of GHG emissions reduction, local tax revenue and customer savings.

Linhart PR prepared the team and supported planning for a virtual press conference with Governor Polis. Key aspects of the virtual press conference included:

1. Planning: With live events off the table due to Covid restrictions, we planned for a joint video news conference with company leadership and the governor to discuss the company’s Clean Energy Plan. Many of the most influential energy and environment reporters in Colorado attended.‍
2. Message Development: We developed multiple drafts of carefully calibrated messaging reinforcing the company’s Colorado clean energy leadership, supporting the governor’s policy approach and addressing reliability and value. ‍
3. Media Relations: We conducted outreach to the media target list to seek attendance and coverage of the announcement. We engaged with all of the Colorado energy, environment and business reporters covering greenhouse gas reduction efforts in the state to secure attendance and post-news conference coverage. ‍
4. Q&A: We held four prep sessions, a Q&A practice and a technical rehearsal in the three days prior to the news conference to ensure our spokesperson was well prepared for questions.

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