John Hewa, REC's chief operating officer and vice president of corporate services, has been elected as the U.S. Energy Storage Association (ESA) board chair. The ESA is the national trade association dedicated to energy storage, working toward a more resilient, efficient, sustainable and affordable electricity grid.

Earlier this year, Hewa was elected to the Virginia Chamber of Commerce board of directors. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the Commonwealth’s leading advocate for business, speaking for every economic sector.

Hewa joined REC in 2017. He has more than twenty years of experience in the electric utility industry and is a registered professional engineer. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce represents businesses and supports the Commonwealth’s economic activity, as well as playing a major role in helping shape energy policy that effects the reliability and affordability of electricity.

Similarly, the ESA is leading the way in energy solutions and future energy solutions. With Hewa serving as board chair, REC can stay up-to-date on and help shape policies and technology that store renewable energy, help meet peak demands and assist with continuity and sustainability during times of power loss.

"Both of these organizations work to benefit the Commonwealth," said Kent D. Farmer, REC’s president and chief operating officer. "Having John serve on both boards, representing REC while taking part in creating policies, benefits REC member-owners."