Modeling Energy Efficiency

Ruchi Singhal proves small steps make a big difference.

Ruchi Singhal, a senior program manager in TVA Energy Services and Programs Group, has always had a heart for the environment.

“When I was a little girl, I wanted to help people. But in a lot of ways, people can help themselves,” Singhal laughed. “But the Earth? It really needs someone to help it. So that’s what I set out to do.”

And though she has focused her enthusiasm on improving the Earth, she has also improved the lives of its residents along the way. 

“TVA is committed to investing $1.5 billion to its customers and stakeholders in the form of incentives, resources, and programs that teach people about energy efficiency,” Singhal said. “When residents or businesses install technology that saves energy, people save money and remove the need for megawatts. It’s about preventing the waste of energy — zero energy is actually the cleanest energy.”

Growing up the daughter of immigrants from India, Singhal embraced the Valley region as her home, garnering Southern characteristics like resourcefulness.

“I've lived in the South my whole life,” she said. “The South has a rich history in being efficient. It’s in the bones of Southern people. I like encouraging Southerners to go back to their roots — then we can reduce our load and still be successful without wasting.”

Before coming to TVA, Singhal saw the need to educate homeowners about energy efficiency in her own community in Alabama. She took matters into her own hands, starting a non-profit dedicated to saving energy and offering rebates. During her time there, Singhal saw more than 2,000 homes optimize their energy consumption. That organization is still operating today, shifting its focus to helping underserved families and homes where rebates can make the most impact.

Singhal values making a difference. Recently, she spoke at the Women’s Economic Development Council Foundation’s Women Honoring Women Gala in Huntsville, Alabama. She shared how she built a career in clean energy. Though she’s an expert in her field, Singhal admitted that a five-minute speech on camera and in front of a large audience was daunting.

“The thing that came to mind was my family,” Singhal shared. “I wrote my speech about how the characteristics of each of my family members have made me the person and professional I am today. My dad’s integrity, my mom’s curiosity, my brother's leadership, and my husband’s serenity — these are qualities I carry with me.”

Singhal, bolstered by the love and support of her family, remains diligent in her promise to care for her home. And TVA’s mission toward a clean energy future is always in her line of sight.