2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Rachel Goodgal, Bright Power

“Rachel Goodgal stands out in our industry: she makes complicated things navigable for building owners and managers. Rachel has exceptional knowledge of NY State’s multifamily energy incentive landscape and consistently turns that knowledge into real dollars and solutions for our clients. She’s sharp, thorough, and genuinely passionate about improving the built environment.” 

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?

I have been passionate about climate change mitigation since high school. I originally moved to New York to pursue an acting career, but I also became involved in climate advocacy organizations. Like many actors, I struggled to gain a foothold in that industry, and I was spending more and more time on climate advocacy. I decided to pivot my career, and I had the opportunity to pursue an MPA in Environmental Science & Policy. A professor helped me find a job at an energy efficiency trade association, which in turn led to my current role at Bright Power.

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of?

I lead Bright Power’s participation in NYSERDA’s Owner’s Representative Services for Multifamily Buildings, a unique new program that helps multifamily buildings overcome challenges to building efficiency and decarbonization. As an owner’s rep provider, Bright Power helps property owners overcome the soft barriers that often delay or prevent projects, such as project planning, incentive procurement, and relationship management. It has been exciting to help buildings make improvements that save energy, reduce utility costs, and decrease emissions.