SEEA's mission is to promote and achieve energy efficiency through networking, program activities and education. The concept of an energy efficiency alliance in the Southeast began in 2003 when it was realized that the Southeast was the last major region in the United States without an established regional energy efficiency alliance, even though the Southeast was experiencing record growth and increasing air quality problems. In January 2007, SEEA was incorporated in the state of Georgia as a 501(c)(3).

The organization is based in Atlanta and is active in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. SEEA brings together businesses, governments, utilities, public utility commissions, energy service companies, manufacturers, retailers, energy and environmental organizations, low-income energy advocates, large energy consumers and universities to promote energy-efficient policies and practices.

Through advocacy, programs, events and membership outreach, SEEA helps to assure that energy efficiency takes its place as an essential component of the planning equation.