Spring 2025 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference

By Jill Wasberg | December 4, 2024

Join the NW Energy Coalition for our 2025 Spring Clean & Affordable Energy Conference 

May 7, 2025 
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 
University of Montana in Missoula 
UC Grand Foyer, North Ballroom 

Join the NW Energy Coalition this spring in Missoula for our Clean & Affordable Energy Conference! We’ll have three panel discussions throughout the day featuring dialogue from experts in Montana on moving clean energy transition forward.

Panelists will talk about how Tribal communities are developing new energy resources while also managing existing resources, how new transmission can help with unlocking the development and availability of responsibly sited new renewables, and about the challenges communities face in implementing energy efficiency programs while also meeting the needs of affordable housing. We’ll also have an interactive table top discussion where attendees can discuss shared goals in building a clean, affordable, and equitable energy system in the Northwest.  

Members of the Coalition are encouraged to attend our Member Meeting from 8:00 – 10:00 AM that morning prior to the conference. Breakfast for Members will be provided from 7:00 – 8:00 AM.   

There will be lot parking available in lot R-3, located on the mountain side of campus along Campus Drive. See map. 

We invite you to join us at a reception on Tuesday, May 6, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Iron Horse Bar and Grill: 501 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802.

NW Energy Coalition has reserved a room block at the Comfort Inn University in Missoula. The booking deadline is April 5th. Book a room with this link.

Register!

Thank you to our sponsors:

Schedule for the day: 

  • 7:00am – 8:00am: Registration and Breakfast for Members
  • 8:00am – 10:00am: Membership Meeting
  • 10:00am – 10:30am: Non-Member Arrival and Registration
  • 10:30am – 10:45am: Welcome
  • 10:45am – 11:00am: Opening Remarks from Mayor of Missoula
  • 11:00am – 12:10pm: Panel 1: Energy Resources for the Benefit of Tribal Communities
  • 12:10pm – 1:10pm: Lunch
  • 1:10pm – 2:20pm: Panel 2: Energy System Reliability and Transmission
  • 2:20pm – 2:35pm: Networking Break
  • 2:35pm – 3:35pm: Table Top Discussion
  • 3:35pm – 3:50pm: Networking Break
  • 3:50pm – 5:00pm: Panel 3: Energy Efficiency and Affordable Housing

Panel 1: Energy Resources for the Benefit of Tribal Communities 
Tribal communities are developing new energy resources while also managing existing resources. This panel will discuss how they’re expanding energy efficiency and small-scale renewables for their communities. We will hear from Tribal representatives about the challenges and opportunities in Tribal energy development. 

Moderator: Nancy Hirsh, NW Energy Coalition

Speakers:

  • Gerald Wagner, Blackfeet Environmental Office, Blackfeet Nation
  • Patrick Yawakie, State Lobbyist Blackfeet Tribe, Red Medicine LLC
  • James Paddlety, Nez Perce

Panel 2: Energy System Reliability and Transmission 
Extreme weather events and growing demand for energy contribute to reliability issues in the energy system. Speakers will address how new transmission can help with unlocking the development and availability of responsibly sited new renewables. We will also hear about how community-based resources can support reliability and how to support community voices and ownership in the development of new resources and transmission.  

Moderator: Kyle Unruh, Renewable Northwest

Speakers:

  • Maranda Compton, Lepwe
  • Brant Johnson, Grid United 
  • Kyle Hinz, IBEW Local Union 44
  • Makenna Sellers, Montana Renewable Energy Association

Panel 3: Energy Efficiency and Affordable Housing  
Many communities face challenges in implementing energy efficiency programs while also meeting the needs of affordable housing. There are challenges in accessing available funding for healthier homes. Many communities can lack the resources to get those funds and implement the programs. We will hear from speakers who can address these challenges and how to meet them. 

Moderator: Derek Goldman, NW Energy Coalition

Speakers:

  • Amy Cilimburg, Climate Smart Missoula 
  • Jessica Harrell, Human Resource Council, District XI
  • Jason Gutzmer, Beyond Building and Habitat for Humanity of Missoula

Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. Email kat@nwenergy.org for more information. 

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