Fall 2025 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference
The NW Energy Coalition’s Fall Clean & Affordable Energy Conference returns on December 3 at Portland State University. Join utility leaders, policymakers, advocates, and energy experts from across the region to explore solutions for a reliable, equitable, and decarbonized energy future.
This year’s conference will dive into some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the Northwest’s energy transition. We will:
- Explore how to meet rapidly growing electricity demand while maintaining reliability, protecting affordability, and achieving carbon reduction targets.
- Examine strategies for strengthening community and utility resilience in the face of extreme weather and wildfire risks, with a focus on protecting public health and advancing local energy solutions.
- Share insights into the latest research and innovations in transmission planning, from efficiency upgrades to new line proposals, and the vital role of state and Tribal leadership in shaping these efforts from the start.
Be part of this timely discussion and solutions-focused conversation in Portland this December.
Join us for a reception on December 3 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. following the main conference.
NW Energy Coalition Members are encouraged to join us for the NWEC Member Meeting on December 2 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Portland State University. Member reception will be from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. that day.
Sponsorship, scholarship, and volunteer opportunities are available. Please contact kat@nwenergy.org.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Schedule
8:00 – 9:00: Registration and Networking Breakfast
9:00 – 9:30: Welcome from NW Energy Coalition Executive Director, Tamara Kennedy
9:30 – 10:50: Panel 1 – Extreme Weather Resilience and Utility System Preparedness
10:50 – 11:20: Networking Break
11:20-12:50: Panel 2 – Transmission Planning for a Modern, Reliable Grid
12:50-2:10: Lunch and Awards
2:10-3:10: Table Top Discussion
3:10 – 3:40: Networking Break
3:40 – 5:00: Panel 3 – Meeting Increasing Energy Demands in the Region
5:00 – 7:00: Clean Energy Reception
Panel 1: Extreme Weather Resilience and Utility System Preparedness
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, from wildfires to ice storms. This panel will look at how utilities and communities can work together to reduce extreme weather risks, strengthen local energy projects, and maintain access to essential services during emergencies. Panelists will share approaches to balancing investments in clean energy goals with system planning that supports community resilience and public safety.
Moderator: Alessandra de la Torre, NW Energy Coalition
Panelists:
- Letha Tawney, Oregon Public Utility Commission
- Silvia Tanner, Multnomah County Office of Sustainability
- Soledad Molina, Energy Leaders Program
- Whitney Machado, Chelan PUD
- Maria Hernandez, Colibri Consulting Group (Interpreter)
Panel 2: Transmission Planning for a Modern, Reliable Grid
Modernizing the Northwest’s transmission system is essential for meeting clean energy goals and ensuring reliable service. This panel will review recent efforts to plan for and improve transmission. Panelists will discuss what is needed, where upgrades are most critical, and how state and Tribal leadership can help guide these conversations early, before specific new transmission lines are proposed.
Moderator: Zachariah Baker, NW Energy Coalition
Panelists:
- Sarah Edmonds, Western Power Pool
- Oregon State Representative Mark Gamba
- Doug Howell, NGO Coordinator on Transmission
Panel 3: Meeting Increasing Energy Demands in the Region
Electricity demand in the Northwest is projected to grow faster than ever, raising questions about how to keep power reliable, affordable, and low-carbon. This panel will explore strategies for making the most of our existing infrastructure while adding new generation and transmission, managing costs for customers, and meeting state carbon reduction targets. Panelists will also discuss the roles of thermal generation, energy efficiency, demand management, distributed resources, and new renewables in meeting peak demand.
Moderator: Lauren McCloy, NW Energy Coalition
Panelists:
- Jennifer Light, NW Power and Conservation Council
- Christine Golightly, Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission
- Brad Cebulko, Current Energy Group
- Elaine Hart, Sylvan Energy
Accommodations
NW Energy Coalition has reserved a room block at University Place Hotel and Conference Center in Portland. To book a room, please call the hotel and mention NWEC for a discounted rate.
Parking
The conference will be held in Smith Memorial Student Union at Portland State University. Parking structure 1 will be the most accessible parking area.