Spring 2025 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference

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 rural 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.
NW Energy Coalition has reserved a room block at the Comfort Inn University in Missoula. Booking link.
Schedule for the day:
7:00 – 8:00 AM: Registration and Breakfast for Members
8:00 – 10:00 AM: Membership Meeting
10:00 – 10:30 AM: Non-Member Arrival and Registration
10:30 – 10:45 AM: Opening remarks
10:45 – 12:00 PM: Panel 1: Energy Resources for the Benefit of Tribal Communities
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 – 2:15 PM: Panel 2: Energy System Reliability and Transmission
2:15 – 2:30 PM: Networking Break
2:30 – 3:30 PM: Table Top Discussion
3:30 – 3:45 PM: Networking Break
3:45 – 5:00 PM: Panel 3: Energy Efficiency and Affordable Housing in Rural Communities
Panels:
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.
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.
Panel 3: Energy Efficiency and Affordable Housing in Rural Communities
Rural communities face unique challenges in implementing energy efficiency programs while also meeting the needs of affordable housing. There are challenges in accessing available funding for healthier homes. Rural 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.
Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. Email jill@nwenergy.org for more information.