Fall 2024 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference, November 13 in Seattle, WA!
Join the NW Energy Coalition for our Fall 2024 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference!
Wednesday, November 13
8am – 7pm, PT
The University of Washington HUB – Seattle, WA
Join us on November 13 in Seattle for our fall Clean & Affordable Energy Conference! Hear the latest on energy issues in our region and learn from peers’ experiences within the clean energy transition in a tabletop discussion. Expert panelists will discuss how to support energy affordability as we make needed investments and upgrades to decarbonize our economy, the successes and opportunities in advancing Tribal energy projects, and the movement to connect the West in an independently governed energy market including the “hot off the press” new Pathways Initiative governance proposal to be released in early November.
Stick around afterwards for our Clean Energy Awards Reception from 5pm – 7pm at the HUB.
Members of the Coalition are encouraged to attend our Member Meeting the day before, Tuesday, November 12, at the Smart Buildings Center from 3pm – 5pm. Stay that evening for a Members Reception from 5pm – 6:30pm.
Panel 1: Maintaining affordability as the region invests in a modern, decarbonized energy system
Electricity affordability is at risk just as widespread electrification is underway to decarbonize our economy. Near-term power rates are going up as utilities ramp up investments in distribution system infrastructure, wildfire mitigation, new clean energy generation, storage, and distributed energy resources to meet increased demand, and establish rate discounts. This panel will explore how we can manage rate impacts and protect highly impacted and vulnerable communities, while making the necessary investments to achieve a clean energy transition.
The speaker panel includes:
Jennifer Hill-Hart, Oregon Citizen Utilities Board
John Hoffman, Snohomish PUD
Michelle Scala, Oregon Public Utilities Commission
Shaylee Stokes, The Energy Project
Moderator:
Alessandra de la Torre, NW Energy Coalition
Panel 2: Successes and opportunities in Tribal-led clean energy development
Many Northwest Tribal Nations are developing their own clean energy projects, including solar, storage, energy efficiency, and wind projects. There is increased access to grants, financing and technical assistance from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Additionally, there are new federal commitments to invest in Tribal energy projects that lay the path to replace the services of the Lower Snake River dams. This panel will discuss the successes of projects already underway and explore opportunities to further advance Tribal-led energy development.
Panel 3: Connecting the West in an independently governed electricity market
A connected Western electricity market will deliver numerous benefits: increased efficiency in using resources, cost savings, and unlocking and sharing the abundant clean energy resource potential throughout the West. Success hinges on creating a market governance structure that works for all states, utilities, and market participants. This panel will discuss the latest efforts to achieve a new governance structure that opens the opportunity for a unified Western energy market, and the implications for utility customers throughout the region.
This speaker panel includes:
Pam Sporborg, Portland General Electric
Mary Wiencke , Public Generating Pool
Laura Hersch, FERC
Moderator: Ben Otto, NW Energy Coalition
Please join us after the conference for our Clean Energy Awards Reception! There will be food and beverages and an award ceremony. This year, we present awards to:
Conservation Eagle Award: Ralph Cavanagh
Headwaters Award: Anne Hedges
Emerging Clean Energy Leader Award: John Seng
Doug Still Award: Ruth Sawyer
Scholarship and volunteer opportunities are available, email jill@nwenergy.org for more information.