Loading…
Type: Policy Focus clear filter
arrow_back View All Dates
Wednesday, April 29
 

9:00am PDT

Resource Adequacy in the PNW
Wednesday April 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
**CLE SESSION: You must check into each session on the Conference APP and stay for the entire session to receive CLE credit.**

An alarming new report predicts resource adequacy shortages in the future in the PNW.  Come hear what the experts think and what role solar and storage play in a resource constrained future.
Moderators
avatar for Katie Chamberlain

Katie Chamberlain

Regulatory Manager, Renewable Northwest
Katie joined Renewable Northwest in 2023 and serves as the organization’s Regulatory Manager. She engages in resource planning and procurement processes with utilities, public utility commissions, and advocacy organizations across the region. Katie earned her Master's of Public... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Shannon Souza

Shannon Souza

Principal & CEO, Sol Coast Consulting & Design
Since 1994, Shannon has pursued a career path in Sustainable practices for the PNW from my home base on the Oregon Coast.

She began with pollution control, waste minimization, and environmental remediation with Weyerhaeuser Company's corporate office of the Environment, and then as the North Bend Papermill Environmental Director. In 1999, Shannon opened her first company, Souza Environmental, and shifted... Read More →
avatar for Matt Hayes

Matt Hayes

Program Manager for the Western Resource Adequacy Program, Bonneville Power Administration
Matt Hayes is a Program Manager at the Bonneville Power Administration, where he leads the agency’s participation in the Western Resource Adequacy Program. He specializes in bridging policy, technology, and market operations to ensure reliable and compliant participation in complex... Read More →
avatar for Elaine Hart

Elaine Hart

Principal, Sylvan Energy Analytics
Elaine is a co-founder and principal at Sylvan Energy Analytics and leads the company's consulting practice. She brings fifteen years of experience in clean energy system planning, with expertise spanning integrated resource planning, resource adequacy, complex resource valuation... Read More →
Wednesday April 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Discovery A

11:00am PDT

Bonneville Power Administration Hot Topics
Wednesday April 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
**CLE SESSION: You must check into each session on the Conference APP and stay for the entire session to receive CLE credit.**

Grid enhancements, interconnection reform and data center growth: there is a lot happening at BPA! Come learn what BPA has planned and how recent reforms are going, and how data center growth fits into everything.
Moderators
avatar for Jeff Watson

Jeff Watson

Strategic Advisor, Savion
Jeff Watson is a Senior Development Manager at Savion, advancing utility‑scale renewable energy projects in the Pacific Northwest with a focus on project siting, permitting strategy, transmission and interconnection, and energy policy reform.
Speakers
avatar for Bill Ohle

Bill Ohle

Shareholder, Schwabe
Bill Ohle brings a strong industry background to representing public utilities and industries in state and federal regulatory matters. Before joining Schwabe, he served as in-house counsel for a publicly owned electrical, water and wastewater utility company. Currently, Bill represents... Read More →
avatar for Erich Orth

Erich Orth

Supervisory Civil Engineer, Bonneville Power Administration
After graduating from Washington State University in Civil Engineering, Erich starting with BPA in 1999 working his way through various design organizations and up through project management the last 18 years.  He currently manages BPA’s Secondary Capacity Model program delivering... Read More →
avatar for Michael Watkins

Michael Watkins

Strategic Advisor, Power Supply Business Unit, Seattle City Light
Michael is an electric industry expert with over 25 years in power grid reliability operations, contract management, and policy analysis. He specializes in transmission policy, contract negotiations, strategy, adapting to regulatory changes and NERC compliance. Currently a contract... Read More →
Wednesday April 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Discovery A

1:00pm PDT

Regulatory Round-Up
Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
**CLE SESSION: You must check into each session on the Conference APP and stay for the entire session to receive CLE credit.**

How are Washington and Oregon doing on meeting their clean energy targets? What is happening on interconnection reform? How have transmission constraints changed the role of DERs? And what is performance-based ratemaking? Come find out with Oregon and Washington regulators and staff.
Moderators
avatar for Carra Sahler, J.D.

Carra Sahler, J.D.

Director and Staff Attorney, Green Energy Institute at Lewis and Clark
Since joining GEI in the fall of 2020, Carra Sahler has focused on regulatory proceedings at the Oregon Public Utility Commission. Participating in a variety of dockets, on both the gas and electric side, Carra works to avoid fossil fuel lock-in, implement equitable decarbonization... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Brian Rybarik

Brian Rybarik

Chair, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Brian Rybarik chair of the Utilities and Transportation Commission in January 2025.Brian is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners' Electricity and Critical Infrastructure Committees, Committee of State Representatives... Read More →
avatar for Caroline Moore

Caroline Moore

Energy Program Director, Oregon Public Utility Commission
Caroline Moore serves as the Energy Program Director at the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC). Caroline has experience working on several sides Oregon’s utility sector, including eight years as Oregon PUC Staff, supporting clean energy development and customer solutions at... Read More →
avatar for Charlee Thompson

Charlee Thompson

Policy Associate, NW Energy Coalition
Charlee joined the NW Energy Coalition as a Policy Associate in 2022. She has worked for an electric utility and clean energy nonprofits performing data analysis, research, and advocacy spanning the implementation of the Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act, energy justice and... Read More →
Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Discovery A

2:30pm PDT

Partnering with PNW Tribes on Renewable Energy for Shared Success
Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
**CLE SESSION: You must check into each session on the Conference APP and stay for the entire session to receive CLE credit.**

Tribal nations across the Pacific Northwest possess some of the region’s most significant untapped potential for renewable energy development. However, realizing this potential requires navigating a complex intersection of sovereign rights, historical land use, cultural preservation, and unique financial barriers. This panel brings together leading voices in PNW Tribal governance, project development, and green finance to provide an actionable roadmap for co-developing solar and storage projects with PNW Tribes. Moderated by David Harper of Native-owned Huurav Energy, the discussion will move beyond theoretical equity to focus on the concrete mechanics of equitable partnerships: sustainable siting that respects cultural resources, inclusive project design, and innovative capital stacking that bypasses federal bottlenecks to ensure Tribal energy sovereignty.

Why This Panel Matters Now:
As Oregon and Washington aggressively pursue their clean energy targets, developers and utilities are increasingly looking toward Tribal lands. Yet, traditional development models often fail in Indian Country due to a fundamental misunderstanding of sovereign risk, treaty rights, and community priorities. Furthermore, with recent shifts and delays in federal grant funding, reliance on traditional government capital is leaving critical infrastructure projects stranded. This session bridges the knowledge gap.
Moderators
avatar for David Harper

David Harper

CEO, Huurav Energy
David has more than 30 years of experience in Indigenous governance, cultural preservation, and policy development. He is the CEO for Huurav Energy and executive officer and Tribal liaison for 7Skyline. David has led Tribal outreach efforts for utility-scale solar and energy storage... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Lo

Kevin Lo

Corporate Sustainability Distinguished Technologist, HP Inc.
Interesting facts about Kevin Lo:
• Passionate about sustainability, circular economy, reducing carbon, and social justice opportunities.
• Conceptual Car Designer, known for the Local Motors LM3D Swim featured at SEMA.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Washington... Read More →
avatar for Phoebe Thums

Phoebe Thums

Phoebe Thums ​​​​ Indian Country Strategist, EVP, Craft3
Phoebe Thums joined Craft3 as an Executive Vice President and Indian Country Strategist in 2024. In this role, Phoebe builds relationships and partnerships with Tribes, Native-serving organizations, and Native entrepreneurs throughout the Pacific NW, with a goal of expanding access... Read More →
avatar for Florence Ludka

Florence Ludka

CFO, Oweesta
Florence Sterling Ludka serves as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Oweesta Corporation, where she leads financial strategy, capital deployment, and organizational sustainability. In this role, she advances innovative financing solutions that expand access to capital in Native communities... Read More →
avatar for Eli Lieberman

Eli Lieberman

Executive Director, Washington State Green Bank
Eli leads the Washington State Green Bank to help accelerate the state’s clean energy transition and climate resilience while ensuring everyone can access its benefits. He is building a diverse partnership of public and private capital investors so that all Washingtonians — particularly... Read More →
avatar for Brady Kent

Brady Kent

Tribal Energy Specialist, Washington State Department of Commerce
Brady B. Kent is a Tribal Affairs and clean energy engagement leader with more than a decade of experience advancing government-to-government consultation strategy and supporting infrastructure and natural resource initiatives across Washington State and the Northwest region. As a... Read More →
Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Discovery C

2:30pm PDT

The Evolving Market of Utility Scale BESS
Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
**CLE SESSION: You must check into each session on the Conference APP and stay for the entire session to receive CLE credit.**

We know the future is batteries, but do regulators and elected officials know it? Come learn about new technology and the ever changing policy landscape.
Moderators
avatar for Bridget McEwen

Bridget McEwen

Principal Consultant, Sustainability, DNV Energy USA Inc.
Bridget McEwen is a board member of the Oregon Solar and Storage Industries Association (OSSIA) and serves as Regional Practice Lead and Principal Consultant for Sustainability and ESG services at DNV, a global quality assurance and risk management company. With more than 20 years... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Paul Notti

Paul Notti

Vice President of Sales and Business Development, ESS, Inc.
Paul leads sales and business development in North America for ESS Inc, the Oregon Manufacturer of the 10+ hour daily iron flow battery.  He has been instrumental in new customer acquisitions for ESS since joining in 2021.  In clean energy and energy conservation for most of his... Read More →
avatar for Toby Butterfield

Toby Butterfield

VP, Development, GridStor
Toby is a seasoned developer with 15 years of experience in renewables and a strong technical background. Prior to joining GridStor, he managed GW-scale portfolios and led development & project execution teams at EDP Renewables and Primergy Solar. Toby enjoys bringing quantitative... Read More →
avatar for Zach Hyder

Zach Hyder

CEO + Co-Owner, Hubbell Communications
Zach is a veteran communications strategist with a background in facilitating community conversations about energy, climate, and economic development.

Throughout his career, Zach has worked on grassroots advocacy and community outreach campaigns on issues from clean technology and... Read More →
Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Discovery A

4:00pm PDT

Clean Energy Executive Orders
Wednesday April 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
**CLE SESSION: You must check into each session on the Conference APP and stay for the entire session to receive CLE credit.**

Both Oregon and Washington responded to HR 1 by passing clean energy Executive Orders last fall. Come learn what was in those Executive Orders, how they're being implemented, and how they fit into the overall clean energy plans for the PNW.
Moderators
avatar for Shannon Souza

Shannon Souza

Principal & CEO, Sol Coast Consulting & Design
Since 1994, Shannon has pursued a career path in Sustainable practices for the PNW from my home base on the Oregon Coast.

She began with pollution control, waste minimization, and environmental remediation with Weyerhaeuser Company's corporate office of the Environment, and then as the North Bend Papermill Environmental Director. In 1999, Shannon opened her first company, Souza Environmental, and shifted... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Kate Brouns

Kate Brouns

Climate & Energy Policy Advisor, Washington State Office of the Governor
Advancing Washington's clean energy transition through policy advocacy and government relations expertise. I'm passionate about relationship building, persuasive communication, science-driven decision-making, and taking action. "It just so happens that we are all alive at the last... Read More →
avatar for Amy Schlusser

Amy Schlusser

Climate and Energy Policy Advisor, Office of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek
Amy Schlusser is the climate and energy policy advisor to Governor Tina Kotek. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office in June 2025, Amy served in two positions at the Oregon Department of Energy, first as senior clean energy policy analyst and then as the Department’s climate... Read More →
avatar for Rob Del Mar

Rob Del Mar

Senior Policy Analyst, Oregon Department of Energy
Rob Del Mar is a senior policy analyst at the Oregon Department of Energy.  He is responsible for evaluating policies relating to renewable energy and energy resilience projects in Oregon. Previously Rob worked as a project manager in the solar programs at Energy Trust of Oregon... Read More →
Wednesday April 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Discovery A
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date -