The Office of Indian Energy is hosting its 2019 Program Review November 18–21 at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel in Lakewood, Colorado.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
October 18, 2019
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Darrel John of the Alaska Native Village of Kwigillingok listens to tribal energy project presentations at the 2018 Office of Indian Energy Program Review. Photo by Josh Bauer, NREL
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy is hosting its 2019 Program Review November 18–21 at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel in Lakewood, Colorado.
The annual event aims to bring together Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages to celebrate tribal energy successes, network, and share information through a number of focused presentations. Due to widespread interest in energy development, the Program Review is open to all of Indian Country.
Get Updates on Tribal Energy Project Progress From Across the Nation
During the Program Review, tribes who have received grant funding from DOE to deploy energy technologies will offer updates on their projects. This year’s Review agenda includes the following highlights:
- Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (CO): On Monday, November 18, Bernadette Cuthair, Tribal Community Services Director for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, will provide an update on the Tribe’s 1-megawatt community solar project planned to come online this December. As recently featured in High Country News, the solar array will offset at least 10% of the Tribe’s overall energy usage beginning in the first year, impact more than 75 tribal buildings, and save an estimated $157,440 annually.
- Spokane Indian Housing Authority (WA): On Tuesday, November 19, Spokane Indian Housing Authority Development Manager Clyde Abrahamson will present on the Spokane Tribe’s Children of the Sun Solar Initiative, a $2-million solar installation that will both increase resilience to environmental threats and promote sovereignty for the Tribe in the form of energy security. The solar project is also helping to secure the Tribe’s energy future by providing a hands-on, in-person education opportunity for students in the community.
- Hughes Village Council (AK): On Thursday, November 21, Dave Messier, Rural Energy Coordinator for the Tanana Chiefs Conference, will provide an update on the 120-kilowatt solar system installed in the Native Village of Hughes, Alaska. Currently rural Alaska’s largest solar installation, this system will save Hughes an estimated $1 million over 20 years.
Tribal energy projects announced this summer will also give overviews of their project plans. For the full event schedule, please see the agenda.
Tiffany Allgood of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe gives an update on the Tribe’s energy-efficiency and solar projects at the 2018 Office of Indian Energy Program Review. Photo by Josh Bauer, NREL
What Attendees Said About Past Program Reviews
“Invaluable networking experience and excellent presentations.”
“There is no better way to learn or network than in-person events such as these.”
“I learned so much, including how much I have to learn! Thank you to the conference organizers. The setting was comfortable, food was great, and presentations were informative and interesting. A terrific group!”
Hotel Information
The Sheraton Denver West Hotel is located at 360 Union Blvd. in Lakewood, Colorado. A block of rooms is available at a group rate for Program Review attendees. To reserve your room at the discounted rate, please visit the Sheraton Denver West Hotel website by October 25.
Registration Information
Advanced registration closed November 7, 2019. However, you will be able to register onsite. If you have any questions, please contact indianenergy@hq.gov or (240) 562-1352.