The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, in partnership with the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), is hosting a free webinar titled “Evaluating Tribal Utility Authority Opportunities” on Wednesday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mountain Time.

Many tribes have found success in facilitating energy development on native lands by advancing initiatives under some form of tribal utility authority. In this webinar, tribal leaders and community members will learn about the benefits and challenges of forming a tribal utility authority, including the many opportunities associated with wholesale tariffs, direct access service, net-metering arrangements, and use of substations and infrastructure, among other utility services. Attendees will also learn about the unique authority of sovereign nations to select new energy service providers, implement eminent domain, license dams, and negotiate right-of-way agreements.

The webinar will begin with an introduction from Lizana Pierce of the Office of Indian Energy, followed by a Bonneville Power Administration video of four tribal utilities in the Northwest titled “Northwest Tribes Provide Electricity, Prove Power to Lead.” The video will be followed by a presentation from Margie Schaff of Margaret Schaff and Associates, LLC, on opportunities to develop tribal utility authorities. Ray Wiseman, General Manager for Yakama Power, will then share a case study on Yakama Power's experience as a tribal-owned utility.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Register now for this webinar, and learn more about the 2018 Tribal Sovereignty and Self-Determination through Community Energy Development webinar series. For more case studies of tribes who have transitioned to ownership and operation of tribal electric utilities, see Tribal Authority Process Case Studies: The Conversion of On-Reservation Electric Utilities to Tribal Ownership and Operation.