Administrator to speak at Tribal Leader Forum

by Kevon Storie

Western Administrator Tim Meeks will lead a discussion on Federal projects to expand transmission in the West at the second Tribal Leader Forum, Exploring the Business Link Opportunity: Transmission & Clean Energy Development in the West. The two-day forum, sponsored by the Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs and the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, is designed for tribal leaders to meet with other tribal leaders, energy industry executives and Federal officials to promote education and information sharing about transmission and clean energy development in Indian Country.

Transmission and Clean Energy Development is the second in a series of events the Office of Indian Energy is planning. The Southwest Solar Forum, held in Palm Springs, Calif., Dec. 2011, was well attended by major utilities as well as tribal representatives.

The agenda covers such topics as transmission project updates, project financing, new technologies and tribal case studies. Other speakers represent tribes, industry groups, private developers, utilities and state and Federal agencies.

The basics of transmission will be featured on the first day to provide context to transmission regulation, development, interconnection and service and financing issues to be discussed throughout the event. Attendees will also learn the latest on Federal and regional transmission developments and planning activities in the West and explore recent trends in financing clean energy projects. The event will also provide tribal leaders and executives with the opportunity to directly discuss best practices in tribal project partnerships and investments. 

There is no cost to attend the forum, but registration is required. Attendance is limited to 130 people. To register, send your name, contact information and email address to the Office of Indian Energy by Feb. 1. As soon as your registration is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation notice.