Workshop One
Energy Markets and Transmission in the West: Information for Tribes
Western Resource Advocates (WRA) invites you to attend the first workshop in a two-part, invite-only, Tribal Energy Markets & Transmission Workshop Series, designed to build collective understanding, spark dialogue and strengthen Tribal influence in state and regional energy decision-making initiatives in the West.
This first workshop will provide a foundational understanding of the Western grid and wholesale energy markets and its impacts – setting the stage for meaningful Tribal engagement in upcoming regional and state-level forums. This workshop is policy-focused, with sessions designed to support informed decision-making by Tribal leaders, utility staff, energy planners, and policy advisors.
Travel support provided for up to 2 representatives per Tribe/organization.
Participants may choose one of the two workshop options below. For more information about the workshop, contact Nadene Hubbard at nadene.hubbard@westernresources.org.
Option #1: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Date: September 25, 2025
Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Option #2: Chandler, Arizona
Date: October 20, 2025
Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85226
RSVP Today
RSVP by August 15 for the New Mexico workshop and by September 19 for the Arizona workshop.
Who Should Attend
- Tribal leaders and decision makers.
- Tribal utility staff, energy planners, and policy advisors.
Why Now
Tribes have long advocated for energy sovereignty and sustainable infrastructure. Today, shifts in energy markets and transmission planning present a critical window to ensure Tribal priorities are reflected in systems that have historically excluded them. With key decisions being made now about the future of energy in the region, Tribal voices, knowledge, and leadership are essential to shaping equitable, resilient outcomes. This workshop series offers a space to engage with emerging opportunities, strengthen strategic positioning, and build collective momentum in energy policy and planning.
What You’ll Learn
- How the Western energy grid is structured and who the key decision makers are.
- Where decisions impacting Tribal lands and interests are made within Western energy systems.
- What forums and regulatory processes shape Western energy markets and transmission policy.
- Potential policy spaces where Tribes can lead.
What Makes This Workshop Different
- This is the first workshop of a two-part strategic workshop series – each workshop will be built on the last.
- We focus on state and regional policy decision making – not just technical markets mechanics.
- Tribal experiences and storytelling will be woven through to connect policy with lived impact.
What’s Next: Preview of Workshop Two
Workshop two will occur in Spring 2026, and will build on the knowledge from the first workshop by offering practical tools for Tribal energy engagement and a deeper dive into trending energy policy issues, with a focus on:
- Transmission planning process engagement
- Emerging opportunities and gaps in current policy conversations
- Exploring concrete ways Tribes can communicate their priorities into current policy and regulatory spaces, including establishing Tribal engagement in CAISO and SPP market decision-making processes
- Opportunities to meet and build relationships with key decision makers including market operators
Additional Resources
Organizers
Tahlia Bear
Senior Indigenous Peoples Engagement Manager
Nadene Hubbard
Tribal Engagement Fellow
Vijay Satyal, Ph.D.
Deputy Director of Markets and Transmission
Sydney Welter
Regional Markets Policy Advisor
