Energy Markets and Transmission in the West: Information for Tribes
Western Resource Advocates (WRA) convenes an invite-only workshop series for Tribes and Tribal-serving partners to build a shared understanding of how Western energy markets and transmission planning are changing—and to support stronger Tribal influence in the policy decisions happening across the West.
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.
Workshop One:
September 25, 2025 | Albuquerque, New Mexico
October 20, 2025 | Chandler, Arizona
Workshop one was held in Fall 2025 in two locations to accommodate diversified participation. Together, they covered the fundamentals of how the Western grid and wholesale markets operate, where decisions are made, and what practical engagement can look like for Tribes.
Workshop Two:
April 28-29, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada
Workshop two will be held in Spring 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tribal leaders, utility staff, energy planners, and policy advisors interested in this workshop may contact Nadene Hubbard at
nadene.hubbard@westernresources.org.
Workshop Two
What to Expect
This workshop will build on the first two sessions with a deeper dive into current market governance and transmission planning developments in the West affecting Tribes. Workshop two is a 1.5-day, invite-only session that helps participants move from foundational understanding to strategic, real-world engagement in Western energy markets and transmission planning. The workshop is policy-focused and designed for Tribal leaders, utility staff, energy planners, and advisors who want to track decisions earlier, engage more effectively, and strengthen Tribal priorities in systems that impact Tribal lands and communities.
What We’ll Focus On
- Transmission planning engagement with a focus on the Western Power Pool’s Western Transmission Expansion Coalition (WestTEC): timelines, entry points, and strategies
- Market governance and regional coordination with a focus on the Western Interstate Energy Board’s West-Wide Governance Pathways Initiative: shaping and engaging in evolving regional market processes
- Tribal benefits and building an engagement strategy: advancing Tribal priorities and energy goals in emerging markets and transmission processes
- Inter-Tribal coordination and information sharing: opportunities to connect, align, and learn across Tribes and Tribal organizations
- Relationship-building: strengthening connections with peers and key decision makers
What You’ll Leave With
- A clearer picture of key decision-making forums and where Tribes can engage (including WestTEC and the West-Wide Governance Pathways Initiative)
- A stronger understanding of engagement entry points and strategies for markets and transmission discussions
- A clearer set of Tribal priorities and benefits to advance through regional processes
- Connections and pathways for continued peer learning and coordination
Who Should Attend
- Tribal leaders and decision makers
- Tribal utility staff, energy planners, and policy advisors
- Tribal nonprofits and Tribal-serving organizations
- Organizations supporting Tribal energy and transmission engagement (as space allows)
Additional Resources
Workshop One Summary
Wholesale Electricity Markets for Tribes
Glossary
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
