PNW Climate Week 2026: An Honest Discussion About the Energy Transition

About the event

See Luma for the most updated information on this event, and the full list of PNW Climate Week events in Portland HERE!

As electricity demand surges from the AI boom, electrification, and economic growth, the economics of energy are rapidly changing. This has many communities wondering about the future: How do we build an energy system that’s reliable, affordable, and aligned with climate goals?

​Join Bend Climate Collective during PNW Climate Week for an engaging panel discussion featuring leaders from across the energy ecosystem. Together, we’ll explore where there is consensus, where there is disagreement, and what the future of energy could look like in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

​Topics We’ll Explore

• ​Why electricity demand is accelerating and what it means for the grid.

• ​The growing role of distributed energy resources, including solar and battery storage.

• ​How grid capacity and interconnection timelines are influencing investment decisions.

• ​The evolution of energy procurement and corporate energy strategies.

• ​Key challenges and opportunities at the intersection of energy, infrastructure, economic development, and climate goals.

​Speakers

• ​Reed Lewallen – Commercial Lead, Station A

• ​Alisa Dunlap – Regional Business Manager, Pacific Power

• ​Jill Watz – Managing Director, Hotrock Energy

• ​Chris Pennington – Director, Energy and Sustainability, Iron Mountain

• ​Marisa Uchin – Founder, The Marken Group

​Agenda:

• ​5:30-6 pm: Hackathon Presentations

• ​6–7 pm: Panel discussion

• ​7–8 pm: Networking

​Tickets: $15

​Tickets include light bites and non-alcoholic beverages. Thank you to Derek Green and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP for sponsoring!

If you’d like to join us for a pint we may migrate to a nearby bar after!

​If the cost of a ticket is prohibitive to entrance please email us at engage@bendclimate.com and we’ll be happy to offer a free ticket.

​Parking at OSU is free after 5pm.

​Hosted by Bend Climate Collective. Visit us at bendclimate.com.