The annual event aims to bring together Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages to celebrate tribal energy successes, network, and share information.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
November 13, 2018
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Current Office of Indian Energy Deputy Director Kevin Frost (left) speaks with then Chairman of the Northern Arapaho Tribes Business Council, Roy B. Brown, at the 2017 Office of Indian Energy Program Review. Photo by Amy Glickson, NREL
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy is hosting its 2018 Program Review December 10–14 at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel in Lakewood, Colorado.
The annual event aims to bring together Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages to celebrate tribal energy successes, network, and share information through a number of focused presentations. Due to widespread interest in energy development, the Program Review is open to all of Indian Country.
Agenda Highlights
During the Program Review, tribes who have received grant funding from DOE to deploy energy technologies will offer updates on their projects. This year’s Review agenda includes the following highlights:
- Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC): AVEC’s Forest Button will provide an update on the utility’s latest DOE-funded project—a 900-kilowatt wind turbine that will serve more than 325 buildings belonging to the Stebbins Native Corporation in the rural communities of Stebbins and St. Michael, AK. AVEC will also give a status report on two other DOE-funded projects it’s embarked on within the past three years. These are wind turbine installations benefitting a total of six rural Alaskan communities: Bethel, Napakiak, and Oscarville; and Pitka’s Point, Saint Mary’s, and Mountain Village.
- Northern Pueblos Housing Authority (NPHA): Picuris Pueblo Governor Craig Quanchello and NPHA’s Jon Paul Romero will present on the Tribe’s completed community solar array and its newly funded Phase II community solar system. In partnership with the NPHA, Picuris Pueblo is developing a second 1-megawatt solar system on its land in northern New Mexico, which is expected to produce approximately 2.2 million kilowatt hours annually and provide gross revenue of approximately $3 million over 25 years through a power purchase agreement.
- San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians: John Flores and Rob Roy from the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians will offer an update on their Tribal Energy Collaborative program and information on their latest DOE-funded project to install a hybrid solar-storage-liquid propane microgrid system that will power essential loads for five separate but adjacent buildings owned and operated by the Tribe. This project is expected to save approximately $45,000 in electric energy costs per year, or over $1 million over the system’s 25-year useful life.
For more information on the event schedule, please see the overview and detailed agendas.
What Attendees Said About Last Year’s Program Review
“There is no better way to learn or network than in-person events such as these.”
This was my first Program Review experience, and I was impressed with the volume of projects that DOE is supporting across Indian Country and Alaska. Your combined efforts are recognized and greatly appreciated.
“Thanks for having me. It was a great speaking experience for myself and I am happy to promote our project. A big thanks to the DOE Office of Indian Energy; this project couldn't have been possible without your support.”
Hotel Information
The Sheraton Denver West hotel is located at 360 Union Blvd. in Lakewood, Colorado. A block of rooms is available at a group rate for Program Review attendees. To reserve your room at the discounted rate, please visit the Sheraton Denver West Hotel website by November 16.
Registration Information
There is no registration fee, but advanced registration is required to ensure seating and availability of food. Register here.