2026 Conference - Local Takes the Lead: The Future of Gas in Oregon
Posted on August 10, 2026 by Cassie Allen
Tags, General Interest, Conference & Events
CUB’s 16th annual Energy Policy Conference, Harnessing Local Energy, is all about keeping it local. This year, we’re bringing together some of the greatest minds in the Pacific Northwest to find local solutions to the global challenges of the energy sector. We’ll dive headfirst into this challenge during the first afternoon breakout panel, Local Takes the Lead: The Future of Gas in Oregon.
Register today for the 2026 CUB Energy Policy Conference and save! Early Bird registration closes at 5:00 pm on September 18.
2026 Conference Theme: Harnessing Local Energy
Finding Local Solutions to (Inter)National Energy Challenges
In just the last few years, Oregon’s energy landscape has seen many big, new challenges. We’ve seen hyperscaled energy demand from data centers, cuts to federal support for customers and utilities, large rate increases, and record household disconnections. With all of these hurdles, attention is increasingly turning to what we can do close to home to address both our energy needs and the human impacts of our industry.
In a world with increasingly globalized energy, we need to start to think more locally for solutions.
Panel 2A—Local Takes the Lead: The Future of Gas in Oregon
Oregonians across the state are pushing their community leaders and utilities to invest in policies that focus on moving us away from fossil fuels. Natural gas utilities may have fewer tools available to achieve this goal, regardless of the future of the Climate Protection Program. But across the state, gas utilities, local governments, and community organizations are pursuing getting creative in transitioning customers away from gas appliances. And different approaches will be needed to meet the needs of local communities. In this panel, attendees will hear diverse perspectives on balancing climate imperatives with operational realities.
What is on the horizon for electrification for gas customers? How are local community leaders working to make appliances in our homes and businesses more efficient? What lessons can we learn from local efforts to decarbonize the gas system in their communities? And what is the role of gas in a decarbonizing energy system?
Moderator: Emily Dougan, Utility Analyst, Oregon CUB
About the Conference
The CUB Energy Policy Conference is designed as a day of discussion, networking, and sharing diverse perspectives. This conference is ideal for community groups, regulators, advocates, utility representatives, attorneys, or those interested in our region’s energy industry.
16th Annual CUB Energy Policy Conference
Friday, October 2, 2026
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sentinel Hotel
614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
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08/04/26 | 0 Comments | 2026 Conference - Local Takes the Lead: The Future of Gas in Oregon