2026 Conference - Moving Forward Hand-in-Hand: Solutions for a More Just Energy Transition
Posted on July 20, 2026 by Cassie Allen
Tags, General Interest, Conference & Events
This year, CUB’s 16th annual conference is jam-packed with engaging speakers and networking opportunities. We’ve recruited the best of the best in the energy industry to speak on local solutions for the global challenges facing Oregon’s energy sector. Today, we’re excited to announce our second morning breakout panel, Moving Forward Hand-in-Hand: Solutions for a More Just Energy Transition.
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 1B—Moving Forward Hand-in-Hand: Solutions for a More Just Energy Transition
Energy efficiency has rightly been the Northwest’s affordability ethos for a long time. But our approach itself needs an upgrade. Many families are still forced to navigate living in homes that are too hot or too cold, with broken, unsafe, or inefficient appliances causing their energy bills to rise. This lack of access to affordable, efficient home energy is something bill discount programs can never address on their own. Despite some progress, we need to address gaps in the existing supports for Oregonians who have fewer resources, ensuring they are not left behind in the energy transition.
How can we ensure families living on low incomes, renters, and those in mobile and manufactured homes do not continue to suffer disproportionately? How can promising new technologies support a more just energy transition? Who will get to live in more resilient, affordable, and safe homes as a result? And why isn’t the current answer: all of us?
Moderator: Sarah Wochele, Equity Analyst & Advocate, 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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07/17/26 | 0 Comments | 2026 Conference - Moving Forward Hand-in-Hand: Solutions for a More Just Energy Transition