That’s a Wrap on CUB’s 2024 Conference
Posted on October 7, 2024 by Cassie Allen
Tags, Energy, General Interest
On October 4th, CUB’s 14th annual policy conference, Energy Policy for People & Planet, was held at the Left Bank Annex in Portland, Oregon. Over 250 attendees came from all over the Pacific Northwest to engage in a day of networking, panel discussions, and community building.
CUB was thrilled to by so much excitement and engagement at this year’s conference—special thanks to CUB staff for putting together yet another incredible event!
Conference Highlights
Attendees at this year’s conference loved hearing from the many passionate and knowledgeable panelists. One attendee told us they appreciated learning little-known information on how utility companies prioritized different types of customers when shutting off power for unpaid bills. Other conference attendees spoke about how the range of panel topics and exposure to new energy issues gave them a broader perspective on the work being done in the energy industry.
We also heard from many people who enjoyed the various networking opportunities at the conference. Whether you work for a utility company, government agency, or nonprofit, or attend as a community member, the CUB conference has a place to mingle and connect!
CUB’s Keynote Speaker: Mark Toney
This year, CUB was overjoyed to welcome Mark Toney, Executive Director of TURN–The Utility Reform Network, as our keynote speaker. Mark gave an electrifying (pun intended) speech on greening the grid by protecting the planet and customers’ pocketbooks.
Mark highlighted the need to address the energy affordability crisis and ensure that Black, Brown, or other vulnerable communities are not cut off from the grid because of skyrocketing utility bills. He gave specific examples of what needs to be done, like setting hard limits on utility spending or creating Income Payment plans that cap electric and gas bills at 4% of income.
During his speech, Mark asked a hard-hitting question. “What does it take to win policies that promote the Most Green for the Least Green,” said Mark Toney, Executive Director of TURN. “Partnerships. Creating a wildly diverse coalition of policy leaders impacted by high utility bills is the first step.”
Thank You to Our Sponsors
CUB’s annual conference wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support from our sponsors. Their sponsorship enables CUB to bring together a wealth of industry knowledge for an incredible day of discussion, networking, and sharing diverse perspectives. Thank you to our sponsors!
2024 CUB Conference Sponsors
Portland General Electric
Amazon Web Services
NW Energy Coalition
Oregon Solar + Storage Industry Association
Renewable Northwest
Oregon Just Transition Alliance
Sylvan Energy Analytics
Northwest & Intermountain Power Producers Coalition
McDowell Rackner Gibson PC
Davison Van Cleve PC
Oregon Department of Energy
Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
Rye Development
Department of Energy Quality
Electrify Now
NW Power and Conservation Council
Energy Trust of Oregon
Pacific Power
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12/09/24 | 0 Comments | That’s a Wrap on CUB’s 2024 Conference