Energy in Transition: Energy Reliability and Innovation for Economic Vitality
Hosted by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Gas Association

Regional business leaders and policymakers are invited to a Spokane Valley forum focused on energy reliability, gas-electric system coordination, and emerging decarbonization technologies shaping the Inland Northwest. This discussion will examine rising regional energy demand, lessons from recent winter reliability events, and constraints facing energy infrastructure and planning. Panelists will also explore how evolving energy and climate policies intersect with economic competitiveness, workforce needs, and long-term investment decisions. The forum is designed to provide practical insights for employers, utilities, and community leaders navigating a rapidly changing energy landscape across Eastern Washington and the broader Pacific Northwest. 

Panel Discussions:

Gas and Electric Coordination Presentation from NWGA and PNUCC

Learn about the Northwest Gas Association (NWGA) and the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee’s (PNUCC) gas-electric coordination initiative through this presentation, which highlights how the industry is addressing the increasing strain on the energy system. Kelly Fukai, CEO of NWGA, and Scott Kinney, Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee Board member and VP of Energy Resources and Integrated Planning at Avista, will spotlight the unique role each plays and examine coordination efforts, planning challenges, and the critical role of state leadership in maintaining a reliable, affordable, and resilient regional energy system.

Panelists

Kelly Fukai, CEO of Northwest Gas Association

Scott Kinney, VP of Energy Resources & Integrated Planning at Avista

Providers Panel: State of the Utility

Get an update from a panel of Greater Spokane Valley Chamber utility providers: Avista, Inland Power & Light Company, and Modern Electric Water Company. Our expert panelists will share the current state of their respective utility operations as well as their unique opportunities and challenges in providing reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy.

Panelists

Fueling Economic Growth

This session will feature energy experts, large natural gas users, and regional business leaders discussing how energy reliability, affordability, and policy uncertainty affect operations and investment decisions. Panelists will share perspectives on energy demand growth, fuel choice, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory impacts. The discussion will highlight the importance of dependable energy supply for manufacturing, logistics, and major employers, offering practical insights into how energy policy and planning decisions influence competitiveness and economic stability across the region.

Panelists

Natural Gas Innovates to Decarbonize

This panel will examine emerging natural gas decarbonization technologies and their role in supporting a reliable and lower-carbon energy system. Industry experts will discuss innovations such as point-source carbon capture solutions like CarbonQuest, renewable natural gas project development, and hydrogen applications. The discussion will explore technology readiness, scalability, and infrastructure integration, highlighting how these solutions can reduce emissions while maintaining energy reliability and supporting economic growth across the region.

Panelist