THE EVENT DATE HAS PASSED. TO FIND INFORMATION FOR THE CURRENT YEAR, PLEASE VISIT THE TRAINING AND EVENT CATALOG OR CALL US AT (360) 254-0109.

Who Should Attend:

General managers, policymakers, operations managers, key accounts managers, and communications managers.

Workshop Overview:

Is your utility dealing with large load issues from marijuana growers? Are you working with growers to establish good customer relationships? Do you struggle with internal impacts like cash on hand and other security issues as a result of marijuana legalization in your state? Whether your state has already legalized marijuana, if legalization just passed in November, or it is a possible ballot measure in the future, you’ll want to attend this workshop to get answers to your questions about the growing issues facing the utility industry.

During this one-day workshop, NWPPA will host a series of speakers, including Kent Singer, executive director, Colorado REA, and Jeff Bauman, electrical engineer, Cowlitz PUD. In addition to the session speakers, a panel of CEOs/GMs will be on hand to discuss experiences they are facing in their utility: customizing loading and upsizing lines; custom transformers; DOE and BPA's handling of power supply; whether or not growers and increased loads here to stay; what happens to the business model if marijuana is legalized at the federal level; and much more. Enforcement topics will also be discussed. More information on presentations will be added as they are confirmed.

Workshop Agenda:

8:25-8:30 a.m. Welcome
Anita Decker, Executive Director, NWPPA

8:30-10 a.m. The Utility Impact from the Marijuana Industry
Jeff Bauman, Electrical Engineer, Cowlitz PUD

10-10:15 a.m. Break

10:15-11:15 a.m.Cannabis & Kilowatts: How Has Marijuana Legalization Impacted Colorado’s Electric Co-ops?
Kent Singer, Executive Director, Colorado REA

11:15-11:45 a.m. Regulating Recreational Marijuana in Oregon: Highlights from the First Year and What Comes Next
Amanda Borup, Policy Analyst, Oregon Liquor Control Commission

11:45-1 p.m. Lunch

1-1:30 p.m. Collaboration between Marijuana Enforcement Agencies in Washington
Officer Kendra Ogren, WSLCB Enforcement & Education, MJ Non-Retail Unit; Detective Kenny Lutz, Clark County Drug Task Force

1:30-2 p.m. Utilities and Growers: Working Together to Achieve Operational Sustainability
Sara Batterby, CEO, HiFi Farms, and Board Member, Resource Innovation Institute; John Morris, Co-Founder and Board Secretary, Resource Innovation Institute; Vice President Market Development, D+R International

2-4 p.m. CEO Panel Discussion
Moderator: Moderated by Kent Singer, Executive Director, Colorado REA
Panelists: Alaska—Cory Borgeson, President & CEO, Golden Valley Electric Association
California—Paul Hauser, General Manager, Trinity PUD
Oregon—Matt Michel, General Manager, Lane Electric Cooperative
Washington—Annette Creekpaum, General Manager, Mason PUD No. 3

4 p.m. Evaluations and Closing

Workshop Schedule:

Registration will begin at 8 a.m., and the workshop will run from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Workshop Location & Hotel Information:

Embassy Suites Portland - Airport
7900 NE 82nd Avenue
Portland,  OR 97220
(503) 460-3000

Room rate: $159 for a single/double

Please book your room as soon as possible, but no later than January 12, 2017, to secure this rate. Mention that you are with Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA) when booking your reservation. Or book online here: NWPPA Group Block. 

Workshop Fees: