2026 Event Schedule

Across North America, tribes are advancing energy sovereignty through resilient microgrids, distributed energy resources, and long-term strategies that strengthen self-determination and local economic development. These projects also create opportunities—and challenges—for deeper collaboration with utilities as both parties work to enhance reliability, support grid stability, and navigate evolving regulatory and operational landscapes. 

This session brings together tribal energy leaders, utilities, and technology partners to explore what it takes to design, deploy, and sustain successful tribal microgrids. Speakers will discuss the importance of cultural alignment, community-driven priorities, sovereign decision-making, and technical planning for resilience. The conversation will highlight emerging models for utility engagement, coordination during design and interconnection, and long-term operational partnerships that respect tribal autonomy while strengthening the broader grid.

Attendees will gain practical insight into deployments already underway, lessons learned, and the pathways tribes are forging as they build sovereign, resilient, and future-ready energy systems.

Key Takeaways 

• How tribes are using microgrids and DERs to advance energy sovereignty, resilience, and long-term community control over energy decisions.
• Best practices for tribal–utility collaboration, from early planning and interconnection to ongoing operational engagement.
• The technical foundations of resilient tribal microgrids, including controls architecture, sequencing, cybersecurity, and resource integration.
• Regulatory and governance considerations unique to tribal nations, including sovereignty-driven priorities and partnership pathways.
• Lessons learned from real tribal deployments, including aligning community goals, utility requirements, and technology capabilities for successful outcomes.

Session Sponsored by OATI