Go Clean Energy Conference Coming in September

It’s appropriate that the Go Clean Energy Conference, slated for Friday, Sept. 18, will be held at the OSU-Cascades Edward J. Ray Hall, because the building is a “North Star” for sustainability. In green building, “North Star” means prioritizing energy efficiency and incorporating sustainable principles in the phases of construction and operations.

Hosted by 350 Deschutes, this annual, one-day event, “focuses on bringing together speakers from across the clean energy sector from the entire spectrum of clean energy implementation: Policy, Advocacy, Financing, Research, and Application,” said John Bates, 350 Deschutes executive director.

“We try to cast a wide net to bring many perspectives and high levels of expertise to the conference every year,” said Bates. “Our hope is to create a space where anyone can come to learn about energy production and use across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.”

The conference is designed to attract a wide audience, from commercial building owners to homeowners, local governments, nonprofits and those involved in the building trade, and promote access to incentives and pathways to affordable electrification for each group. Over 25 speakers will hold sessions on various topics such as energy efficiency, electrifying homes and commercial buildings, solar power and energy storage, electric vehicles and EV charging, and other sustainable building practices.

The diverse lineup of speakers includes Jamie Collins, climate scientist and commissioner-elect on the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners; Robert Countryman, CEO of Countryman Capital Partners, which helps home and business owners finance energy-efficient upgrades; Daniel Cantwell, a Home Electrification Coach who helps homeowners transition from fossil fuel appliances and vehicles to energy efficient alternatives; Cassie Lacey, City of Bend Senior Management Analyst who leads the City’s strategic efforts to reduce operational and community-wide greenhouse gas emissions in support of the city’s carbon reduction goals; Alisa Dunlap, a PacificCorp Strategic Engagement & Principal Account Manager who works across six Western states; and Jen Kelly, Urban Land Institute’s Executive Director of Oregon and Southwest Washington.

“I am most excited to be in the same room as so many other energy professionals and to hear about all of the different ways that individuals, businesses, and organizations can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Bates.

The mission for 350 Deschutes is to “address the greatest threat to human lives, climate change. 350 Deschutes engages in climate advocacy, education and policy that serves all people, including a just transition for affected workers to transition and benefit from a clean low-carbon economy, with special consideration for the needs of the most vulnerable communities, such as the elderly, families with children, rural residents, people of low income and people of color.”

Along with a full slate of speakers and vendor booths, Bates wanted to highlight the networking and collaboration opportunities of the conference, as attendees can connect to a multitude of industry experts, local officials and community organizations that support programs and projects in the clean energy sector.

Behind every great event is also the layer of volunteers who do the behind-the-scenes work. “Volunteers would be helping with check-in booths, time-keeping for panels, photography, pre- and post-conference setup and takedown, and assisting with panels,” said Bates. Those interested in volunteering can visit the 350 Deschutes website or contact Bates at info@350Deschutes.org.

Go Clean Energy Conference

Fri., Sept. 18, 2026, 8:15am – 4:30pm

OSU-Cascades Edward J. Ray Hall

1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend

350Deschutes.org

$35, high school and college students free with ID

This article appears in the Source August 27, 2026.