Overview
Kauffman & Associates, Inc. (KAI) is partnering with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to engage certain tribes in their services area as part of the Clean Energy Implementation Plan’s Customer Education and Awareness Program (CCEAP). This initiative aims to ensure that the clean energy transition reflects the priorities and values of tribal communities. KAI’s role involves conducting key informant interviews, tribal leadership engagement sessions, and community listening sessions to gather insights on clean energy education, awareness, and future collaboration opportunities.
Challenges
This project addresses the challenges of aligning Puget Sound Energy’s Clean Energy Implementation Plan with tribal values, respecting tribal sovereignty, and addressing community-specific energy needs. It also aims to bridge the knowledge gap on clean energy through education and build collaborative relationships between PSE and the tribes.
Solution
KAI facilitates in-depth engagement with tribal leaders and communities to build trust and align Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy programs with tribal visions and needs. By developing tailored engagement plans for the Upper Skagit, Nisqually, Muckleshoot, and Nooksack tribes, KAI ensures broad participation through leadership and community listening sessions, both in-person and virtual. These efforts are designed to gather insights and feedback, shaping future clean energy education and outreach in collaboration with tribal governments.
Results
KAI’s work with PSE is strengthening relationships with tribal nations and ensuring that clean energy education initiatives are culturally informed and aligned with tribal values. By gathering insights from tribal leadership and community members, the project aims to create educational resources that support tribal participation in the clean energy transition while honoring tribal sovereignty.
