Tribal Voices Shaping Energy Solutions

The three California independently operated utilities, PG&E, SCE & SDG&E were proud to join tribal leaders and partners from across the state at the 2026 California Tribal Leaders Energy and Safety Summit, held May 18–20. The summit created a valuable space for open dialogue and collaboration, bringing together tribal governments, state agencies and energy providers with a shared goal: strengthening the safety, reliability and resilience of our communities.

 A central theme throughout the summit was the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of growing climate and safety challenges. Conversations focused on how communities can better plan for wildfires, power outages and other emergencies by strengthening coordination and investing in reliable backup power solutions.

Equally important was the focus on building a more reliable and sustainable energy future. Tribal leaders and partners shared progress on clean energy projects, like new infrastructure designed to support growth and long-term affordability. Discussions also addressed common barriers such as funding, permitting and workforce capacity, reinforcing the need for early partnerships and stronger collaboration to move projects forward and ensure communities have a voice in decisions that impact them.

The summit also underscored the importance of expanding access to funding and exploring emerging energy solutions. Across all discussions, a consistent message emerged: strong partnerships, local leadership and shared commitment are key to advancing energy solutions that support community resilience, economic opportunity and long-term sustainability. We hope many more can join us at next year’s 2027 summit!