What is a Tribal Utility?

A Tribal Utility is an organization owned by the Tribe that manages how energy is sourced and delivered to a defined territory of customers, typically on Reservation.

Why form a Tribal Utility?

• Enhance sovereignty and self-determination

• Support economic development on Reservation by integrating electric infrastructure with growth plans and by defining electric rates that attract new businesses to the Reservation

• Create organizational platform to achieve Tribe’s energy goals

• Improve customer service by improving responsiveness and having a local presence

• Define energy rates, programs, and policies that are aligned with Tribal values

• Diversify revenue sources of the Tribe

• Reinvest utility revenue that would otherwise go to non-Tribal entities and keep those dollars on Reservation

• Create jobs on Reservation

Is a Tribal Utility right for my Tribe?

Before investing the time and money into forming a managing a Tribal Utility, your Tribe should evaluate the technical, economic, and legal/regulatory aspects to fully understand the costs, benefits, and risks. Some key questions to consider include:

• How will the Tribal Utility’s rates compare to the incumbent utility’s rates?

• How much will it cost to form? How long will it take to form?

• What type of legal entity should we choose for the Tribal Utility?

• Should we generate or purchase power? Should we buy or build distribution lines and substations?

• What mix of renewable vs. conventional energy sources should we use?

• Should we hire or contract personnel to manage, operate, and maintain the electric system?

Woven Energy can help.

We bring a cross-functional team of experts to perform a comprehensive evaluation for your Tribe. Our team starts by developing a thorough understanding of your Tribe’s Strategic Energy Plan and works collaboratively with your Energy Team to assess the costs, benefits, and risks of forming a Tribal Utility. Woven Energy has had past success planning and forming Tribal Utilities for the following reasons:

• We have cross-functional expertise that spans the technical, economic, legal/regulatory, and organizational aspects of Tribal Utility formation and management

• We excel at the transition from planning to formation by supporting Tribal Leadership’s decision-making and empowering the Tribe’s internal Energy Team

• We understand that no two Tribes are alike. Each Tribal Utility will have a unique formation and operating plan that reflects the vision, goals, capabilities, and values of the Tribe.