Oct

25-27

Western Region Mutual Assistance Agreement (WRMAA) Annual Meeting (Oct 25-27)

Mutual Assistance is a key concern for all utilities. In 2003 the Western Region Mutual Assistance Agreement (WRMAA) was created and adopted by gas and electric utilities throughout Western North America to support one another in the event of emergencies affecting generation, transmission, distribution, or other business operations. Signatories meet in person annually to share best practices, discuss key emergency response issues, and elect new members of the Executive Committee and the custodian of the agreement.

General Details

  • Program Chair(s)
  • Nancy Sacré, Project Manager, T&D Wildfire Program Management, Southern California Edison

    • Program Location
    • Seattle Airport Marriott
    • 3201 South 176th Street, Seattle, WA 98188
    • Who Should Attend
    • This program is open to signatories of the Western Region Mutual Assistance Agreement or by invitation.

  • Registration Options
  • Member WRMAA Signatory: $699 USD
    Non-Member WRMAA Signatory: $699 USD

    Registration prices increase $100 after October 12, 2023. Registration includes all program materials and meals.

  • General Cancellation Policy
  • Due to contractual obligations, cancellations received 15 business days prior to the program will receive a full refund. Cancellations received 6 to 14 business days prior to the event will receive a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. No shows and last minute cancellations, 5 business days prior to the event or less, will be responsible for the full registration fee. Substitutions from your organization for the same event are always welcome.
  • Participation Policy
  • Western Energy Institute programs and events are open to energy companies (including gas production and electric generation, gas and electric transmission and gas and electric distribution utilities). Select programs and events are open to energy industry product and service suppliers. Programs and events are closed to all media representatives and to the general public. Recording is not permitted for any portion of the event.
  • For more information contact Marco Henkel, Program Manager at (971) 393-3250.

Agenda

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

WRMAG Executive Committee Briefing

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Networking Reception

Thursday, October 26, 2023

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Networking Breakfast

8:00 AM - 8:20 AM

Welcome + WRMAG Business Meeting
Speaker(s): Nancy Monika Sacré, Wildfire Construction Project Manager, Southern California Edison, Joanna Stelzig, Public Relations Manager, Tillamook PUD

8:20 AM - 9:00 AM

Opening Presentation/Keynote
Speaker(s): Terry Knight, Emergency Operations/Business Continuity, Avista Utilities

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

“What do I do if I need help?” – Understanding the WRMAG Process
Speaker(s): Joanna Stelzig, Public Relations Manager, Tillamook PUD, Nancy Monika Sacré, Wildfire Construction Project Manager, Southern California Edison

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM

Networking Break

10:15 AM - 11:45 AM

WRMAG Workshop, Challenges, and Opportunities Roundtable
Facilitator(s): Thomas Jacobus, Principal Manager, Southern California Edison

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Seminar: Mutual Assistance Request and Response Process
Facilitator(s): Tracey Vardas, Director, Emergency Preparedness & Response, Strategy and Execution, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Michael Levasseur, Emergency Management Specialist, Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Part 1

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Networking Break

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Seminar: Mutual Assistance Request and Response Process
Facilitator(s): Tracey Vardas, Director, Emergency Preparedness & Response, Strategy and Execution, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Michael Levasseur, Emergency Management Specialist, Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Part 2

Friday, October 27, 2023

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Networking Breakfast

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Recent Events and Lessons Learned
Speaker(s): Tyler Averyt, Emergency Management Program Manager, Pacific Power, Tracey Vardas, Director, Emergency Preparedness & Response, Strategy and Execution, Pacific Gas and Electric Company

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM

Networking Break

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Open Roundtable
Speaker(s): Todd Simmons, General Manager, Tillamook PUD

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Wrap Up and Adjourn

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Wrap up + Future Planning

Hotel + Travel

  • Seattle Airport Marriott
  • 3201 South 176th Street
  • Seattle, Washington 98188
  • Phone: 206-241-2000

  • Click here to make your reservation now.
  • Reservation Instructions
  • Please contact the hotel directly at (206) 241-2000 to reserve your room. Identify yourself as being with Western Energy Institute (WEI) to receive a special rate of $185 USD/night. This rate is guaranteed until October 4, 2023 or until the WEI room block is full.

Meet The Speakers

Todd Simmons

Tillamook PUD

General Manager

Terry Knight

Avista Utilities

Emergency Operations/Business Continuity

Nancy Monika Sacré

Southern California Edison

Wildfire Construction Project Manager

Tracey Vardas

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Director, Emergency Preparedness & Response, Strategy and Execution

Joanna Stelzig

Tillamook PUD

Public Relations Manager

Tyler Averyt

Pacific Power

Emergency Management Program Manager

Thomas Jacobus

Southern California Edison

Principal Manager

Michael Levasseur

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Emergency Management Specialist