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.
This program is open to signatories of the Western Region Mutual Assistance Agreement or by invitation.
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.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WRMAG Executive Committee Briefing
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Networking Reception
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
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
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.