At the 5th Annual Tribal Leaders Energy and Safety Summit, the conversation about California’s clean energy future was not abstract. It was grounded in community priorities: lower energy costs, safer homes, backup power, disaster preparedness, local jobs and greater control over their own energy future. 

Members of the SOMAH Program Administrator team joined tribal leaders and representatives from utilities, state and federal agencies, clean energy companies and community organizations at Viejas Casino and Resort in Alpine, California, May 18–20, 2026, for three days of discussion, listening and relationship-building focused on energy, safety, sustainability and collaboration. 

Listening First, Building Trust 

For SOMAH, the summit was an opportunity to meet directly with tribal representatives and community partners, learn more about clean energy work already underway in tribal communities and discuss how solar and battery energy storage can support affordability, resilience and long-term energy independence. 

“For me, this work has always been about people,” said Elizabeth Perez, founder and CEO of Native Energy Services Company (NESCO), a Native-, veteran- and women-owned solar contractor that has begun building a relationship with SOMAH. “As a tribal citizen and renewable energy developer, I’ve seen the challenges many tribal communities face when it comes to energy costs, reliability and access to resources.” 

Tribal Leadership in Action 

Across California, tribes are already advancing clean energy solutions that reflect their own priorities. Many are working to produce their own electricity, integrate battery storage and build systems that keep homes and essential services powered during outages, wildfires and other emergencies. The summit highlighted that leadership and created space for tribes to share what is working, what barriers remain and what support is needed next. 

SOMAH’s presence at the summit helped strengthen in-person relationships with tribal leaders and partners while deepening the program’s understanding of tribal housing and energy priorities. The event also provided a valuable forum for peer-to-peer learning, including discussion of successful tribal SOMAH projects such as the Bishop Paiute Coyote Mountain solar installation. 

Examples like Coyote Mountain show what is possible when clean energy programs are designed around community benefits, trusted partnerships and long-term local priorities. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

“I’ve seen the incredible opportunities that clean energy can create when communities have the right partners and support.” 

-Elizabeth Perez, founder and CEO of Native Energy Services Company  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Solar, Storage and Resilience 

SOMAH’s recent addition of battery storage incentives aligns closely with many tribal energy goals, including resilience, backup power and disaster preparedness. For eligible multifamily affordable housing properties, solar and storage can help reduce residents’ electricity costs while supporting cleaner, more reliable energy systems. 

The summit also underscored the barriers that can make it difficult for tribes to access clean energy funding. Many incentive and financing programs were not originally designed with tribal communities in mind. Tribes have only recently gained broader access to some state and federal affordable housing financing tools, including the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program and programs administered through the California Department of Housing and Community Development. 

SOMAH eligibility now includes a pathway for properties owned by California Native American tribes, opening the door for more tribal multifamily affordable housing communities to access solar and storage incentives. The Early Payment Pathway for eligible tribal projects provides Tribal Host Customers with 60% of the total reserved incentive after Reservation Approval — helping offset costs before installation is complete and the system receives utility permission to operate. 

Opening Doors to Participation 

SOMAH also offers pathways for workforce development, helping connect tribal communities with opportunities tied to solar and storage projects. These opportunities can support hands-on training, local career pathways and participation in California’s growing clean energy economy. 

“That’s why our partnership with SOMAH is so meaningful,” Perez said. “Together, we’re helping tribal families access the benefits of solar energy, lower energy costs, build stronger and more resilient communities and create workforce opportunities that prepare tribal members for careers in the clean energy economy.” 

Continuing the Conversation 

The summit reinforced the importance of ensuring tribal voices are part of statewide clean energy discussions — not only as participants, but as leaders, project owners, workforce partners and decision-makers. 

For SOMAH, the next steps are clear: continue building relationships with tribal leaders and partners, expand coordination with tribal clean energy organizations and keep learning how the program can better support tribal communities statewide. 

“Most importantly, we’re helping advance energy sovereignty,” Perez said, “so tribes can have greater control over their own energy future while creating lasting economic opportunities for generations to come.” 

SOMAH will continue these conversations through ongoing coordination with tribal partners and participation in future tribal energy events, including the 6th Annual Tribal Clean Energy Summit.