Novara Energy Alliance Launches to Power Energy Innovation

Avista, Itron and McKinstry Join as Founding Mission Partners

SPOKANE, Wash., May 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novara Energy Alliance is proud to announce its mission to unite innovators, communities and leaders to turn bold energy ideas into real-world solutions that power resilient, thriving communities across the Inland Northwest—and beyond. The newly unified organization was formed from the merger of Urbanova and INTENT. Founding mission partners include Avista, Itron and McKinstry.

As the energy landscape rapidly evolves, communities across the Inland Northwest are facing rising energy and water demand, increasing costs, extreme weather and a rapidly changing mix of energy resources. Novara Energy Alliance aims to address these challenges as a problem solver, bridge builder and catalyst. The organization brings together industry, government, researchers, academia, investors, entrepreneurs and community leaders to foster coordination, innovation and community-centered solutions that improve affordability, reliability, resilience and opportunity. The alliance will align diverse stakeholders around shared priorities, including:

Meeting energy and related water demands
Integrating diverse energy sources
Promoting energy efficiency
Mitigating impacts of extreme weather—on people and infrastructure

“Energy is now central to how communities grow, compete and thrive. But the pressures facing the system are bigger than any single institution. We’re building Novara around a simple belief: the future of energy will be shaped by people willing to solve hard problems together,” said Latisha Hill, Board Chair of Novara Energy Alliance and vice president of community affairs and Chief Customer Officer at Avista

“Our region’s energy story is becoming increasingly complex—and changing fast. As an anchor member of Novara Energy Alliance and a leading global infrastructure provider headquartered in the Spokane area, Itron is committed to addressing our region’s energy needs,” said Marina Donovan, vice president of global marketing, ESG and public affairs at Itron, and Novara Energy Alliance board member. “Together, we are advancing reliable, affordable access to energy—fueling economic vitality and innovation for communities throughout the Inland Northwest and beyond.”

“At McKinstry, we are focused on building a thriving planet by making the built environment and supporting energy infrastructure more affordable, more efficient, healthier and safer. Our founding membership in Novara reflects our belief that meaningful progress happens through collaboration. By thinking boldly, sparking innovation and working with partners who share our commitment, we aim to create positive, lasting impact for communities and the environment,” said Dale Silha, Board Vice Chair of Novara Energy Alliance and senior vice president at McKinstry

“We are grateful for the commitment and support from Avista, Itron and McKinstry as we launch Novara Energy Alliance. These organizations share our vision for powering possibility and shaping the region’s energy future,” said Kim Pearman-Gillman, interim CEO, Novara Energy Alliance.

The newly formed board of directors of Novara Energy Alliance will provide governance and oversight for the organization, helping set strategic direction and advance the organization’s mission. In addition to Hill, Silha and Donovan, board members include Board Treasurer Andy Johnston, principal engineer at Johnston Engineering; Board Secretary Dan Wadkins, principal at Foster Garvey PC; and John Gibson and Rich Christensen, retired Avista and Itron technical leaders, respectively. Paul Davis of Lukins & Annis, P.S. is the organization's attorney.

Novara’s office is located at the Scott Morris Center for Energy Innovation, a space aimed at educating the local community about energy solutions and technology.

Novara Energy Alliance is currently recruiting for a permanent CEO to replace interim CEO Kim Pearman-Gillman. The application deadline is May 17, 2026. Find details here.

Membership Details

Novara Energy Alliance is a growing network of organizations and individuals committed to turning energy innovation into measurable community impact. The alliance connects its members with the people, projects and platforms needed to accelerate impact and influence the region’s energy future. Members benefit from:

Influence: Help shape priorities around the region’s most pressing energy and water challenges.
Acceleration: Move ideas faster—from concept to demonstration to scale.
Connection: Collaborate across industry, government, research and community.
Visibility: Be part of the region’s energy story—and elevate great work through shared promotion.
Shared Learning: Access insights, data and working groups focused on real-world impact.

For more information on becoming a member, visit https://novaraenergyalliance.org.

About Novara Energy Alliance

Novara Energy Alliance is a collaborative organization that brings together industry, government, researchers, academia, entrepreneurs, investors and communities to solve the Inland Northwest’s most pressing energy and water-related challenges. Formed through the combination of INTENT, LLC and Urbanova, Novara focuses on turning complex challenges into real world, scalable solutions by aligning people, priorities and investment across the regional energy ecosystem.

For more information, visit https://novaraenergyalliance.org.

Media Contact:

Alison Mallahan
509-891-3802
PR@itron.com

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