What:
Ribbon-cutting and educational panel discussing Spokane’s first community-based microgrid, designed to help the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center (MLK Center) stay open and continue providing services during extended, unplanned power outages.

The microgrid brings together solar power, battery storage and natural gas to support the MLK Center during emergencies and reduce energy costs day-to-day, allowing more resources to be directed toward critical community programs.

When:
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Lunch will be served beginning at ~10:40; Event program begins at 11:15 a.m.

Where:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center 500 S. Stone Street, Spokane, WA 99202

Who:
Freda Gandy, MLK Center executive director
Heather Rosentrater, Avista president and CEO
Community partners and local leaders

Visuals:
Educational panel
Ribbon cutting
Onsite solar and energy system components
Community leaders and project partners

Media Access & Coverage Notes
This is an invitation only event. Media are welcome to attend. There will be opportunities after the ribbon cutting for interviews.

Contact: 
Avista 24/7 Media Access: (509) 495-4174 
Media: Ariana Lake (509) 279-3308 ariana.lake@avistacorp.com