On July 30, NWPPA, along with 12 other consumer-owned utility associations, sent a letter to DOE Deputy Sec. of Energy Dan Poneman regarding the criteria for selecting the next BPA administrator. The choice of a BPA administrator that understands the issues we face in the Northwest and has an appreciation for the importance of public power is critical to our future, the group said in the letter.
The letter highlighted the “impressive legacy” of current Administrator Steve Wright, who has announced his intent to retire in December, and the critical role the agency has in “maintaining BPA’s cost-based rates, meeting other statutory obligations such as fish and wildlife mitigation, and doing so in a manner that upholds the legal mandate to set the lowest possible rates consistent with sound business principles is of fundamental importance to the region.”
The letter outlined the minimum criteria a viable candidate must have to effectively lead the organization. They include:
- Extensive northwest electric utility experience at a senior level.
- A demonstrated working knowledge of the primary mission and statutory responsibilities of BPA.
- A noteworthy history of leadership, collaboration, principled decision making, and an active commitment to furthering the interests of northwest electricity consumers.
