(PORTLAND) – U-S Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, announced
today that William Drummond will be the next Administrator of the Bonneville
Power Administration (BPA). The Public Power Council applauds this decision by
the U.S. Department of Energy. Drummond will replace Steve Wright when Wright
retires early next month.
“He is the right person for the job,” said John
Gerstenberger, Chairman of the PPC Executive Committee and Manager of Hood
River Electric Cooperative. “Bill has decades of experience in the electric
utility industry in the Pacific Northwest and has spent the last few years
working on issues important to public power as the Deputy at BPA.”
“Bill brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and
even-handed integrity to everything he does,” said Scott Corwin, PPC Executive
Director. “We believe Bill will work very effectively with customers of BPA and
other interests to guide the agency through the dynamic and evolving energy
future in our region.”
This is a critical position for the Northwest in terms of
the impact of BPA on the regional economy, and the need for reliable, clean,
low-cost electricity. PPC emphasized some key criteria for candidates
throughout the selection process, including industry experience, leadership,
collaboration, knowledge of the mission and statutory responsibilities of the
agency, and a commitment to furthering the interests of Northwest electricity
consumers.
PPC also expressed appreciation to outgoing Administrator,
Steve Wright. “As this transition approaches, we want to note our great
appreciation to Steve Wright for over 30 years of exceptional service to the
region, and for his impressive leadership over the past 12 years,” said Corwin.
PPC represents Pacific Northwest consumer-owned utilities on
issues related to the Federal Columbia River Power System.
