Friday, October 18, 2013

Bonneville Power Administration Hiring Issues and the Road Ahead (Public Power Council, Portland, OR)

Today, Scott Corwin, Public Power Council Executive Director, made the following comments at a news conference held by U-S Senator Ron Wyden, OR:

(PORTLAND, OR) -- We share Chairman Wyden’s resolve that the BPA hiring practices issues be addressed quickly for the sake of job applicants including veterans, for the sake of current employees at BPA who desire certainty about their future, and for the sake of consumers who are concerned about how this could impact agency operations and the cost of electricity.

We appreciate the focus of Chairman Wyden and other members of the Northwest Congressional delegation upon this key issue.  Electricity ratepayers have a strong interest in the effective operation of this regional wholesale utility.  They trust in BPA’s reliable management of the grid and in the stable supply of clean hydropower.

These hiring issues are serious and must be corrected.  But, they should not be seen as an open door for assertions of Department of Energy control over BPA policies that are governed by the laws passed by Congress.   BPA’s critical missions for the region are being achieved every day by thousands of hard-working BPA employees in Portland, Vancouver and around the region.

Electricity ratepayers pay all of the costs of BPA through rates.  This is unlike other federal agencies.  Its proud history, mission, and funding are regional by design.  It is a key part of the fabric of our daily lives in the Northwest.  The system investments have been made by the millions of Northwest citizens so that they can see the benefits in the region.

PPC is looking for clarification of the leadership status, and for a transparent approach to correct the hiring issues, including identifying the scope of needed actions, the specific steps needed, and the legal basis for those steps.  This will help instill confidence in the system, and will aid employees and consumers in better understanding the potential costs and operational impacts.

During this time of challenges to our industry, our region needs certainty and a clear path forward for BPA. We will work with the agency, with Congress, and with DOE toward that goal.


PPC represents Pacific Northwest consumer-owned utilities on issues related to the Federal Columbia River Power System.