(IDAHO FALLS, ID) -- The
Idaho Falls City Council voted unanimously to appoint Bear Prairie as the new
General Manager of Idaho Falls Power during the June 28th city council meeting.
Prairie has worked for Idaho Falls Power since 2010 where he
has served as the Assistant General Manager. With more than 20 years of
experience in the energy industry, Prairie started his career in energy at the
Idaho Power Company in Boise. He has
extensive experience and expertise in commodity trading and management of a broad
range of energy products.
“As I examined the range available options for filling the
vacancy, a few things quickly became clear to me,” said Mayor Rebecca
Casper. “First and perhaps foremost, in
his role as Assistant General Manager for IFP, Mr. Prairie has been
professionally prepared to step in and lead the utility. He is eminently
qualified to lead any energy utility in the county and we are very fortunate
that he has chosen to continue his career here with us.”
In his role as Assistant General Manager, Prairie helped
manage the daily operation of Idaho Falls Power’s four hydroelectric dams, 450
miles of distribution lines and service to over 28,000 customers including a fiber
optic communication business. He was
also responsible for the utility’s long rage power supply planning, power
operations, resource development and risk management.
“I am excited for the opportunity to work with City
leadership and the community to continue Idaho Falls Power’s legacy of
delivering reliable and cost effective services to our City,” said
Prairie. “Surrounded by the dedicated
staff that works through all conditions to serve our customers, I see many
bright days ahead.”
With his appointment, Prairie, who will make an annual
salary of $225,000, will take over control of Idaho Falls Power from current
General Manger, Jackie Flowers, who is departing to assume leadership of Tacoma
Public Utilities in Washington. Her last
day with Idaho Falls Power will be July 20, 2018.
“I am humbled to be chosen to fill Jackie’s shoes. She has
provided great leadership to the team and vision to the utility,” Prairie
said. “I plan to continue to listen to
the community, as she did, so we are well positioned to continue delivering
services.”
