Hairston opens up on Public Power Underground podcast

John Hairston reflected on his first full year as BPA administrator and CEO in the latest episode of the Public Power Underground podcast. He also discussed BPA’s accomplishments, his views on the role of hydropower in the Northwest’s clean energy future, his vision for BPA’s people and culture, and more.

Public Power Underground, an infotainment weekly news series, is hosted by Paul Dockery, the podcast creative director and power manager of Clatskanie People’s Utility District in Oregon. Dockery interviewed Hairston, along with Matt Schroettnig, a special podcast correspondent and the power planning supervisor and staff counsel at Eugene Water and Electric Board.

A portion of the interview appears in the latest episode, titled Administrator’s Discretion, beginning at 49:07. The full interview will be available on Thursday, Feb. 3. To listen or watch the episode, use your favorite podcast app on a personal device, or visit publicpowerunderground.substack.com and click on “Let me read it first” below the subscribe button.

Public Power Underground originated as a way for the region’s public power community to stay connected, informed and entertained during the pandemic. It has evolved into a platform for where experts and leaders across the region discuss topics affecting consumer-owned electric utilities. The podcast is now a collaboration between Clatskanie PUD; NewsData, the publisher of Clearing Up; and Pioneer Utility Resources, NewsData’s parent company.

Other current and former BPA executives and staff who have joined the podcast include Crystal Ball, Scott Coe, Rachel Dibble, Daniel Fisher, Michelle Manary and Russ Mantifel.