
The U.S. Department of Energy announced today it has
selected John Hairston as administrator and CEO of the Bonneville Power
Administration. The appointment is effective Jan. 7.
“John has made a lasting and significant impact on the
Bonneville Power Administration over the past 29 years, and I am proud to
announce him as the new Administrator,” said Secretary of Energy Dan
Brouillette. “BPA is an important provider of reliable, renewable hydroelectric
and clean nuclear power to the Pacific Northwest, and John’s commitment to
serve BPA will support the Department’s critical energy mission.”
Hairston has served as acting administrator and CEO since
September 2020, following Elliot Mainzer’s departure after seven years in the
agency’s top role.
“I am truly honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead Bonneville
during this dynamic time, when we are not only challenged to meet the pressing
needs of our customers but must also position BPA to be their long-term provider
of choice for low-cost, reliable and responsible carbon-free power,” said
Hairston. “I will continue to work closely with BPA’s utility customers,
federal partners, state and local elected officials, tribal leaders and other
stakeholders in the region to ensure the federal power system continues to meet
a diverse set of needs and purposes as we address the energy and environmental
challenges facing the Northwest.”
Hairston has served in numerous leadership roles throughout
his 29 years at BPA, most recently as chief operating officer and chief
administrative officer.
“I’m also grateful to work alongside so many highly skilled
and dedicated BPA employees who are committed to Bonneville’s mission, which is
so essential to the region’s economy, the quality of life for Northwest
citizens and our clean energy future,” Hairston said.
Once officially sworn in, Hairston will become the 16th
administrator in BPA’s 83-year history.
For more details,
read the DOE news release. See related BPA.gov story,
"What regional leaders are saying about Hairston's appointment."