Name: Jennifer Hollenbeck
Job title and work location: Energy Management Engineer, Workplace Services Operations, Portland, Oregon
Family/Pets: Ron (husband) and Easton (son, 2 ½)
When people ask me what I do for work I tell them ...
I develop and manage the energy and water efficiency program for BPA’s Transmission Facilities. On any given day, I’m managing projects that support the program’s efficiency targets and mission, tracking and analyzing utility use at our field sites, and/or evaluating energy efficiency opportunities that will reduce operating expenses and/or resource consumption at our facilities. My work focuses primarily on facilities, systems and equipment that directly connect to the power system (substation yards, radio stations, relay houses and control houses) and facilities that support the maintenance of the power system (maintenance headquarters, shops and warehouses).
How does your work group or office support BPA’s mission and strategy?
Workplace Services Operations provides business support services and products to all BPA, as well as manages BPA’s facilities assets. Together, our teams enable BPA’s Power and Transmission organizations to meet their missions.
I like working at BPA because:
My work feels significant and meaningful. Looking at the broader picture, BPA has a financial responsibility, and it feels good to know my efforts directly help support that obligation. The less electricity we consume at our facilities, the more money we save for our utility customers. On a more personal note, I’ve always believed in making responsible choices when it comes to my own environmental impact on the world around me, so knowing my every day work aligns with my personal values makes it that much more rewarding. I am proud to work for Bonneville.
A new or technical aspect of my job that I enjoy is:
I get to play cool with equipment and pilot new technologies all the time.
The coolest or most surprising thing about my job is:
There’s never a dull moment! There is always something new and different to work on.
Notable past jobs/previous careers, awards, published work/technical papers, etc.:
For my entire professional career, I’ve worked in some form of civil engineering and/or energy efficiency. I’ve been fortunate to work with some really great teams while at BPA that have been recognized by the Department of Energy with awards for our xeriscaping program and our data center energy efficiency initiatives. In addition, last year, I was invited to attend the DOE Energy Exchange conference in Denver where our utility management program was recognized for a FEDS Spotlight award.
My favorite thing about working and living in the Northwest is:
Fresh air and clean water!
When I’m not working or sleeping, I like to:
Rock climb (just about anything, anywhere), ride dirt bikes with my husband, meander to the tops of tall hills (generally those over 8,000 feet, but really I’d hike anything with a good view along the way), play soccer and spend time with family and friends.