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DOE Names New Bonneville Power Administration Chief by Zack Colman The Hill, January 17, 2013

The Energy Department (DOE) has promoted the Bonneville Power Administration's (BPA) second-in-command to lead the electric utility, BPA announced Wednesday.

Bill Drummond will head the DOE-managed power marketer beginning next month. He replaces retiring Administrator Steve Wright, who helmed the organization since 2000.

"Bonneville represents the best expression of public vision and achievement; collaborative relationships, environmental stewardship and a commitment to operational excellence. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to my new role at BPA," Drummond said in a statement.

BPA serves electric utility customers in the Pacific Northwest. It is one of four power marketing administrations overseen by DOE.

Drummond has served as BPA deputy administrator since October 2011. Before then, he was manager of the Western Montana Electric Generating and Transmission Cooperative in Missoula, Mont., for 17 years.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu said he is looking forward to working with Drummond.

He added that power marketing administrations like BPA can help lead the way on integrating and using new electric grid technologies.

"The leadership of BPA is critically important because America's continued global competitiveness in the 21st century will be significantly affected by whether we can efficiently produce and distribute electricity to businesses and consumers, seamlessly integrating new technologies and new sources of power," Chu said in a statement.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said he had faith Chu made the right pick.

"I am confident that the Secretary has selected a qualified candidate in Bill Drummond. Bill clearly knows a lot about the job he is stepping into as a result of his service as the current deputy administrator at BPA," Wyden said in a Thursday statement.