Regional Organization for Western Energy Moves Forward with Selection of Inaugural Board of Directors

Advanced Energy United congratulates the newly selected ROWE Board of Directors and welcomes this next step toward independent governance of Western electricity markets

Today, the Pathways Initiative Launch Committee recommended approval of the inaugural five-member Board of Directors for the Regional Organization for Western Energy (ROWE), marking a major step toward independent governance for Western electricity markets.

For a market and grid as big, diverse, and rugged as the West, regional governance needs a similarly broad range of perspectives. The new board reflects that need, bringing together seasoned leaders with experience and perspectives from state utility regulation, utility operations, and energy customers. Together, this slate of exceptionally well-qualified candidates provides a strong foundation for the ROWE as it takes on its new role.

“What started as an idea that many thought was impossible has grown into something very real: independent governance for a West-wide electricity marketplace,” said Brian Turner, Sr. Director at Advanced Energy United and member of the Pathways Launch Committee. “The Pathways Launch Committee brought an ornery group of stakeholders from across the West together, tackled the hard questions, and delivered a roadmap for an independent governance framework. Now it’s time to pass the reins to the ROWE Board and keep the momentum going.”

The board’s selection comes after three years of work through the Pathways Initiative to bring stakeholders from across the West together around a shared approach to regional market governance.

“The creation of the ROWE and now the selection of its inaugural Board of Directors is an important step for the West as we work together to build a stronger, more connected electricity system,” said Leah Rubin Shen, Managing Director at Advanced Energy United. “The West is large, diverse, and fiercely independent, and building a regional market that extends beyond state borders requires tenacity and collaboration. We are pleased to see board members selected who will be able to carry forward this important work.”

Advanced Energy United has been part of that work for many years, has been proud to serve on the Pathways Initiative Launch Committee, and now looks forward to supporting the ROWE Board as it takes the reins and carries the work of building an independent western market forward.