Western Area Power Administration

Is it a mirage? NO! It’s #PhotogenicFriday …   In one of WAPA’s more unique locations, Shawn Berkram with our Desert Southwest regional office snapped this shot of the shifting sands of the Rice Valley Dunes. Built in the late 1960s, the DSW Parker-Blythe No. 2 line requires maintenance teams to be dispatched once or twice a year to maintain access and "phase-to-dune" clearance for public safety.    Shawn, the project’s manager, and his photo earned 3rd place the following year in WAPA’s 45th Anniversary photo contest.   BONUS: In preparation for deploying to North Africa during World War II, the U.S. Army spent time training in this location to better prepare them for desert warfare. Because of this unique history, construction of Parker-Blythe No. 2 line required the U.S. Army to sweep the right-of-way for "munition remnants."   #PhotogenicFridays #Electric #Infrastructure #Hydropower #CleanEnergy

On this day in 1776, America’s founding fathers came together to usher in a new nation with the signing of a document that enshrined the rights of Americans for centuries to come – the Declaration of Independence.   On America’s 248th birthday, the Western Area Power Administration family wishes you and yours a safe and Happy Independence Day!   #hydro #electric #cleanenergy #transmission #America #UnitedStates #HappyBirthday

Throughout the month of June, #WAPA took pride in acknowledging and celebrating national Pride Month. The federal government has come a long way from its past and taken strides toward a more diverse and inclusive culture. Many federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), now participate in and celebrate Pride Month throughout their organizations through many activities, observances and celebrations.  Perhaps one of the most powerful ways an organization or an individual shows support for the LGBTQ+ community is by displaying the Pride flag throughout June. Flags represent a powerful emblem of hope, strength and resilience, and raising the Pride flag shows us just that. When displayed, it represents a symbol of support, community, inclusion and for many, a safe space to be who they are without ridicule, judgment or harassment. The Pride flag represents support for diversity, inclusion and allyship for this community. Read our full story on WAPA’s Closed Circuit: https://lnkd.in/et8qTqvb #PrideMonth #inclusion #diversity #equality #hydro #electric #cleanenergy #transmission

In this edition of "How I Power WAPA Forward," we hear from Jonathan Wilson, the energy management and marketing office manager for WAPA’s Colorado River Storage Project office in Montrose, #Colorado. Jonathan and his team ensure WAPA delivers clean, renewable #hydropower throughout the Western U.S. ⚡   https://lnkd.in/e79vvK6v   #hydro #electric #WAPA #PowerForward2030

It was another gorgeous morning in America’s Midwest when a member of WAPA’s team at its Watertown, South Dakota, facility snapped this sunrise… and it’s perfect for this week’s #PhotogenicFriday post.   On Sept. 26, 2022, Jon Solum, a facilities operations specialist assigned to WAPA’s Upper Great Plains region, captured both the location’s control center and the essence of a colorful, fall sunrise as the area’s corn was beginning to reach its peak.   His efforts to capture the essence of eastern South Dakota brought him 4th place overall in WAPA’s 45th Anniversary photo contest in 2022.   #PhotogenicFridays #Electric #Infrastructure #Hydropower #CleanEnergy

WAPA’s Electric Power Training Center, a dedicated facility to train the grid and hydropower plant operators who make up the backbone of the North American power grid, recently hosted an open house to showcase its recent upgrades and renovations. EPTC staff was stationed around the facility informing numerous visitors of the improvements and performing demonstrations in between. The newly renovated classrooms at EPTC have an open-concept design and modern amenities. Each classroom features a projector screen and dedicated bathrooms, creating a fresh and professional learning environment. A guided tour showcased hydropower and transmission, culminating in a visit to the Miniature Power System, a simulated control room and electric power system at the back of the facility. EPTC’S open house event marked a new chapter for the EPTC and WAPA. WAPA employees can now enjoy new meeting spaces with hybrid capabilities, and students from across North America can have an experience like no other utilizing the Miniature Power System and upgraded course rooms. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/efepdbZe #Training #Hydropower #CleanEnergy #ElectricPower #STEM #Education

Career Opportunity: Senior Executive Service (SES) CRSP Regional Manager Are you ready to lead in a pivotal role shaping the future of renewable and reliable hydroelectric power across the Western United States? We are excited to announce the opening of the Regional Manager position in the Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP) region, now elevated to a Senior Executive Service (SES) role. Position Overview: As the CRSP Regional Manager, you will oversee the delivery of cost-based hydroelectric power to 129 customer utilities across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Arizona, including multiple Tribal nations. This role impacts rural economies and advocates for hydropower prioritization and power customers in Colorado River allocation discussions, particularly in the context of the ongoing megadrought. Key Responsibilities: ·        Lead a dedicated team of 37 staff members. ·        Manage a $540M annual budget and revolving fund. ·        Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, industry stakeholders, the Bureau of Reclamation, and Congressional delegations. ·        Address critical endangered species issues associated with the Glen Canyon Dam and Colorado River. ·        Oversee power marketing and transmission system operations, ensuring power availability and grid reliability. ·        Engage in robust environmental stewardship activities related to the Colorado River. ·        Participate in WAPA's senior leadership team, developing long-range strategies and fostering a commitment to excellent power system management. Why This Role Matters: This senior leadership position directs a highly skilled team working to address the impacts of the Colorado River drought on communities and stakeholders across the West. You will play a significant role in advocating for hydropower and ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our power systems. Join Us: We encourage you to apply if you have the expertise, dedication, and vision to lead in this critical role. Your contributions will drive our success and resilience in delivering renewable energy solutions. 🔗 Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/d58ZjPMk Let's power the future together. #ExecutiveJob #Leadership #RenewableEnergy #Hydropower #CRSP #WAPA #JobOpportunity

Did you see the May edition of Hydro Leader magazine and who made the front cover? None other than WAPA’s Administrator and CEO Tracey A. LeBeau! Check out the Q&A this industry-leading publication did with Tracey about how WAPA powers the American West, and read more from Editor-in-Chief Kris Polly on how WAPA and others are working to transform the power grid.   https://lnkd.in/eax9fvsF   #Electric #Infrastructure #Hydropower #CleanEnergy

A cool, December day in 2020 sets the tone for this week’s #PhotogenicFriday image.   On December 11, Brett Cordsen, an electrician assigned to the Glen Canyon Dam substation outside Page, #Arizona captured fog rolling into the canyon as seen from the substation itself. As Brett put it, “This is the first powerline structure from Glen Canyon Dam when we were re-gasketing the KU5A transformer in the substation.” Cordsen’s image would net him the “number 5” position in WAPA’s 45th Anniversary photo contest two years ago.   #PhotogenicFridays #Electric #Infrastructure #Hydropower #CleanEnergy

We join with the rest of the nation today in commemorating Juneteenth. A day that recognizes the struggles and achievements of Black Americans throughout America’s history. A day of importance that reminds us to reflect, educate ourselves, and join with one another to remember our nation’s ongoing journey toward the destination of equality and justice. You can read our Administrator and CEO Tracey LeBeau’s message on this solemn day below. #Juneteenth #Electric #Infrastructure #Hydropower #CleanEnergy