NEWS: The DOE named Travis Kavulla as the next Bonneville Power Administrator.

His background: Kavulla has spent over a decade in the power industry, including his tenure as a Montana PSC commissioner. Most recently, he worked as head of policy for Texas-based residential battery provider Base Power. 

Why the change? The position opened up after John Hairston retired in February. Kavulla will be sworn in on June 29. 

What to expect: Kavulla openly supports competitive electricity markets. He’s joining the BPA at a critical moment, as the agency departs the Western Energy Imbalance Market and eyes Markets+. Critics are urging Kavulla to pause the move, saying it “could cause energy users billions in excess electricity costs.”