The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has named Tracey LeBeau interim administrator and chief executive officer of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). LeBeau succeeds Mark A. Gabriel, who is departing after eight years in this position.
During Gabriel’s eight-year tenure, WAPA was the first power marketing administration to join a regional organized market and independent system operator, allowing WAPA’s high-voltage transmission system to remain price competitive and offer increased value to utility customers.
“Under Mark’s leadership, WAPA led many successful initiatives supporting federal hydropower and advancing the reliability, safety, and security of our nation’s bulk electric system,” said DOE Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Electricity Patricia Hoffman. “As interim administrator, Tracey will double down on WAPA’s legacy of delivering low-cost zero-carbon power and reliable transmission across the West in a way that powers our economy, creates jobs, and combats the climate crisis.”
LeBeau most recently served as WAPA’s senior vice president. She brings more than 20 years of executive experience in management, clean energy and infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, utility business operations, and federal program leadership and policy.
DOE will undertake a recruitment and selection process for a permanent administrator and CEO.
WAPA annually markets and transmits more than 25,000 GWh of clean, renewable power from 57 federal hydroelectric powerplants owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and International Boundary and Water Commission in 15 western and central states.
