Sessions
Future-Proofing the Grid
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM Thu
Elliot Mainzer was appointed in 2020 to serve as the President and CEO of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). He is responsible for overseeing the flow of electricity that serves 80% of California and a small portion of Nevada.
Elliot previously served as Administrator for the Bonneville Power Administration since 2014. During his seven years as Administrator and CEO, Elliot successfully navigated BPA through a period of tremendous industry change and economic headwinds by improving the agency’s long-term cost competitiveness and financial resiliency, modernizing assets and system operations, and positioning BPA as a more responsive, agile business partner. During his tenure, BPA achieved its strongest safety performance on record. The reliable, efficient integration of renewable energy resources and new technologies was a central focus during Elliot’s time at BPA.
Since 2016, Elliot has co-chaired the Western Electric Industry Leaders Group with former CAISO CEO, Steve Berberich, working to support greater Western market and policy coordination on such topics as resource adequacy, fire prevention, and carbon accounting. In recent years, he has also worked to strengthen regional partnerships and understanding of shared interests within the Columbia River Basin on the complex issues associated with salmon recovery, hydroelectricity, navigation, irrigation, and rural economic development.