Deborah Powell joins Portland General Electric as vice president of Utility Operations
Apr. 18, 2024
Portland, Ore. (April 18, 2024) — Portland General Electric (PGE) today announced it has selected Deborah [Debbie] Powell as the company’s vice president of Utility Operations, effective May 6, 2024, concluding an extensive search spanning more than half a year for the right leader. In her role, Powell is responsible for leading day-to-day field operations including transmission and distribution, renewable and thermal power generation, safety and business continuity emergency management to further help PGE strengthen our grid to meet the evolving needs of customers, the demands of extreme weather, and deliver innovative energy solutions in an increasingly complex energy transition.
"As the pace of change continues to accelerate, Debbie’s extensive industry and operations leadership will be key in helping PGE meet the needs of customers by delivering safe, reliable and affordable power in an evolving energy landscape," said Maria Pope, president and CEO. "We’re excited to welcome Debbie to PGE."
Powell joins PGE with nearly 30 years of energy industry and military experience. Powell spent the last decade in various senior leadership roles at Pacific Gas & Electric where she most recently served as the vice president of Enterprise Change and previously served as vice president of Electric Operations Asset & Risk Management, Community Wildfire Safety Program and vice president of Power Generation.
"I am honored to join PGE and be a part of its efforts leading the clean energy transition," said Powell. "I am looking forward to working with customers and communities to solve challenges to meet the region’s diverse energy needs and serve Oregonians with safe, reliable and affordable power."
Powell will report to Chief Operating Officer Ben Felton. "Debbie’s leadership, record of success and dedication to excellence are valuable additions to PGE," said Ben Felton, executive vice president and COO. "Debbie’s expertise will further strengthen PGE’s ability to serve and partner with our communities as we lead an energy transformation."
Powell holds a bachelor’s degree in general science from the United States Naval Academy.
Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is an integrated energy company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to over 930,000 customers serving an area of 1.9 million Oregonians. For more than 130 years, Portland General Electric (PGE) has powered social progress, delivering safe, affordable, reliable and increasingly clean electricity while working to transform energy systems to meet evolving customer needs. PGE customers have set the standard for prioritizing clean energy with the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the country. PGE is committed to reducing emissions from its retail power supply by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. PGE is recognized by the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the company’s commitment to creating a more equal, inclusive workplace. In 2023, PGE employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated nearly $4.6 million and volunteered over 23,000 volunteer hours to more than 400 nonprofit organizations. For information, visit portlandgeneral.com/news 
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