Yakima Times

Rep. Dan Newhouse and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez have introduced the Reliability to Ratepayers Act, aimed at addressing workforce issues at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The bill proposes that BPA should develop a comprehensive compensation plan for employees, allowing its administrator to review and update these plans without adhering to civil service laws.

Rep. Newhouse emphasized the importance of a capable workforce for providing reliable energy, stating, “Ensuring reliable and affordable energy for our communities requires a strong and capable workforce at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).” He added that the legislation aims to offer competitive compensation, address hiring challenges, and manage critical projects affecting families and businesses in the Pacific Northwest.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez highlighted her perspective as a small business owner on investing in quality work: “As I go out and speak with skilled workers across our communities, I see a lot of gray hair. When we can address critical workforce shortages in our federal power system, we’re able to address much-needed, overdue projects that can keep rates down for hardworking Southwest Washington families.”

Scott Simms of the Public Power Council expressed support for the bill by acknowledging BPA's recruitment challenges due to uncompetitive salaries. He stated, “The legislation introduced today by Reps. Gluesenkamp Perez and Newhouse goes a long way toward encouraging a competitive and talented workforce for the betterment of the region."

Nicole Hughes from Renewable Northwest remarked on the importance of competitive compensation authority for BPA staff to support transmission systems and economic development opportunities. Spencer Gray from the Northwest and Intermountain Power Producers Coalition praised Congress's efforts to enhance the power sector through this legislation.

The full text of the bill is available online.