The Department of Energy yesterday announced the selection of the Bonneville Power Administration's deputy administrator to lead the agency.

Bill Drummond, who has worked in the energy industry for more than 30 years and has been with BPA since October 2011, next month will take the helm of the agency, which markets power from Columbia River hydroelectric dams, operates the surrounding power grid and runs the Northwest's only nuclear power plant. He replaces Administrator Steve Wright, who retires at the end of this month after 12 years at BPA.

"The leadership of BPA is critically important because America's continued global competitiveness in the 21st century will be significantly affected by whether we can efficiently produce and distribute electricity to businesses and consumers, seamlessly integrating new technologies and new sources of power," Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement. "I look forward to working with Bill Drummond to help lead BPA's transition to a more flexible, resilient, and reliable electric grid and establish much greater coordination among system operators in partnership with its customers."

Before joining BPA, Drummond managed the Western Montana Electric Generating and Transmission Cooperative. He also led the Public Power Council and has been a leader on a variety of regional and national task forces and committees.