Oregon public power utility Northern Wasco County PUD on April 28 announced a strategic realignment of its Power Resources Division (PRD) to address increasing regional growth and prepare for future energy challenges.
The reorganization includes the appointment of Michael Deen as Manager of Policy and Rates, the promotion of Jen Kelly to Power Operations Manager, and the continued leadership of Damon Pellicori as Power Planning Manager.
The division has also expanded its data analytics capabilities through Energy Data Analyst Keith Michaels, who has been instrumental in developing and deploying advanced analytical tools.
“These innovations have enhanced the PRD’s ability to process and analyze complex energy data, making the department more agile and responsive to changing market conditions and customer needs,” the utility said.
Kurt Conger, Assistant General Manager of NWCPUD, emphasized the strategic importance of bolstering the department. “By strengthening our Power Resources Division with these specific roles and talented individuals, we're enhancing our analytical capabilities and expertise in crucial areas like policy, operations, and planning,” said Conger.
“This team structure allows us to better navigate complex regional issues while optimizing our power resources division for all of our customer-owners.”
Deen joins NWCPUD as the new Manager of Policy and Rates from the Public Power Council, where he served as Policy Director since 2013. With extensive experience in power supply, markets, rates, and transmission issues, Deen brings valuable analytical skills to his new role, MWCPUD said.
His background also includes work as an expert witness on power supply and regulatory policy issues for large industrial customers at Regulatory and Cogeneration Services and previous roles at McCullough Research.
Kelly, who has been with NWCPUD since 2018, has been promoted to Power Operations Manager. Before joining NWCPUD, she spent 25 years at PacifiCorp, where she worked in the hydroelectric project resources department and on the energy trading floor.
Her extensive experience in analytical positions within the electric utility industry makes her ideally suited for this new role, the utility noted.
Pellicori, who joined NWCPUD in January 2025 as Power Planning Manager, rounds out the PRD team.
Pellicori came to NWCPUD from NorthWestern Energy in Helena, Montana, where he served as Senior Energy Supply Analyst managing a diverse portfolio of wind, solar, thermal, and hydroelectric resources.
His decade of experience at the Bonneville Power Administration provided him with expertise in power system optimization, reliability, and real-time operations of the federal hydropower system.
“This realignment represents a critical step in positioning NWCPUD for the future energy landscape,” said Roger Kline, General Manager and CEO of NWCPUD. “As our region continues to grow and energy markets evolve, we're building the team we need to ensure we can meet tomorrow's challenges while maintaining our commitment to reliable, affordable power.”
NWCPUD is a customer-owned utility that provides nearly 25,000 people and businesses with electricity in Wasco County, Oregon.
