Building Equitable Pathways in Western Energy

Pamela Sporborg is Director of Transmission and Markets at Portland General Electric (PGE). She began her career as a Presidential Management Fellow at the Bonneville Power Administration, where she advanced demand response research with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and later served at FERC. At PGE, she played a pivotal role in the company’s entry into the Western Energy Imbalance Market, fostering collaboration across utilities and serving in leadership roles on the Regional Issues Forum and Pathways Launch Committee.

Governance Innovation for Public Interest

The West Wide Governance Pathways Step 2 proposal (or SB 540 in the California Legislature) centers on the public interest as the primary focus for a fully independent Western energy market. Key provisions in the proposal include an expansion of the industry sectors to include consumer advocates, large load customers, and distributed energy suppliers. The proposal also includes the establishment of an Office of Public Participation at the Regional Organization and an independent consumer advocate organization. These innovations are intended to ensure that all interested parties, not just incumbents, have a strong voice in the evolution of the regional market. 

PGE’s Partnership Approach to Transmission

PGE is continuing with a partnership-based approach to transmission development in the West. PGE is currently a joint owner of the California-Oregon Intertie that enables the exchange of solar and hydro energy between the Pacific Northwest and California, and the Colstrip Transmission System that provides access to some of the best wind energy in the WECC. These investments have provided benefits to PGE’s customers for over 30 years.

We are continuing this approach with a partnership with the Warm Spring Tribe to expand the transmission line from central Oregon to the Willamette Valley, providing access to more solar resources, and as an anchor investor in the North Plains Connector. 

The hard-earned knowledge helps build the kind of perspective that enables you to have a true impact on the evolution of this industry as we work together to meet the challenges of affordability, reliability, and decarbonization.

It is a privilege to be able to participate in the next generation of interregional transmission development projects that promise to deliver the same intergenerational benefit to customers.

Unlocking Value Through Virtual Power

PGE’s investment in the Virtual Power Plant is one of the most exciting developments on the horizon. The VPP will enable customers to optimize their investments in distributed solar, battery storage, and demand response for cost savings and grid reliability. As we work to integrate the VPP into the EDAM market, the project feels particularly full circle with my early career work in demand response. 

Embracing Challenges to Drive Industry Impact

The best part about working in the energy industry is that there is always something new to learn. Do not be afraid to take a position in an area where you do not have direct experience. I got my first permanent job at BPA in demand response because no one else applied.

I raised my hand to manage PGE’s first transmission rate case in 20 years because I wanted to work for an inspiring leader, Sarah Edmonds (now CEO of the Western Power Pool), and the challenge of figuring out rate models and tariffs was worth it to work under a true mentor.

Don’t be afraid of a challenge. Don’t be afraid of learning a whole new aspect of the industry. The hard-earned knowledge helps build the kind of perspective that enables you to have a true impact on the evolution of this industry as we work together to meet the challenges of affordability, reliability, and decarbonization.