SPP names Jim Gonzalez new senior director of seams and western services
Southwest Power Pool (SPP) has chosen Jim Gonzalez to serve as its new senior director of seams and western services, effective May 1. Gonzalez will lead the continued development of SPP’s electricity services in the Western Interconnection, filling the role Carrie Simpson vacated when she was named vice president of markets.
“Jim has played a key role in the development and administration of SPP’s market services for over a decade,” said Simpson. “His extensive knowledge and leadership will be invaluable to SPP’s work in the West.”
In his new role, Gonzalez will direct the ongoing development and implementation of Markets+, SPP’s day-ahead and real-time market in the Western Interconnection, and other electricity services in partnership with SPP’s stakeholders. He will also serve as the staff secretary for the Markets+ Participant Executive Committee (MPEC), the policy-making group that comprises representatives of all Markets+ participants, which oversees that market’s development.
“I’m thrilled to be part of such a great team,” said Gonzalez. “SPP and its stakeholders have done a tremendous job developing affordable, reliable energy services, and I’m ready to build on that success to bring a market that delivers substantial value to the Western Interconnection.”
Gonzalez is an expert in market and system operations and has held various positions at SPP contributing to market development and the reliability of the electric grid. Most recently, he served as technical director of market policy and operations. Gonzalez holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Arkansas.