Serving the West: Western Area Power Administration's First 25 Years as a Power Marketing Agency
As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, Western has developed an agency history. The six-chapter, 156-page book tells Western's story from the early days of the 1970s energy crises and startup challenges to the 21st Century's California energy crisis and restructuring challenges. Throughout its history, Western has adapted to keep the power flowing across our service territory.
Below are summaries of each chapter, along with PDF files for easy printing. To request a printed version of the history, e-mail Corporate Communications or call 720-962-7050.
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Chapter |
Synopsis |
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Introduction: America and Power Before Western Area Power Administration |
From Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison to the Roosevelt and Eisenhower administrations and big water projects across the West, this chapter covers the development of the electric utility industry before Western's birth. |
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Chapter 1
"The Biggest Jolt": Western's Beginnings, 1977-1981 |
Covers the agency's birth in 1977; the transition of functions from the Bureau of Reclamation to the new agency; early successes; and organizational challenges. |
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Chapter 2
Threads in the Distance: Power, Transmission and Demand |
Explains the basics of hydropower, the transmission grid and Western's role in the interconnected power system, along with major trnamission construction projects. |
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Chapter 3
"As Many Touchdowns as You Want": Headquarters and the Regional Offices |
Talks about Western's organizational structure, management, regional offices, changes over the years and power marketing efforts. |
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Chapter 4
"The Real Recipe": The Community of Transmission |
Discusses Western's relationships with customers, industry groups, and other utilities. |
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Chapter 5
Privatization Threats and Restructuring Challenges |
Deals with the utility and government environment over Western's life, including restructuring in the utility industry, including California's 2000-2001 energy crisis, and two efforts to privatize the power marketing agencies |
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Chapter 6
"The Least Most Objectionable Solution": Regulation, Legislation and the Environment
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Focuses on environment; conservation; renewable resources such as solar, wind and biomass; Western's Energy Planning and Management Program; and related issues. |
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Conclusion
Part of the Solution: Western's new Life at 25 |
A look at where Western is today and the challenges we'll face in the next 25 years. |
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Appendix
Western's "Originals" |
A list of the employees who were there when Western began and helped shape the agency. |
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Notes |
End notes of citations from the history. |
To download Adobe Acrobat Reader Reader
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