By Suzanne Herel
PJM President and CEO Terry Boston announced Wednesday that he plans to retire effective Dec. 31 after seven years at the helm of the RTO.
“Thanks to the outstanding talent of PJM employees, I leave knowing that PJM today is a true leader in the industry — the gold standard for reliable electric service, fair and efficient markets and infrastructure planning,” Boston, who joined PJM in February 2008, said in a letter to the board.
“I am especially proud that the PJM team has successfully managed three ‘one-in-a-hundred-years’ weather events within the past four years,” said Boston, 64, who plans to use this year consolidating improvements PJM has made and serving as chairman of the ISO/RTO Council.
Board of Managers Chairman Howard Schneider, speaking for the board, praised the 43-year electric utility industry veteran for his “strong leadership and extraordinary vision.”
“Terry’s outstanding leadership has been important not only to PJM and the customers it serves but to the development of the grid and markets across the country,” Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Cheryl LaFleur said in a statement.
The announcement has been in the works for some time. PJM said in a press release that a “rigorous succession process by the PJM board has been underway.”
“Candidates to succeed Boston will be considered based on demonstrated leadership abilities, industry expertise and reputation, as well as commitment to electric system reliability and fair, efficient electricity markets,” PJM said.
Boston came to PJM after serving as executive vice president for the Tennessee Valley Authority.