July 2, 2009
Media contact: Chris Gleason, Community & Media Services manager, (253) 502-8222
Power Management Manager Ted Coates will serve as the new superintendent of Tacoma Power, starting Aug. 1. He succeeds Gary Armfield, who will retire on July 31. The Public Utility Board will be asked to confirm the appointment at its July 22 meeting.
“We conducted a national search to fill this position and attracted many qualified, experienced candidates,” said Tacoma Public Utilities Director Bill Gaines. “But the top choice was from within our own organization. Ted’s long history in the power industry, his understanding of Tacoma Power and his vision for the future made him the best fit for the job.”
Coates has served as the head of Power Management since 2008, after serving as assistant power manager for seven years. In his current role, Coates manages a $300 million biennial budget, oversees power operations and trading, is responsible for power transmission contracts administration and compliance, and plans for and manages the utility’s power portfolio, energy risk management program and conservation planning and acquisition. Coates was previously employed at Seattle City Light for 25 years, the last five as the deputy superintendent of the wholesale branch.
“My goals as Tacoma Power superintendent will be similar to those of my predecessors,” Coates said. “Low and stable rates, reliable service, financial strength and outstanding customer service. The utility is well positioned to achieve those goals, with an excellent team of people who have the skills to accomplish them.”
Some of the upcoming projects that will fall under Coates’ leadership include implementing the terms of the recently negotiated Cushman Hydroelectric Project relicensing agreement, rebuild of a generator at Mossyrock Dam, meeting aggressive energy conservation goals set by Initiative 937 and the potential expansion of Tacoma Power’s “Smart Grid” system.
Coates attended the University of Washington with undergraduate studies in chemical engineering and graduate studies in econometrics. He is on the board of directors for the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.
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About Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power serves 165,000 customers in Tacoma, University Place, Fircrest and portions of Fife, Lakewood, Federal Way, Steilacoom, Fort Lewis, McChord Air Force Base and other portions of Pierce County. The utility includes five divisions: Transmission and Distribution, Generation, Rates, Planning and Analysis, Power Management and Click! Network. www.tacomapower.com
