Alex Cousins joined the utility industry 10 years ago and currently serves as vice chair of the Trinity PUD Board of Directors. He has been a trustee on NWPPA’s board since 2022. In addition to his work in the public power industry, Cousins also works as sales manager for Trinity River, North Fork, and Schmidbauer sawmills. He holds a B.A. in anthropology and an M.A. in Latin American studies with an emphasis in economics/politics.

What are the current challenges at your utility?

Trinity PUD has a service territory in Northern California that is one of the most fire-prone areas in the nation. By far, our greatest challenge is fire hardening our system and doing everything possible to prevent tree contacts with our power lines. We have more than tripled our vegetation management budget in recent years, and we are undertaking a project to dramatically widen our rights of way to help protect communities in our area.

What do you see as the current challenges in the industry?

Being able to continue to offer affordable, reliable electricity while facing changing environmental pressures, political mandates, and rising costs of business are—and will continue to be—challenges for years to come.

How does NWPPA help your utility and the industry with these challenges?

Trinity PUD takes advantage of NWPPA’s exceptional training opportunities that are not available from other sources. We also depend on, and at times participate in, NWPPA lobbying efforts that leverage the collective power of NWPPA’s large member base. The importance of federal lobbying continues to increase. I can’t imagine where we would be without NWPPA advocating on our behalf.

Any hobbies outside of the public power world?

I enjoy anything outdoors. I’m avid about mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, spending time with kids/family, and woodworking.