Tracy Yount, the energy and services development manager at Energy Northwest, has spent the majority of his over 25-year career in public power. Before he joined Energy Northwest in September 2024, he worked as director of strategic affairs at Chelan PUD for 12 years. Prior to that, he worked in the private sector focusing on natural resource consulting and was deputy project manager for the Smart Grid Demonstration Project at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Yount joined the NWPPA Board of Trustees earlier this year, taking over for former Trustee Greg Cullen. Yount holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering and construction management from Washington State University with professional certificates in public sector enterprise risk management as well as human and organizational performance.
What are the current challenges at your company?
Energy Northwest was created to develop generation and transmission for our 29 member utilities, and we’re proud to be part of the public power community. While we’ve established ourselves as a provider of safe, clean, reliable nuclear power, a key challenge is evolving our identity to be recognized as a public power member that offers much more. We’re actively working to better serve our member utilities who face urgent needs in preparing for future energy demands, developing innovative service offerings and operational models that enhance value while identifying new generation opportunities that support regional reliability and sustainability.
What do you see as the current challenges in the industry?
The industry is facing the need for massive infrastructure investment in a way that remains flexible, adaptable, and responsive while protecting customers and our environment. This requires navigating complex regulatory landscapes while maintaining affordability and reliability during a significant transition period.
How does NWPPA help your company and the industry with these challenges?
NWPPA serves as a vital advocate and educator during this time of transition. NWPPA’s role in educating industry professionals and stakeholders about evolving energy solutions is critical as we collectively work to address these challenges.
Any hobbies outside of the public power world?
I enjoy traveling, tennis, and cooking.
