ISO Executive Realignment Readies Next Generation Grid

FOLSOM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leadership changes underway at the California Independent System Operator Corporation (ISO) reflect the emerging digital grid and help prepare the nonprofit organization for the transformation of the power industry. Today, ISO President and Chief Executive Officer Yakout Mansour announced an executive realignment that supports a new electricity era in which renewable and advance technologies are modernizing grid and market operations.

“The restructuring of the executive responsibilities better aligns the core functions of the ISO to make us more efficient, more responsive and more able to meet California’s electricity needs now and in the future.”

“The California ISO is fortunate to have a wealth of executive skill and talent to draw from as we continue to move the organization forward,” said Mansour. “The restructuring of the executive responsibilities better aligns the core functions of the ISO to make us more efficient, more responsive and more able to meet California’s electricity needs now and in the future.”

The executive realignment, which takes effect August 2, also responds to the departure of Vice President, Operations Jim Detmers who announced last month his plans to leave the ISO at the end of July.

Steve Berberich, currently Vice President, Technology and Corporate Services, assumes the new role and title of Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and is now responsible for overseeing all market and grid operations functions. Berberich led the successful launch of California’s new energy market in 2009 that brought new control room tools and an advanced computer backbone to grid operations.

Nancy Saracino assumes the new role and title of Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer. In addition to continuing her responsibilities leading the ISO legal, corporate secretary, internal audit and corporate compliance functions, she now oversees finance, procurement and accounting. The company’s chief financial officer administratively reports to her as well as directly to the CEO and the Board of Governors.

Petar Ristanovic is Vice President of Technology and a new executive with the ISO. He is a recognized expert in power systems applications, with national and international experience in developing and deploying advanced market systems. With more than 25 years of experience designing and working with operations and market systems worldwide, Ristanovic will provide the leadership needed to incorporate the technological advances occurring in the electricity sector into the ISO grid and market systems.

Keith Casey remains Vice President, Market and Infrastructure Development, Karen Edson continues in her capacity as Vice President, Policy and Client Services and there are no changes to the role of Brenda Thomas as Vice President, Human Resources.

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The California ISO operates the state’s wholesale transmission grid, providing open and non-discriminatory access supported by a competitive energy market and comprehensive planning efforts. Partnering with more than 90 client organizations, the ISO is dedicated to the continual development and reliable operation of a modern grid that operates at the least cost to the benefit of consumers. The ISO bulk power market allocates space on transmission lines, maintains operating reserves and matches supply with demand. Recognizing the importance of global climate change, the ISO welcomes new, advanced technologies that will help meet the energy needs of 30 million Californians efficiently and cleanly. The ISO is a nonprofit public benefit corporation.