Council names Peter Cogswell as new Executive Director

The Northwest Power and Conservation Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Cogswell to the role of Executive Director. Cogswell’s first day at the Council will be Monday, July 7th.

Cogswell brings extensive experience in regional energy policy to the role, most notably working at Bonneville Power Administration from 2007-2021 where he was the Council liaison for many years and served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. His resume also includes time spent with PacifiCorp, as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor to former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, and more recently as an energy consultant. At Bonneville, his portfolio included state, national, and tribal affairs; as Council liaison, he helped navigate the development of two Northwest Power Plans. At the Governor’s Office, he led efforts to adopt several early clean energy policies, including Oregon’s first renewable energy standard. Cogswell is a University of Oregon graduate and attended the University of Idaho’s Utility Executive Course. He and his family live in southeast Portland.

“I am very fortunate to have engaged extensively with the Council over the course of my career,” said Cogswell. “I am excited about the opportunity to build on that experience by working with members, staff and a broad group of partners, including tribes, states, utilities, and advocates, to ensure the Council continues its important work in the region." 

“After meeting with many qualified candidates, the Council is thrilled to be able to bring Peter on board as the next Executive Director,” said Council Chair Mike Milburn. “He is an experienced leader with an impressive energy policy background who is deeply connected to the region. We’re confident that Peter will be able to hit the ground running at this critical time as we ramp up our work on the next Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program and Ninth Northwest Regional Power Plan.”

Cogswell replaces Bill Edmonds, who stepped down from the role in April after five years with the Council.