We’ve got to be open to new ideas
In the fast-paced world of energy markets, you’ve really got to pay attention and look ahead to what will happen in the next five minutes, five hours or even five years.
Every day, EKPC buys and sells capacity, energy, and related services in PJM Interconnection, a wholesale energy market serving a 13-state area. Chris Adams leads the team that makes that happen.
The staff of EKPC’s Market Operations Center watches PJM markets 24/7/365, monitoring changing conditions and prices.
They make sure co-op members are getting the best bang for their buck—competitively priced energy. They sell energy generated at EKPC’s power plants. And, when the price is right, they buy energy.
“Our goal is to drive down the cost of service for our members and provide a hedge, or backstop, to protect against market volatility,” Chris says.
His team works on behalf of 1.1 million Kentuckians who depend on EKPC’s 16 owner-member electric cooperatives for their power. “We’re a member-owned cooperative. The people at the end of the line own us and we have a responsibility to provide them with great service.”
The job requires attention to detail.
“The markets are always changing, and it’s easy to miss a change signaling what’s coming. If you miss it, you’re in crisis mode. So, to do what we do, you need to continually learn new things and stay on top of those changes before they occur. We’ve got to be open to new ideas.”
Chris got his start at EKPC working as a student engineer while attending the University of Kentucky’s College of Engineering, seizing opportunities to learn and grow.
He takes a lot of pride in his team’s accomplishments.
“We work really hard to keep the lights on every day while keeping costs at a minimum; people often take it for granted. And, while I think we do it better than most, we are always looking for ways to improve. I think that is what I’m most proud of.”