The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has announced the upcoming retirement of Karen Edson, vice president of policy and client services, whose position will be restructured into dual, officer-level roles.
A 38-year veteran of electricity industry public affairs and policy, Edson, who is retiring April 1, joined the ISO in 2005. Stacey Crowley and Thomas J. Doughty, currently serving as directors at the ISO, will both fill the role.
“We wish Karen well, congratulate her on a successful energy policy career and thank her for her contributions to the ISO’s evolution,” says Steve Berberich, CEO of the ISO. “As we move forward, the restructuring of our organization underscores the critical importance of regional coordination and customer service to our future vision of a clean, efficient and cost-effective power grid.
“Her skills were particularly useful in helping the state in the development of renewable energy projects during the recent financial crisis,” he continues. “She was also instrumental in maintaining grid reliability after the closure of the San Onofre nuclear plant and for crafting policies that helped with the phasing out of aging, once-throughcooled power plants.”
Edson previously served in senior roles in state government, including California Energy Commission member, as well as a consultant to renewable and cogeneration power producers. The ISO also credits her with implementing customer service programs that expanded stakeholder engagement and outreach while building ISO credibility throughout the western states region.
