David E. Mills Takes Leadership Role as Chair of PJM Board of Managers
On June 5, 2025, PJM Interconnection announced David E. Mills' election as the new Chair of its Board of Managers. This significant appointment comes as a testament to Mills' extensive experience in both the energy sector and public service. Prior to his involvement with the PJM Board, Mills had a successful career as an energy consultant, where he worked extensively with the power and natural gas industries. His prior tenure at Puget Sound Energy saw him serving in crucial roles, including Senior Vice President of Policy and Energy Supply and Chief Strategy Officer.
Mills also has a notable background with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bonneville Power Administration, which has provided him with a deep understanding of energy policy and industry challenges. His leadership experience is further complemented by his military background, where he served in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter aircrewman and rescue swimmer. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Portland State University, and he is a certified member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).
PJM President and CEO Manu Asthana praised Mills, stating, "David is a very capable leader. He understands the trade-offs required to preserve reliability and affordability, and he has demonstrated his commitment to listening to and working in partnership with our stakeholders." Under Mills' leadership, PJM aims to enhance communication with stakeholders and tackle the complex decisions necessary to maintain a reliable supply of electricity at an affordable price.
In 2024, Mills was elected as Chair-elect to ensure a smooth transition into the role, with the official election occurring during the Board meeting on May 14, 2025. His elevation to chair comes at a pivotal time for PJM, which serves a vast network of 67 million people across several states, including parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Established in 1927, PJM Interconnection plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system. It is responsible for the coordination and management of the region’s transmission grid, which encompasses over 88,333 miles of transmission lines. Additionally, PJM administers a competitive wholesale electricity market and oversees regional transmission expansion efforts to maintain and improve grid reliability.
The impact of PJM's operations is significant, producing annual savings estimated between $3.2 billion to $4 billion, showcasing its crucial role in supporting the energy needs of millions. As Mills steps into his role as Chair, he expresses a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment and addressing the challenges that lie ahead in the energy sector.
For ongoing updates and information about PJM Interconnection, stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to visit the PJM Inside Lines website at insidelines.pjm.com to stay informed on developments and initiatives pertaining to electricity supply and grid management, as Mills leads the board through these critical transitions in energy management and policy.