PJM Interconnection Welcomes New Board Members for Electric Sector Leadership

PJM Interconnection Welcomes Two New Board Members

PJM Interconnection, a key figure in ensuring electrical grid reliability across several states, has made significant strides by electing two new members to its Board of Managers for a three-year term. As of September 25, 2025, Robert Ethier and Le Xie have officially joined the board, reflecting the organization’s commitment to strong leadership in the evolving energy landscape.

Electoral Process: A Transparent Approach

The election process for the PJM Board members is governed by the FERC-approved PJM Operating Agreement, which is administered by an eight-member Nominating Committee. This committee is tasked with nominating candidates, drawing representatives from the five sectors of the PJM Members Committee and includes three board members, one of whom serves as a non-voting chair. Ethier and Xie's selection stems from a robust slate of candidates, highlighting their notable expertise and diverse backgrounds in electricity markets and operations.

Profiles of the New Members

Robert Ethier

Bringing over 30 years of invaluable experience within the energy sector, Robert Ethier has served in various high-level roles primarily at ISO New England, where he worked as vice president of market operations and market development among others. His tenure included pivotal contributions to market monitoring and economic strategies that are crucial to market design and operation. Presently, he functions as a principal advisor at Stickney Brook Consulting, further influencing the energy strategies in New England. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Yale University and graduate degrees from Cornell University, solidifying his knowledge base in resource economics.

Le Xie

Le Xie stands out as the Gordon McKay Professor of Electrical Engineering at Harvard, where he has made significant contributions to the Power and AI Initiative, leading research that integrates artificial intelligence with power systems. Recognized as an IEEE Fellow and Distinguished Lecturer, Xie has worked alongside various entities, including ERCOT and ISO-New England, to shape the future of electricity markets. His academic credentials include degrees from Tsinghua University, Harvard University, and Carnegie Mellon University, validating his expertise in conducting advanced research and teaching.

Welcoming Expertise

David Mills, Chair of the Board, expressed confidence in the capabilities of the newly elected members. He noted that both Ethier and Xie possess the depth of expertise necessary for guiding PJM through a period marked by rapid changes and challenges within the energy sector. Their backgrounds indicate a shared understanding of the complexities surrounding electricity supply and demand, as well as regulatory frameworks that govern the industry.

PJM's Role and Significance

Founded in 1927, PJM Interconnection operates as a linchpin in the high-voltage electric power system, catering to approximately 67 million people across numerous states including Delaware, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. PJM oversees the functioning of about 88,333 miles of transmission lines, coordinates competitive wholesale electricity markets, and develops strategies for reliability enhancements. The organization has exhibited substantial economic impact, yielding annual savings in the range of $3.2 billion to $4 billion.

This recent addition of board members not only reflects PJM’s ongoing commitment to experienced governance but also indicates the organization’s adaptive strategies in navigating the complexities of the modern energy environment in both operational and regulatory dimensions.

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