The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) today announced the hire of
former Missouri Public Services Commissioner Daniel Hall to help
facilitate the further expansion of wind power throughout the Midwest.
In his new role of Central Region Director, Electricity and Transmission
Policy, Hall will lead AWEA’s transmission and wholesale electricity
markets work in the region.
Prior to joining AWEA, Hall served for the past six years as a Missouri
Public Service Commissioner (MPSC), including three as Chairman of the
Commission. In addition, Hall served as a board member on the
Organization of MISO States, and as President during the 2019 calendar
year. Previously, Hall served as Legislative Director to Missouri
Governor Jay Nixon and as Senior Counsel and Assistant Attorney General
in the Attorney General’s Office. Hall began work for AWEA on November
4.
“We are excited to have Daniel on our team,” said Amy Farrell, SVP Public and Government Affairs for AWEA. “His
legal and technical expertise, along with his years of experience in
regulation at the state level will help us work toward AWEA’s
transmission vision of an increasingly connected, national grid.”
Hall will be responsible for policy concerning the efficient and
affordable integration of wind energy, including consideration of seams
issues between Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), RTOs and
similar Independent System Operators (ISOs), are electric power
transmission operators that coordinate, control, and monitor multi-state
electric grids across much of North America.
“Wind energy has been a remarkable growth and success story, especially
in our part of the country,” Hall said. “But for that growth to
continue, we need to update America’s electricity grid to meet 21st
century needs. I look forward to bringing together state utility
commissions, federal regulators and RTO’s to make that happen.”
Hall was an active member of the National Association of Regulatory
Utility Commissioners (NARUC), serving on its Board of Directors. He
holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri School of Law
and a BA in history from Carleton College.
AWEA defines the “Central Region” generally as states West of Ohio and
East of the Rocky Mountains. This area has been called the American
“Wind Belt” because it is home to some of the best wind energy resources
and the largest share of U.S. installed wind capacity.
Hall’s home state of Missouri currently has 8 wind projects online,
representing a total capital investment of $1.9 billion and more than
1,000 wind industry jobs. More wind is on the way, with enough capacity
under construction and in advanced development to double the state’s
installed capacity. There are at least 11 manufacturing facilities in
Missouri making products for the wind industry and expanding wind power
will create even more opportunities for manufacturers and service
suppliers in the state. For example, leading manufacturer ABB, Inc.
operates power transmission manufacturing facilities in St. Louis and
Jefferson City.
