Phoenix, Ariz. - The Western Interconnection Regional Body (WIRAB) has elected Arizona Corporation Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson as its new Chair, highlighting her expanded leadership role in advancing electric grid reliability across the Western United States, Canada, and Mexico.

WIRAB was established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under Section 215(j) of the Federal Power Act and provides critical policy and technical advice to FERC, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) on matters pertaining to electric grid reliability in the Western Interconnection

Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson has represented Arizona on WIRAB since June 2021 and served as Vice Chair beginning in May 2023, before being elected to lead the body as Chair. She brings a wealth of experience in regulatory affairs, energy policy, and economic development. Her leadership will help steer WIRAB’s strategic priorities on issues such as long-term transmission planning, integrating large energy-intensive loads, grid modernization, and the evolving role of energy storage in maintaining system reliability.

“It’s an honor to serve as Chair of WIRAB and represent Arizona in the Western region,” said Commissioner Márquez Peterson. “As we navigate historic changes in energy, I look forward to working with my colleagues across the West to ensure a reliable and resilient grid that serves all of our communities.”

The Western Interconnection serves nearly 90 million people across 14 U.S. states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming) the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, and the Mexican state of Baja California. WIRAB plays a key role in advising on regional planning and coordination to meet growing demand, manage emerging risks, and ensure forward-looking grid investments.

For more information, please contact her office at lmarquezpeterson-web@azcc.gov.