Southwest Power Pool’s Market Monitoring Unit director to retire, replacement named

Alan McQueen, executive director of the Market Monitoring Unit for Southwest Power Pool will retire later this year.

On Tuesday (May 2), the Little Rock-based regional transmission organization announced Keith Collins will replace McQueen. Collins will start in the position June 1, and McQueen will work with Collins in the transition. The organization’s oversight committee approved Collins for the position April 13.

“SPP’s markets have benefited tremendously from the oversight provided by the Market Monitoring Unit under Alan’s leadership,” said Joshua Martin, chairman of the SPP Oversight Committee. “We owe Alan a debt of thanks for delaying his retirement until we found the appropriate candidate to assume his responsibilities.”

The Market Monitoring Unit looks out for possible abuses of market power and potential gaming in the organization’s markets.

Collins, formerly the manager of monitoring and reporting at California Independent System Operator, was recommended for the position because of his knowledge of wholesale energy markets and breadth of experience.

“We had an exceptional pool of candidates, and we’re fortunate to welcome Mr. Collins to this role. He will be a great fit at SPP,” Martin said. “He has big shoes to fill, but has the experience and expertise to do so successfully.”

At California Independent System Operator, Collins identified behavioral and market-design issues and addressed problems. He led market analysis on energy and ancillary services markets, congestion revenue rights and virtual bids. He also investigated inappropriate market participant behavior and worked with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Office of Enforcement. Between 2004 and 2010, Collins worked at FERC in several positions including chief of the electric analysis branch. He also worked at LECG LLC, an international economics consulting firm focused on energy economics.

Collins was excited to start in the position. “I believe my experiences will bring a unique perspective to these challenges,” he said. “I look forward to building upon the great work of the Market Monitoring Unit and leading the team on the market issues we face.”