Gas Utility Fundamentals + Insights PDT

The Gas Utility Fundamentals + Insights Program Development Teams is a diverse mix of energy industry executives who support curriculum development and directly teach the course to WEI Members. These industry leaders provide over 100 years of combined industry experience in nearly all facets of the gas business.

This group meets regularly to identify critical industry issues, discuss challenges and make updates and changes to the GUFI course.

For more information on this Program Development Team contact

Eric Christenson at christenson@westernenergy.org or at 971-303-2118

Committee Members

Deborah Affonsa

Self Employed

Retired, Vice President, Customer Service
Member

Eric Christenson

Western Energy Institute

Director of Program Curriculum + Engagement
Chair
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In his role as Director of Curriculum Development, Eric leads the WEI Operations Conference and the Executive Planning Committee. He also leads the Electric and Gas Utility Fundamentals + Insights skills development programs, and is one of WEI’s instructors for the electric course. He also supports the organization and his teammates as the Director of Analytics.

He joined WEI after seven great years at Portland General Electric. At PGE he developed and managed the company’s Enterprise Risk Management program and worked in several other areas including operations benchmarking, regulatory affairs, fleet services, AMI, and finance.

Prior to joining PGE, Eric worked in internet marketing and as the Manager of Strategy and Analysis at a local finance company.

Eric earned his Bachelors in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Oregon. He volunteers his time on the Oregon Society of Association Management and as an Executive Committee Member of the Greater Portland Soccer District.

Booga Gilbertson

Class Five Solutions

President
Instructor

Karen Himes

Western Energy Institute

Program Manager + Member Engagement Specialist
Chair

Catherine Koch

Self Employed

Instructor/Consultant
Member

Traci Pepper

Western Energy Institute

Program Manager
Chair

Robert Rowe

RCR, LLC

President
Member

Larry Thorson

Self Employed

Instructor; Region Manager, Retired
Member