Executive Director of Power Production
Few people have Mike Nelson’s level of experience and knowledge in managing a generating facility. Apache Generating Station operates 24/7/365, and under Mike's direction, Apache Station remains one of the most reliable plants of its type in the U.S. and has a very low Equivalent Forced Outage Rate compared to industry standards.
Mike was promoted to executive director of power production in 2016, but since he started there in 1977, he’s done nearly every job there is to do. Mike has worked as fuel material handler, auxiliary operator, control room operator, shift supervisor, operations manager, and manager of power production.
His responsibilities include operations, mechanical, instrument, and electrical maintenance; planning; regulatory affairs; and managing fuel and limestone quality. He brings his expertise to the following areas:
- Managing the plant’s generation assets
- Managing exempt, non-exempt, and bargaining-unit plant personnel, including negotiating and managing labor union agreements
- Facilitating fuel and material negotiations and procurement
- Reviewing, approving, and prioritizing generation-related capital projects
- Managing North American Electric Reliability Corporation and Western Electricity Coordinating Council compliance for the plant
- Testing and blending extensive amounts of coal types, which has resulted in higher efficiencies and fuel savings and leading to lower and more stable rates for our member cooperatives
- Managing generating unit operations and maintenance
- Ensuring environmental and safety compliance of Apache Station
His team has conducted 12 successful major overhauls on a six-year cycle and 30 annual overhauls.