GCPA Honors Werner Roth with the 2024 emPOWERing Young Professionals Award

Austin Texas, August 28, 2024
Contact: Media@gulfcoastpower.org

The Gulf Coast Power Association (GCPA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Werner Roth has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 GCPA emPOWERing Young Professionals Award. This award is given annually to an individual under the age of 40 who has demonstrated excellence in the electric power industry, making unique contributions to the success of the electric power market and serving as a role model and leader for others.

Werner Roth has been working at the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) for over ten years and currently holds the position of Senior Market Economist in the Market Analysis Division.

Mr. Roth embarked on his extensive career after obtaining two Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Economics and Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Economics from Baylor University. He initially worked as a research intern at The Perryman Group before joining the PUCT. Over time, Werner became an indispensable member of the Market Analysis Division.

According to Harika Basaran, Director of Market Analysis at PUCT, "He truly enjoys delving into complex power market issues. I have often wondered how a young graduate without experience in the electric markets could develop such deep and wide skills for power markets. Then I realized that he did most of it on his own initiative."

Mr. Roth’s commitment and involvement in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) stakeholder process earned him the 2022 Working Group Chair of the Year award. In 2023, he became the first-ever recipient of the David Carr Award for Outstanding Staff Contributions. Additionally, he was honored with the PUCT Executive Director’s Outstanding Performance Award in 2023 for his leadership in the ERCOT Wholesale Market Design Blueprint Phase Two initiatives.

"Werner serves as a great role model for the next generation of PUCT employees," expressed Ms. Basaran.

Katie Coleman, Partner at O'Melveny & Myers, a former EYP Award Recipient and GCPA Board Member, commented, "Werner has earned this recognition and is an obvious choice. He has been on the front lines of extremely high-profile, impactful policy decisions at the Commission and has consistently provided thoughtful, diligent analysis and guidance that will shape the future of the state. His technical expertise, judgment, and poise are well beyond his years.”

The GCPA will officially present the GCPA emPOWERing Young Professionals Award to Werner Roth at the GCPA’s 39th Annual Fall Conference, the largest electric power conference for the ERCOT/Gulf Coast region. The Conference is scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 2, 2024, at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin, Texas.

Beth Garza, Senior Fellow at R Street Institute and the President of GCPA, stated, "With his commitment, dedication, and leadership on some of the thorniest issues in ERCOT and MISO, I cannot think of a more deserving nominee for GCPA’s emPOWERing Young Professionals Award."