Graphic highlighting Ben Blaquiere

WAPA honors 2024 ESA winner Ben Blaquiere

The Exceptional Service Award, WAPA’s highest honor, recognizes employees who consistently go above and beyond, contribute to critical projects or committees and advance WAPA’s strategic plan through exceptional performance and external activities. This year’s winners exemplify these qualities, showcasing remarkable dedication, innovation and leadership that have profoundly impacted WAPA and its communities. Their contributions reflect WAPA’s core values and help drive the organization’s mission forward, ensuring reliable, affordable power for millions across the western United States. 

Ben Blaquiere: a pillar of excellence at WAPA’s Miles City Converter Station 

Ben Blaquiere, a Supervisory Electrical Engineer in WAPA’s Upper Great Plains region, epitomizes the organization’s core values through dedication, hard work and humility. For over 38 years, he has been a cornerstone at the Miles City Converter Station, ensuring its reliable operations and extending its operational lifespan in countless ways. 

When Blaquiere was hired as an electrical engineer in 1985, he became the pioneer and sole station supervisory engineer. Under his guidance, the Miles City Converter, a critical 200-megawatt asynchronous direct current tie, has consistently played a crucial role in balancing loads and stabilizing transmission operations across the Eastern and Western Interconnections. Despite the challenge of legacy equipment used since the 1990s, his innovative problem-solving has led to improved operations and significant cost savings, including a $440,000 reduction through a custom thyristor solution. 

Blaquiere’s foresight in budget forecasting has ensured the converter station’s financial sustainability, managing an average $1 million annual operating budget and $9.5 million in capital projects. His dedication to knowledge sharing and mentorship, which has made him a respected mentor, has also inspired and educated countless WAPA employees, helping other facilities maintain operations. 

However, Blaquiere’s legacy extends beyond technical excellence. He has been a dedicated mentor, sharing his vast knowledge with hundreds of WAPA employees. His commitment to team development is evident in his endless tours, training sessions and willingness to assist other facilities. His expertise and guidance have shaped the careers of many engineers and converter station employees, ensuring his impact will be felt for generations. 

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Last modified on October 21st, 2024