WAPA honors 2024 ESA winner Jon Aust

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.

Jon Aust: a visionary leader driving WAPA’s excellence

Jonathan Aust, Vice President of Power Operations for WAPA’s Colorado River Storage Project Management Center, Desert Southwest and Rocky Mountain regions, is a visionary leader. His strategic foresight has been instrumental in guiding WAPA through significant transitions, particularly in integrating RM and DSW regions into the Southwest Power Pool’s Western Energy Imbalance Service and the California Independent System Operator’s Western Energy Imbalance Market. This highlights his ability to navigate complex industry changes, enhancing WAPA’s competitive position in energy markets.

One of Aust’s most notable achievements was transitioning reserve sharing groups to Northwest Power Pool and later to SPP for RM Power Operations, which led to over $3 million in annual cost savings for Western Area Colorado Missouri and Western Area Lower Colorado balancing authority customers. His unwavering commitment to the reliable operation of the interconnection earned him the prestigious 2022 Outstanding Contributor Award from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council, a testament to his significant contributions to the industry.

Aust’s influence is felt throughout WAPA, where he has fostered a culture of excellence and commitment. Under his stewardship, WAPA’s high-voltage transmission system has maintained impeccable operational standards, ensuring safe and reliable power delivery to a significant portion of the network. Additionally, his commitment to developing his team and mentoring the next generation of leaders has cultivated a culture of innovation and excellence, leaving a lasting impact on the organization.