GILLETTE, Wyo. – Tim O’Connor moved to Gillette this summer from Portland, Oregon to begin his new job as managing director of the Wyodak Power Plant, a 365-megawatt coal-fired plant owned jointly by PacifiCorp (80 percent) and Black Hills Power (20 percent). Managing a coal-fired power plant presented a new challenge for O’Connor, who has managed the operation and maintenance of hydroelectric facilities in the Pacific Northwest for the majority of his career. 

“I’m a bit of an anomaly coming from a hydro background, but the same types of management skills I’ve been able to learn and put into use in other areas are transferring well into my job at the Wyodak Plant,” said O’Connor. “Coming to Gillette was a great opportunity for me both professionally and personally. The open space and outdoor recreation available here in Wyoming really appealed to me, in addition to the belief that I could bring new ideas and experience to make a positive impact at Wyodak.”

O’Connor graduated from Portland State University (Oregon) in 1980, with a degree in civil structural engineering. He began working for PacifiCorp, which operates as Pacific Power in Wyoming, that same year. Most of his work for the company throughout the 80’s focused on engineering related projects for hydroelectric facilities, and in 1989, he was appointed to his first superintendent position for the field operation and maintenance of a hydro facility.  From 1997 to 1999, O’Connor was responsible for the operation and maintenance of PacifiCorp’s entire hydro fleet, which included more than 54 facilities in 5 states. Prior to accepting the managing director position at Wyodak, he spent the past six years participating in the company’s hydro relicencing efforts.

“It’s exciting for me to get back into a more technical role again, working closer to the front lines of the operation,” said O’Connor. “We currently have 79 employees at Wyodak and I’ve been impressed by their hard work and dedication.”

The Wyodak Plant was commissioned in 1978. The plant’s single unit utilizes an air-cooled condenser system rather than the water-cooled systems more commonly used in coal-fired power plants. Wyodak’s air-cooled condensers are among the largest in operation in North America.

“The work we are engaged in plays an important role in helping enable Pacific Power to continue providing safe, reliable and affordable power to it’s customers in Wyoming and five other western states,” said O’Connor. “I’m glad to be a part of the great team of people working here at Wyodak and I look forward to becoming even more involved in the local community.”

Tim and his wife Susan have three adult children who live in Oregon and Minnesota. Away from work, he enjoys motorcycle touring, woodworking, hunting and fishing.

Media inquiries:Newsdesk@PacifiCorp.com .