The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities has found itself in the capable hands of David Leathers for 20 years.

Amid all the uncertainty of New York’s energy policy Leathers has found a way to minimize the impacts on BPU ratepayers as much as possible, including his leadership this winter when the New York Power Authority proposed a massive rate hike for hydropower that helps power Jamestown. There have been major changes in the recycling markets that Leathers has largely managed with minor impacts to BPU customers.

News that Leathers is retiring next January means the BPU board now faces an important hiring decision. The uncertainties that Leathers has led the utility through over the past 20 years remain, with more uncertainty ahead. What will the state’s CLCPA mean for power generation at the Carlson Generating Station? Will the utility have to invest in a new form of generation for what little power generation the city must provide? The utility is embarking on a broadband initiative that raises questions as far as maintenance of the system in future years. District heating is still up in the air as the BPU figures out if there is an appetite for an expansion and reworking of the past-its-useful-life district heating system. Work is to begin soon on a microgrid system to make sure critical public services don’t lose power in the event of a major power outage. Recycling markets aren’t going to be less challenging in the future. And, by the way, we’re sure this year’s proposed increase in hydropower rates is coming back in some way, shape or form – and that will have a major impact on your utility bills.

Leathers has proven to be a steady hand during challenging times. The BPU board made the right decision elevating Leathers from deputy general manager of the electric division to general manager of the utility. Now, with the utility at a crossroads, the BPU board finds itself looking for someone to fill Leathers’ rather large shoes. Who the BPU chooses as its next general manager will deal with the mess the state has made of energy policy, a user base that consumes more power even as its population shrinks, and the looming decision over the district heating system, just for starters. Jamestown will be a difficult place to lead into the state’s electrification age with its large stock of older and, often under-maintained, homes and buildings.

Over the years the BPU has become an important cog in the Jamestown metro area. Its low-cost power is one of the best selling points for development. Its low electric rates for power are important for a region with higher than average poverty. We don’t tend to have the water issues here that plague other Chautauqua County municipalities.

The utility is a community asset that must be protected by the next general manager.