Elliot Mainzer

Public Policy Board | Board Member

• Company: California ISO
• Title: President and CEO

Elliot Mainzer is President and CEO of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), where he leads efforts to ensure a reliable and affordable clean energy transition. With over 25 years of experience, Mainzer has championed innovation in renewable energy, transmission planning, market design, and regional collaboration.

Before joining CAISO in 2020, Mainzer spent 18 years at Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), including seven years as Administrator and CEO. At BPA, he spearheaded wind energy development in the Pacific Northwest, advanced transmission access models, and balanced the Federal Columbia River Power System’s needs with tribal and environmental priorities.

Under his leadership, CAISO has integrated record-setting renewable energy and battery storage, navigated critical heat wave challenges, and advanced regional market initiatives. A San Francisco native, Mainzer holds degrees from U.C. Berkeley and Yale and serves as cochair of the Western Electric Industry Leaders Group, exemplifying his commitment to collaborative energy solutions.