This bill gives the Bonneville Power Administration, a federal agency that markets hydroelectric power in the Pacific Northwest, greater flexibility to set employee compensation in order to compete for talent and retain experienced workers. Currently, the agency is bound by standard federal pay rules, which the bill argues makes it difficult to hire and keep skilled employees. The legislation requires the agency to develop a compensation plan within one year that bases pay on what similar positions earn at consumer-owned utilities in the Western states, while still considering factors like education, experience, and geographic differences. The agency must review and update this plan annually and publish it publicly, with any salaries exceeding the highest federal executive level requiring special disclosure. The compensation plan must align with the agency's approved budget and its mission to provide affordable power. The bill also exempts the agency from certain federal civil service requirements while maintaining merit system protections for employees.
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