Paul Graf

Candidate Questionnaire Responses

1) What makes PEC’s mission meaningful to you, and what interest you about serving on the PEC Board of Directors?

My profession as an Electrical Engineer has been to provide service to electric utility companies and their customers for the purpose of having low-cost, quality electricity.  This has been my life’s work.  It is exciting to be associated with an electric cooperative after having worked for both a municipal and an investor-owned utility.  I now believe the cooperative environment is the best and most effective model to provide low-cost, high-quality service to members.

I am committed to keeping costs down and improving reliability at PEC, especially after the cold weather events.  I will also continue to be focused on the development of our executives and employees for the ultimate benefit of our members.

2)What education, skills, strengths or life experiences do you have that would benefit PEC?

I have an Electrical Engineering degree and hold a Professional Engineer’s license.

I have over five decades of industry knowledge gained while working and consulting for large electric utilities.  This knowledge includes power system engineering, planning, analysis, design, operations, and system protection.  It also includes finance, financial analysis, power purchase/sale contracts, solar, wind power, micro grids, rate making, Transmission Cost of Service, recruiting talented personnel, and executive leadership with profit/loss responsibilities.  

I now have knowledge of the inner workings of PEC because of my years as a Director.  I believe I am uniquely positioned to continue to add value to PEC because of my professional/personal experiences.

3)What other boards or committees have you served on or leadership positions have you held in the past?

These include:
  • Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts Board Member (2018-23).
  • Emergency Services District No. 4 Officers including President, managing fire service in western Comal County (2012-23).
  • Bulverde Spring Branch Emergency Services, Inc. Board member and Officer (2014-2017).
  • River Crossing POA President and Architectural Control Committee Chair (2006-2010).
  • Central and South West, Inc. (CSW) and American Electric Power, Inc. as Vice-President, served on several international Boards for investments (1992-2001).
  • CSW as Department Head, managed several large business units (1981-1992).
  • Chaired numerous TIS/ERCOT subcommittees (1970’s/1980’s).

4)Are you familiar with the elements of the cooperative business model?

I am very familiar with the cooperative business model after 9 years on the Board.  I am also very familiar with and support the Seven Cooperative Principles.  As I mentioned in number 1 above, I believe the cooperative business model is the best of the three electric utility models.

5)How would you approach working with your fellow PEC Board of Directors to achieve collaboration and consensus?

Continue treating others with dignity and respect.  I have worked to listen to and understand the positions of my fellow board members by having productive and professional conversations, especially when there are differences of opinion.  I will continue these practices if re-elected.