PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The U.S. Energy Department has picked the Bonneville Power Administration's deputy administrator to lead the nonprofit federal power marketing organization.

The agency announced Wednesday that Bill Drummond will replace BPA Administrator Steve Wright, who is retiring after 12 years as head of the agency.

One of four power marketing administrations that the Energy Department oversees, BPA markets power from Columbia River hydroelectric dams and the region's one nuclear plant.

The agency also operates most of the area power grid, distributing wind energy and other energy to the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere.

Before joining BPA, Drummond managed the Western Montana Electric Generating and Transmission Cooperative in Missoula, Mont., for 17 years. He has spent 30 years in the energy industry.

Drummond led the Public Power Council from 1988 to 1994. The council is an association of Northwest publicly owned utilities.

Copyright 2013 The AP.