first published week of: 12/12/2016
A regional power utility that serves much of the western United States is under multiple federal investigations for possible fraud, waste and abuse, according to records obtained by ABC15.
The Western Area Power Administration, or WAPA, is a division of the United States Department of Energy that sells power to wholesale electric utilities, municipalities, tribes and other agencies in 15 western states, including Arizona, that serve millions of people.
Multiple whistleblowers within WAPA have alleged widespread misconduct and inappropriate spending within the agency, ABC15 has learned. Arizona’s Senators Jeff Flake and John McCain have also called for an investigation.
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has started requesting documents and conducting interviews, records show. Committee leaders said they are investigating financial and facility mismanagement based on allegations made by several whistleblowers.
There is also a criminal investigation underway by the Department of Energy Officer of Inspector General . continued…