Former Sierra Pacific CEO Niggli lands at San Diego utility

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000 | 11:08 a.m.

Michael Niggli, who resigned as chairman and chief executive officer of Sierra Pacific Resources in July, has been named president of Sempra Energy Resources of San Diego.

Sierra Pacific is the parent company of Nevada Power Co. of Las Vegas.

Sempra Energy Resources, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, develops and operates energy projects for the competitive market, Sempra said.

Niggli will be responsible for development, construction and operation of power plants, natural gas pipelines and oil and gas production operations nationwide at Sempra, the firm said.

"Mike Niggli has worked in virtually every sector of the gas and electric business. His experience and leadership will be critical as we expand our generating portfolio to support Sempra Energy's retail marketing efforts," Sempra executive Darcel Hulse said in a statement.

Niggli, who joined Nevada Power Co. in 1998, oversaw its merger with Sierra Pacific Power Co. of Reno. The combined company, under Niggli, went on to agree to buy Portland General Electric in Oregon.

Niggli oversaw Sierra Pacific during its battle with Nevada regulators over a rate hike and deregulation. Officials declined comment on why Niggli resigned from Sierra Pacific, but insiders said he was forced out after a year of plunging stock prices for Sierra Pacific.