Press Release

PUC Welcomes Returning Commissioners, Newly Confirmed by Senate

Published on 6/7/2005

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG -- On behalf of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), Chairman Wendell F. Holland and Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli today welcomed three returning Commissioners back to the PUC -- Terrance J. Fitzpatrick, James H. Cawley and Bill Shane -- nominated by Gov. Ed Rendell on April 25 and confirmed by the Senate today. 

Fitzpatrick, Cawley and Shane join Chairman Holland and Commissioner Pizzingrilli to create a Commission with a combined 25 years of experience as Commissioners alone.

“Rather than gaining three new colleagues, the Commission today welcomes back old friends,” Chairman Holland said.  “The Pennsylvania PUC has a growing reputation as the foremost utility regulatory agency in the world.  Surely, the experience and wisdom that Terry, Jim and Bill bring back to the Commission will only enhance the way we serve the public interest of Pennsylvania.”

Commissioner Pizzingrilli said, “I look forward to working with Commissioners Fitzpatrick, Cawley and Shane as the PUC returns to full complement and faces new challenges.  We will be a Commission of diverse backgrounds and skills that will be well-suited to striking that important balance between the interests of ratepayers and the utility industry.”

Fitzpatrick, of Hummelstown, Dauphin County, served from 1999-2004 and was Chairman for his last 16 months.  He will serve the remaining four years of the five-year term that ends in 2009.

Cawley, of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, served on the Commission from 1979-85.  He replaced Vice Chairman Robert K. Bloom and will serve a full term that ends in 2010.

Shane, of Indiana, Indiana County, served from 1984-90 and was Chairman from 1987-90. His term will expire in 2006.  He succeeds Glen R. Thomas, who resigned in February.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition. 

                                                                        ###

Contact:

• Tom Charles
  Director of Communications
  717-787-9504
  thcharles@pa.gov