Press Release

PUC Appoints Lesney as Next Director of Bureau of Audits.

Published on 7/11/2007

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

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced the appointment of M. Carl Lesney of Gibsonia, Allegheny County, as the next Director of the Bureau of Audits.

A Certified Public Accountant working as a PUC auditor in Western Pennsylvania, Lesney replaces Director Tom Sheets, who retired in June.  Lesney’s appointment is effective on July 21.

“During his 35 years of professional experience, Carl has developed significant expertise in both auditing and public utility matters,” Chairman Wendell F. Holland said. “He gained both the PUC and the industry perspective of financial and management audits.  And while working in the natural gas industry early in his career, Carl earned valuable management experience.  He makes an excellent addition to our strong and capable roster of bureau directors.”

Lesney has served as a PUC Public Utility Auditor III in Pittsburgh since 2003.  He previously served as Energy and Policy Advisor to the late Commissioner Aaron Wilson Jr. from 1998 to 2003.  Before joining the Commission, Lesney worked as the Chief Financial Officer, Comptroller, Secretary and Treasurer for the Carnegie Natural Gas Company, the Carnegie Interstate Pipeline Company, and the Carnegie Production Company, all subsidiaries of USX Corp.  Previously, he worked as Audit and Tax Manager for N. Hrkman in Pittsburgh; as Vice President and Controller of American Stemware Corporation in Jeanette; as Corporate Controller for Standard Machine and Equipment Company in Uniontown; as Manager of Accounting and Reporting for Pullman Swindell in Pittsburgh; and as Audit Senior for H.K. Porter Company Inc. in Pittsburgh.

Lesney received his bachelor of business administration degree, as an accounting major, from Fort Lauderdale University.

Lesney currently lives in Gibsonia, north of Pittsburgh.

The Bureau of Audits performs financial, management and specialized audits on electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities.  The Bureau also reviews certain adjustment clause rate filings.  The audits may result in recommendations to improve accounting or operational procedures that, if adopted, may mean a significant one-time savings or become annual savings for the utility.  The Bureau also is responsible for auditing the annual reconciliation statements associated with stranded costs of electric distribution companies and certain water companies that are authorized to use the Distribution System Improvement Charge.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722