Press Release

Commissioners Welcome Pam Witmer to PUC, Thank Senate for Unanimous Confirmation Vote

Published on 6/27/2011

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

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today welcomed Pamela A. Witmer of Dauphin County to the Commission and thanked the Senate for its unanimous confirmation vote in support of her nomination.

"My colleagues and I are very pleased to welcome Pam to the Commission," Chairman Robert F. Powelson said.  "Pam possesses the character, drive, knowledge of the issues and aptitude to be a vital part of the Commission.  In my view, Gov. Corbett has made a wise choice in Pam Witmer."

On June 23, the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee unanimously approved Gov. Tom Corbett's June 7 nomination of Witmer as PUC Commissioner.

In her confirmation hearing remarks, Witmer promised she would be a “strong, independent Commissioner, thinker and decision-maker on behalf of Pennsylvania’s consumers.”

Witmer most recently led the energy and environment practice for Harrisburg-based Bravo Group, a governmental and public relations firm. From 2000 to 2007, she was President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council, a trade association.  She formerly served in the Department of Environmental Protection under Gov. Tom Ridge as the lead legislative liaison, where she successfully steered legislation through the General Assembly to create the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.  She also served on the Corbett Transition Team’s Energy & Environment Committee.

Witmer earned a bachelor’s degree in public service from the Pennsylvania State University.  She lives in Hummelstown, Dauphin County.

Witmer will succeed Commissioner Tyrone J. Christy, whose term on the PUC has expired and whose last Public Meeting will be June 30.

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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.　

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Contact:

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