Press Release

Commissioners Welcome Gladys Brown to PUC, Thank Senate for Unanimous Confirmation Vote

Published on 10/2/2013

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

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today welcomed Gladys M. Brown of Dauphin County to the Commission and thanked the Senate for its unanimous confirmation vote in support of her nomination.

“Gladys is a tireless advocate for consumers, both personally and professionally,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “She is a highly qualified addition to the Commission who brings a wealth of knowledge about utility issues, as well as the creation of the laws that shape our policy.  My colleagues and I look forward to working with Gladys.”

Commissioner Brown was unanimously approved by the Senate on Oct. 1, 2013, and was sworn in today by Commonwealth Court Judge P. Kevin Brobson. This followed unanimous approval from the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee on Sept. 24, 2013. Gov. Tom Corbett nominated Commissioner Brown to the Commission on June 13, 2013.

In her confirmation hearing remarks, Commissioner Brown pledged to apply to utility issues the same fair and balanced approached in dealing with issues that she used in her more than 22 years as an aide in the Pennsylvania Senate. She highlighted that one of her goals on the Commission is to would be to increase efforts to educate consumers.

Since 1991, Commissioner Brown has been working as counsel to the Senate Democratic Leader where she worked on many of the major utility issues that have been considered by the General Assembly in the last two decades including Chapter 14 of 2004, which changed the handling of consumer terminations and reconnections; Act 129 of 2008, which addressed energy efficiency and procurement; and Act 11 of 2012, which expanded of the distribution system improvement charge.

Commissioner Brown earned her bachelor’s and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.  She lives in Harrisburg, Dauphin County.

Commissioner Brown succeeded Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner, who left the PUC Sept. 30, 2013.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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