Press Release

PUC Chairman Powelson Unanimously Confirmed as PUC Commissioner for 2nd Full Term

Published on 3/19/2014

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

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today thanked the state Senate for unanimously confirming the renomination of Chairman Robert F. Powelson to his second five-year term as a PUC Commissioner.

During his hearing yesterday before the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee, Chairman Powelson noted that the Commission is on the forefront addressing issues that impact Pennsylvanians every day, noting the successful implementation of laws to address aging utility infrastructure; to collect and distribute the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee; to reduce electric consumption and peak demand statewide over five years; and to enforce pipeline safety.

"Despite these successes, it is clear to me that our job is never finished,” Chairman Robert F. Powelson wrote in his testimony for yesterday’s hearing.  “From the ever-evolving competitive electricity market in Pennsylvania, to the recent transportation issues…, there are always new and challenging issues for the Commission to address.  However, I am confident that the Commission is well-positioned to take on the challenges that confront us."

The Chairman thanked the Senate for confirming him and Gov. Tom Corbett for renominating him.

Chairman Powelson first was nominated to the PUC on June 19, 2008, by Gov. Edward G. Rendell to fill the remainder of an unexpired term.  The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed Chairman Powelson to serve as Commissioner on June 30, 2008.  Commissioner Powelson was renominated by Gov. Rendell for a full five-year term on Feb. 12, 2009, and once again unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate on April 22, 2009.  On Feb. 24, 2011, Gov. Corbett appointed Powelson Chairman of the PUC.  On Feb. 18, 2014, Gov. Corbett nominated Chairman Powelson to a second full five-year term on the PUC.  His term was set to expire on April 1.

Powelson is the chair of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Committee on Water.  In addition, he has been appointed to represent that committee on NARUC's Task Force on Climate Policy.  He also is a member of the NARUC Committee on Critical Infrastructure and a member of the NARUC Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues-Waste Disposal.

Powelson previously served as the President of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry, where he also held other job titles and helped to develop the county's economic development strategy.  In 2005, he was selected by the Eisenhower Presidential Fellows to be a U.S. fellow in Singapore and Australia.

Powelson earned a Bachelor of Administration degree from St. Joseph's University and a Master of Governmental Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in public finance.

A Delaware County native, Powelson and his wife, Lauren, and their two sons live in Kennett Square.

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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Contact:

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