Press Release

PUC Chairman Powelson Elected NARUC 2nd Vice President

Published on 11/18/2014

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

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Robert F. Powelson today was sworn in as Second Vice President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).

“I am honored to be serving in a leadership role within our national organization,” said Chairman Powelson.  “This is in recognition of Pennsylvania's active participation in utility issues nationally. It speaks to our leadership role in a host of matters such as competitive markets, gas safety and transportation network companies that impact the lives of Pennsylvania residents daily.”

Chairman Powelson also serves as the chair of the NARUC Committee on Water and in June of this year was elected President of the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners (MACRUC).

Chairman Powelson has served on the Pennsylvania PUC since June 2008, when he was first nominated by Gov. Edward G. Rendell to fill the remainder of an unexpired term. The Senate unanimously confirmed Chairman Powelson to serve as Commissioner in June 2008, and he was re-nominated by Gov. Rendell for a full five-year term on Feb. 12, 2009, once again being unanimously confirmed by the Senate.

In February 2011, Gov. Tom Corbett appointed Powelson PUC Chairman, and his re-nomination for a second five-year term was unanimously confirmed in March 2014. His term will expire April 1, 2019.

Chairman Powelson also served as a member of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission and previously served as President of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry from 1994 to 2008.

Chairman Powelson holds 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. In 2013, Chairman Powelson was nominated to serve on the Board of Trustees at Drexel University.

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.

# # #

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov