Press Release

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced appointments to its Consumer Advisory Council (CAC), which provides input to Commissioners on consumer-related issues.

         The Commission reappointed the following “at-large” members to two-year terms from July 2007 through June 2009:  Robert A. Christianson; Cynthia J. Datig; John Detman; Harry S. Geller; Thomas A. Leach; Joseph Minott; Dr. Daniel M. Paul; and Lee Tolbert.  The Commission also appointed two existing members previously appointed by legislators:  Joseph H. Capozzolo and Linda Roth.

         The Commission also ratified Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll’s reappointment of Howard Shakespeare.

The following members were reappointed today:

• Joseph H. Capozzolo is the Mayor of Bangor Borough in Northampton County.  He has served as CAC Chairman this past term;
• Robert A. Christianson is a retired PUC Chief Administrative Law Judge.  He resides in Cumberland County;
• Cynthia J. Datig serves as the Executive Director of the Dollar Energy Fund Inc.  She resides in Allegheny County;
• John Detman is the Aging Services Supervisor in the Department of Aging Office of Program Management.  He resides in Dauphin County;
• Harry S. Geller is the Director of the Public Utility Law Project (PULP).  He resides in Dauphin County;
• Thomas A. Leach is the Business Manager and Financial Secretary of Local Union 126.  He resides in Montgomery County;
• Philadelphia resident Joseph Minott is the Executive Director of the Clean Air Council;
• Schuylkill County resident Dr. Daniel M. Paul is the President of Partners in Distance Learning;
• Chester County resident Linda Roth is the Senior Executive Director of Communications at Drexel University College of Medicine; and
• Clearfield County resident Howard Shakespeare is the President of H. Shakespeare and Sons Inc.  He was appointed by Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll;
• Lee Tolbert is President of the West Philadelphia Coalition of Neighborhoods.

            The Consumer Advisory Council advises the PUC Commissioners on matters related to the protection of consumer interests under the jurisdiction of the PUC.  Council meetings are open to the public.

            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.