Press Release

Governor Rendell Welcomes Confirmation of Pennsylvania Public Utility Commissioners

Published on 6/30/2008

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

HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell today applauded the Pennsylvania Senate for voting to confirm his nomination of Wayne Gardner and Robert Powelson to serve on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

"The Public Utility Commission's decisions affect every Pennsylvania resident – from protecting consumers from skyrocketing rates and insisting instead on the lowest possible prices for utility service, increasing energy conservation, and regulating utilities to shift energy production to renewable sources," Governor Rendell said. "I am confident that Wayne Gardner and Robert Powelson will serve the best interests of Pennsylvania consumers in their new roles on the PUC."

Wayne Gardner's term on the PUC will run through April 1, 2013. He succeeds Wendell Holland, whose term expired. Gardner is a development and management consultant and entrepreneur in the fields of power generation, renewable and clean energy technologies, and related areas. From April 2002 to December 2005, Gardner was an executive with Franklin Fuel Cells, Inc. He previously served in managerial and executive roles during a 22-year career with PECO Energy (Exelon Corporation), leading up to his retirement in 2002. Gardner holds a bachelor degree from Drexel University.

Robert Powelson will serve on the PUC through April 1, 2009; completing the term of Terrance Fitzpatrick, who resigned. Powelson has served as President/CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry since February, 1995. From 1992 to 1995, he was the Chamber's Director of Government Relations. Powelson was a staff assistant to former U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon from 1990 to 1992. He holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Saint Joseph's University.

Governor Rendell announced his nominations of Gardner and Powelson on June 19.

# # #

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  Governor's Office
  717-783-1116