Press Release

PUC Commissioners Engage Lincoln University Students to Consider Emerging Energy Jobs

Published on 4/9/2012

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications

HARRISBURG –Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Robert F. Powelson and Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner will join industry leaders for a utility forum targeting students of Lincoln University of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on Friday, April 13, 2012, at 8:30 a.m.

"With the development of the Marcellus Shale and future energy development projects here in the Commonwealth, this is a great opportunity to showcase the employment opportunities in the energy sector,” said PUC Chairman Powelson.

Commissioner Gardner added, “This is a wonderful opportunity to engage students in these new career opportunities and create a renewed interest in the energy and utility industries.”

“We are extremely pleased and honored to host this event because these individuals will help our students to understand the kind of career opportunities and the qualities needed to obtain jobs in the industry,” explained Dr. Robert Jennings, President of Lincoln University.

WHO:           Public Utility Commissioners and utility industry leaders

WHAT:         Energy Forum

WHEN:         Friday, April 13, 2012, at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE:      International Cultural Center (ICC), 1570 Baltimore Pike, Lincoln University

Other speakers include the Honorable Mignon Clyburn, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission and the Honorable Phil Moeller, Commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  A host of other high profile CEOs as well as the President and CEO of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, the Honorable Arnetta McRae will be on hand to discuss with students and those from the community important issues facing the industry.

Other presenters will include Tim Smith, Vice President of Operations for Version in PA and DE; Kathy Pape, President of PA American Water Company; David Ellis, Senior Vice President of Comverge; Chris Womack, Executive Vice President of Southern Company; Ron Bradley, Vice President of PECO Gas; Lloyd Yates, President of Progress Carolinas; Dr. Derrick Swinton, Chair of the Chemistry Department, Lincoln University; and David Owens, Executive Vice President, Edison Electric Institute.

Lincoln University – founded in 1854 as the nation’s first Historically Black University – combines the best elements of a liberal arts and sciences-based undergraduate core curriculum and selected graduate programs to meet the needs of those living in a highly technological and global society.  The University enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students.

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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

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