Press Release

PUC Appoints Director of Office of Trial Staff

Published on 8/5/2004

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

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced the appointment of Johnnie Simms, of Harrisburg, as Director of the Office of Trial Staff (OTS).

Simms has served as Acting Director since Jan. 26, 2004, replacing Director Charles F. Hoffman.

“It is our pleasure to appoint Johnnie Simms, an outstanding Commission employee, as Director of the Office of Trial Staff,” Chairman Terrance J. Fitzpatrick said. “Johnnie has served this Commission with distinction for more than two decades. He joined OTS the day it was founded and went on to serve as the lead attorney on some of the most important rate cases of the last 20 years, particularly those related to natural gas. Johnnie has demonstrated natural leadership qualities, earning the respect of both technical and legal staff. We wish him well in his new position.”

Simms began his career with the PUC in 1982, as an attorney in the Law Bureau’s Division of Safety Compliance. In 1985, he moved to the Law Bureau’s Division of Rates. When OTS was created in 1986, Simms became one of its “charter members” and lead attorneys.

Simms lives in Harrisburg with his wife Diana. He has two daughters and one son.

The Office of Trial Staff represents the public interest in all rate cases before the PUC and can petition to participate in other matters, such as transportation; safety; eminent domain; siting; service issues having no impact on rates; and inability-to-pay cases. OTS prosecutes complaints against "slamming" and "cramming" by telecommunications providers. OTS consists of Legal and Technical divisions.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.

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Contact:

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