Press Release

Ralph Yanora Confirmed for Second Term as PUC Commissioner

Published on 9/18/2024

Filed under: Electric Gas Motor Carrier Pipeline Rails Telecommunications Transportation and Safety Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today welcomed the confirmation of Ralph V. Yanora, of Pittston Township, Luzerne County, for a second five-year term as a Commissioner on the PUC. The Commission extends its gratitude to Governor Josh Shapiro for nominating Yanora, and to the Pennsylvania Senate for its support, with Yanora's reappointment being confirmed today by a 48-1 vote.

“We are pleased to continue working with Commissioner Yanora, who brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our Commission,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “His expertise in the water, wastewater, stormwater, and natural gas industries is instrumental as we navigate critical infrastructure challenges, while also advancing public safety and affordability initiatives across the Commonwealth.”

Commissioner Yanora, who has more than 40 years of experience in the water, wastewater, natural gas, and stormwater sectors, was first appointed to the PUC in 2019. During his tenure, he has been a steadfast advocate for safe utility service, affordability, and balanced regulatory oversight.

"I am honored to continue serving the people of Pennsylvania in this capacity," said Commissioner Yanora. "My commitment to ensuring the safety, reliability, and affordability of utility services remains my top priority, and I look forward to advancing new opportunities for energy innovation, while protecting utility customers across the state."

In his role as a Commissioner, Yanora has focused on key areas such as:

• Public Safety: Yanora has played a pivotal role in improving utility infrastructure safety, leveraging his background as a licensed Master Plumber and utility trades professional. In 2022, he initiated the development of the PUC’s Fire Protection Policy Statement, ensuring that fire protection services provided by regulated utilities are safe and adequate.
  
  
• Hydropower Integration: Yanora has been an advocate for integrating retrofit hydropower technology into Pennsylvania's utility infrastructure. His leadership in the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) included moderating a panel on retrofit hydropower, which led to a unanimous NARUC resolution supporting its national expansion.
  
  
• Utility Affordability: Yanora has been a strong proponent of customer assistance programs, working to secure additional federal funding for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and advancing policies to support equitable access to utility services for vulnerable populations.

Throughout his career, Yanora has been a recognized leader in the utility sector. He has been recognized by the American Society of Sanitary Engineers for his contributions to safeguarding water systems.

Commissioner Yanora also serves as Co-Vice Chair of the NARUC Committee on Water, where he has continued to champion policies that enhance utility management and promote innovative approaches to energy and water conservation.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, which regulates the Commonwealth's electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and transportation utilities, looks forward to Commissioner Yanora's continued contributions in his second term. His reappointment underscores the importance of balancing public safety, regulatory compliance, and the needs of Pennsylvania’s utility consumers.

About the PUC

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.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov