Andreas D. Thanos Honored with NARUC's Barnich Award for International Work

BALTIMORE—In recognition of his efforts to advance effective regulation internationally, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners honored Andreas D. Thanos of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities with the 2017 Terry Barnich Award at the Association’s Annual Meeting and Education Conference.

The prestigious award recognizes state commissioners and staff who promote international cooperation among utility regulators and the development of professional regulation. The award is named in honor of former Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission (1989 to 1992) Terrence "Terry" Barnich. He was killed on Memorial Day, May 25, 2009, while working as the deputy director of the State Department office overseeing U.S. reconstruction projects in Iraq. The Terry Barnich Award is the highest honor bestowed by NARUC’s Committee on International Relations.

“Andreas Thanos has played a vital role in NARUC’s international efforts, mentoring and collaborating with regulators across the globe,” said NARUC Executive Director Greg White. “His service to this cause has made him a role model for his colleagues and a thought leader on emerging issues like cybersecurity.”

A staffer at the Massachusetts DPU since 1993, Thanos has brought his expertise and dedication to bear on projects in Europe, Latin America and elsewhere. His efforts include assisting regulators in Kosovo to improve communications among regulators, consumers and government bodies as well as detailing how gas utilities forecast demand and acquire supply to meet customer demand with Albanian and Armenian regulators.

In Mexico City, Andreas engaged with his Mexican colleagues in their efforts on cybersecurity by detailing how U.S. commissions are addressing the challenging topic. In Hungary, he advised regulators working on compliance to the EU directives on gas markets on balancing processes used in U.S. markets.

He is now advising on the World Gas Conference 2018 “Fueling the Future.” Beyond his international efforts, Thanos serves as chair of the NARUC Staff Subcommittee on Gas and is a member of the Advisory Council to the North American Energy Standards Board.

To learn more about the award, visit www.naruc.org/barnichaward.

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