Contact: Regina Davis, 202-898-9382, rdavis@naruc.org

WASHINGTON (December 22, 2020) — National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners President Paul Kjellander has appointed Commissioner D. Ethan Kimbrel, of the Illinois Commerce Commission, as chair of the Association’s Committee on Gas.

The committee fosters awareness and understanding of issues affecting the transportation, distribution and sale of natural gas safely, efficiently and economically. Committee members work closely with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Department of Transportation.

Kjellander, who serves on the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, also appointed Nevada Public Utilities Commissioner Tammy Cordova as a co-vice chair, joining Commissioner Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota.

Kimbrel was appointed to the Commission on January 19, 2018, to a five-year term.  His previous ICC experience included serving as Chief Administrative Law Judge. Before joining the ICC, he practiced in the areas of personal injury, appellate, malpractice and commercial litigation. Kimbrel is a member of the U.S. Department of Energy – NARUC Natural Gas Partnership, the NARUC – National Association of State Energy Officials Microgrid State Working Group, the Board of Advisors for the Institute for Regulatory Policy Studies at Illinois State University, and the Board of Directors for the Organization of PJM States, Inc.  At NARUC, he also serves on the Committee on International Relations.  He received his law degree from George Washington University and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago.

“We are pleased to welcome Commissioner Kimbrel in his new role,” said Kjellander. “He has served as co-vice chair of the committee, brings solid experience as a former administrative law judge and is engaged with national and federal partners, all of which will help him advance the important work of the committee.” 

“I am truly honored to chair this committee, as this is an incredible time to be involved in the regulated gas space. The U.S. energy sector, both domestically and abroad, is undergoing significant transformation,” said Kimbrel. “We have a responsibility to help foster awareness and understanding of issues affected by federal, state and local policies and regulations, including enhancing and modernizing the natural gas utility infrastructure, energy efficiency, new technologies, electric and natural gas interdependencies and appropriate coordination with renewables.  We also must maintain our focus on the safety and reliability of our natural gas systems. There is much work before the committee, which I look forward to continuing with my colleagues from across the country.”

Kimbrel succeeds New York State Public Service Commissioner Diane X. Burman, who guided the Committee on Gas as chair for the past three years. 

“Commissioner Burman’s leadership helped keep the committee relevant during a time of unprecedented change in the natural gas industry.  She worked tirelessly to ensure that panels and workshops involving gas were both topical and accessible.  As a result of Commissioner Burman’s leadership, the Committee on Gas is poised to continue benefiting NARUC’s membership,” said Kjellander.

NARUC’s eight standing committees propose resolutions that, if approved by the Board of Directors, set Association policy on congressional, federal and industry matters. The committees, populated by state public service commissioners, also hold educational sessions and panel discussions on relevant issues that best serve NARUC members. Committee chairs are appointed by the NARUC president for a one-year term and may be reappointed for a maximum of three consecutive terms..

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About NARUC

NARUC is a non-profit organization founded in 1889 whose members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers in the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NARUC's member agencies regulate telecommunications, energy, and water utilities. NARUC represents the interests of State public utility commissions before the three branches of the Federal government.