press releases
For Immediate Release: May 8, 2017
Contact: Regina L. Davis, 202-988-9382, rdavis@naruc.org
NARUC President Robert Powelson Commends the Work of State Commissions for Public Service Recognition Week
WASHINGTON—May 7-13, 2017, has been designated by Congress as Public Service Recognition Week. National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners President Robert F. Powelson has issued the statement below to acknowledge this observance.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to thank my fellow state commissioners and their staff for their outstanding contributions to our nation.
“These public servants work in a field that is complex, contentious and becoming more and more politicized. Although public and special interest scrutiny is intense, I applaud the dogged work of our regulatory commissions, who strive to stay focused as they diligently serve the public interest.
“I invite each citizen to take a few minutes to consider aspects of their everyday lives that are touched by these public servants. Is there available power and heat? Is there safe drinking water? Do you ride in taxis or other for-hire vehicles that have been inspected and operated by licensed drivers? Is there phone service in your area? These are just a few examples of the services regulated by state commissions.
“NARUC supports the ongoing efforts of state commissioners, who work to ensure that public utility services are safe, reliable and provided at reasonable rates. It is not an easy proposition to balance the needs of businesses and those who consume and pay for public services. We invite interested parties to learn more about state utility regulation and how to become constructively engaged by visiting NARUC’s new education site, Serving the Public Interest. Through this effort, we hope to develop a stronger appreciation among our stakeholders of our mission.
“Again, thank you to each person who serves in any capacity at our state regulatory commissions. I congratulate you for your service.”
—Robert F. Powelson of Pennsylvania, NARUC President
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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.