Jones, Addepalli Honored with NARUC's Barnich Award for International Work

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For Immediate Release: November 14, 2016
Contact: Bobby McMahon, 202-384-1570, bmcmahon@naruc.org

LA QUINTA, CALIF.—In recognition of their dedication to helping developing countries establish sound utility regulatory procedures, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners honored Commissioner Philip B. Jones and Raj Addepalli, PhD, with the 2016 Terry Barnich Award at the Association’s Annual Meeting.

Jones serves at the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and Addepalli is the managing director for utility rates and services at the New York Public Service Commission. 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.

“The Barnich Award provides NARUC the opportunity to honor the hard work and commitment of our members toward the cause of a better world,” said NARUC Executive Director Greg White. “Commissioner Jones and Dr. Addepalli have dedicated their time, energy and expertise to promote best practices in the international regulatory arena, and their efforts are a model for others to follow.”

This year’s recipients have made a significant and lasting impact through NARUC’s work abroad. As a former NARUC President and in other roles, Jones strengthened relationships with European regulators, including through NARUC's interactions with the Council of European Energy Regulators. He was also a strong advocate of building robust regulatory relationships with NARUC’s counterparts in Canada and its Provinces; namely, CAMPUT (the association of Canadian regulators) and encouraged regular bilateral meetings and enhanced visits between the two associations.

In his 15 years of service to NARUC’s programs, Addepalli has gained the respect of regulators around the world through his tireless efforts to support international capacity building through NARUC. Uniformly, foreign regulators and fellow U.S. colleagues speak of his keen intellect, his commitment to working with foreign partners and his eagerness to engage with foreign partners months and years after the activity.

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