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New Chair at the Public Service Commission(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 3 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release: The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today announced that Audrey Zibelman has been officially designated as Commission Chair. In June, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Ms. Zibelman had been confirmed by the New York State Senate to serve as a commissioner of the Commission. Consistent with the Public Service Law, the Governor today designated Ms. Zibelman as Chair, as expected. While Ms. Zibelman had been working as a Commissioner since August 1, today was her first day as the chief executive officer of the State utility regulatory agency. "I am deeply honored that Governor Cuomo has provided me with the opportunity to lead the Commission," said Ms. Zibelman. "The new regulatory powers implemented as part of the Governor's 2013-14 budget have significantly strengthened the oversight and enforcement mechanisms of the Commission to ensure that major electric and gas utility companies are held accountable and are responsive to regulators and customers. With our new regulatory authority firmly in place, it is my intent to be a strong advocate for New York's ratepayers, while also working to ensure the reliability of utility service and strengthen the vitality of New York's economy." Ms. Zibelman thanked and acknowledged Garry Brown, the Commission's previous Chairman, for the leadership he provided to the agency during the past five years. "Under his direction, the Commission realized many accomplishments, met many challenges, and effectively balanced the needs of New York's ratepayers," she said. "I look forward to his continuing contributions as a Commissioner." Prior to joining the Commission, Ms. Zibelman was Founder and was President and Chief Executive Officer of Viridity Energy, Inc., which she formed after more than 25 years of electric utility industry leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. Ms. Zibelman is a recognized national and international expert in energy policy, markets and Smart Grid innovation. Previously, Ms. Zibelman was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of PJM, a Regional Transmission Organization that operates the world's largest wholesale power market and serves 14 states throughout the eastern United States. Ms. Zibelman also held executive positions at Xcel Energy, served as General Counsel to the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission, and as Special Assistant Attorney General in the Minnesota Attorney General's Office. The Commission regulates the state's electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water utilities. The Commission also oversees the cable industry. The Commission is charged with the responsibility for setting rates and ensuring that adequate service is provided by New York's utilities. In addition, the Commission exercises jurisdiction over the siting of major gas and electric transmission facilities and has responsibility for ensuring the safety of natural gas and liquid petroleum pipelines. Bipartisan by law since 1970, the Commission consists of up to five members, each appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate for a term of six years or to complete an unexpired term of a former Commissioner. CC AutoTriage6yd-130904-30VitinMar-4474546 (c) 2013 Targeted News Service |