Dive Brief:
- Connecticut regulator John Betkoski III will serve as president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, after the former president of the group accepted a federal position.
- Betkoski formerly served as NARUC’s first vice president and is the vice chairman of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.
- He will replace Robert Powelson, who earlier this month was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Dive Insight:
NARUC is shuffling its senior leadership to fill the void created by Powelson's departure.
In a statement, the group said Betkoski will serve a complete term when he is formally installed as president in November. Additionally, Wisconsin Public Service Commission Chair Ellen Nowak will be formally installed as first vice president in November, vacating the second vice president position.
The second vice president position will remain vacant until a successor is installed at the same meeting, NARUC’s Annual Meeting and Educational Conference in Baltimore. At that time, Betkoski will reveal his vision and theme for the association, the group said.
"There is still much to be said about issues of innovation, infrastructure and investment," Betkoski said in a statement. "NARUC’s leadership remains focused on advocating for state regulators.”
Powelson's confirmation to FERC, alongside Senate aide Neil Chatterjee, means the agency has three of five seats filled and can field a quorum for the first time in more than half a year.
Chatterjee was named chair, replacing former Chairman Cheryl LaFleur, who helmed short-handed commission for the better part of this year. President Trump has also nominated two others to serve on the commission: Democrat Richard Glick and Republican lawyer Kevin McIntyre, who will chair the commission if and when he is confirmed.
