NARUC names Finley electricity committee chairman

National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) President Travis Kavulla of Montana announced the appointment on Tuesday of North Carolina Commissioner Edward S. Finley, Jr., as the new NARUC electricity committee chairman.

“Commissioner Finley and the electricity committee have helped inform our knowledge and advocacy on the Clean Power Plan and the ever-shifting shifting line between state and federal jurisdictions,” Kavulla said. “Under his leadership, the committee will continue to provide invaluable perspectives on these and other challenging areas of utility regulations, such as understanding organized markets and the changing resource mix.”

Finley holds a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law, practicing law with a focus on public utility regulation from 1974 to 2007. Finley was appointed to the commission in 2007. In his new role, Finley will work with other leaders in the organization to advocate for public policies on congressional, federal and industry issues. All NARUC chairmen are appointed for one-year terms and may serve for a maximum of three consecutive terms.

“I look forward to continuing in the leadership tradition of former Electricity Chair Susan Ackerman and her predecessors,” Finley said. “The electric industry faces substantial challenges presently, such as how to address climate change issues and how electric markets can best serve consumers. I look forward to working with my colleagues, NARUC staff and NARUC leadership in pursuing policy positions that provide insightful direction in these challenging times.”