NARUC appoints two to lead key committees

The National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC) made several appointments to key committees last week.

Commissioner Ann Rendahl was appointed to NARUC’s Committee on Electricity while Commissioner Jay Balasbas was selected to chair the Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety.

Rendahl replaces Judith Jagdmann, who now serves on NARUC’s board of directors and executive committee. Rendahl previously served as vice-chair of the Committee on Electricity. Rendahl was the director of policy and legislation for the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and worked in the Administrative Law Division. Rendahl is a graduate of Wellesley College and received a master’s degree in public policy from the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

“I’m honored to lead this committee and work with my state public service commission colleagues in promoting reliable and affordable electricity supply—and effective regulation,” Rendahl said. “As the industry changes at a rapid pace, the work we do together in learning from each other, federal agencies, and other industry experts is invaluable to public service regulators and electricity ratepayers across the country.”

Balasbas also comes from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. He replaces former Michigan Commissioner Norm Saari in this new role. Balasbas served previously as senior budget assistant to the governor in the Office of Financial Management working in the General Government Section, Transportation Section. Before that, he worked for the Washington House of Representatives in a variety of roles. Currently, he serves as the co-vice chair of NARUC’s Committee on Critical Infrastructure and is a member of the Committee on Gas and the Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety. He has a Master of Science in finance from Seattle University.

“Pipeline safety is an increasingly important topic across the country and in Washington state,” Balasbas said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue building awareness and implementing best practices for the safe transportation and sale of natural gas.”

Committee and subcommittee chairs are appointed by the NARUC president for a one-year term and may be reappointed for a maximum of three consecutive terms.

“Commissioner Rendahl has been an active member of NARUC and her experience as vice chair of the Committee on Electricity will ensure a smooth, effective transition of leadership,” NARUC President Nick Wagner said. “Likewise, Commissioner Balasbas possesses the technical knowledge and skills to continue to advance the agenda of the Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety. NARUC is also grateful for the leadership of Judge Jagdmann and Commissioner Saari.”