NARUC appoints Broadband Expansion Task Force

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) appointed representatives to serve on its Broadband Expansion Task Force, among other actions at its Winter Policy Summit in Washington D.C. this week.

The state regulators named to the task force include Chairman Chris Nelson (SD); Vice Chair Crystal Rhoades (NE); Tremaine Phillips (MI); Lea Marquez Peterson (AZ); Maida Coleman (MO); Todd Hiett (OK); Sarah Hoffman (VT); Karen Charles Peterson (MA); Talina Mathews (KY); Charlotte Lane (WV); and Paul Kjellander (ID).

“The availability of broadband service in underserved areas is of critical importance,” NARUC President Brandon Presley of Mississippi Presley said. “I am pleased to have assembled an excellent team of commissioners, each of whom bring exceptional perspectives and expertise to the issue. Broadband is the electricity of the future.”

Also at the summit, attended by 1,500 industry leaders, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Neil Chatterjee spoke about a variety of topics, including the need for PURPA reform and cybersecurity. Chatterjee also stressed the importance of collaboration between FERC and state regulators.

The NARUC board approved several resolutions, including one in support of federal legislation to reform provisions of the Natural Gas Act to allow for opportunities to achieve relief from unreasonable rates and allow FERC the authority to order to refund compensation. There was also a resolution to require mobile wireless data coverage mapping before awarding any money from the 5G Fund. Also, the board passed a resolution encouraging members to participate in the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Fix-a-Leak Week.”