NARUC names three regulators to lead new natural gas resource planning task force
The newest National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) task force gained its leaders last week, with the naming of regulators Fitz Johnson, Tammy Cordova and Kathryn Zerfuss to the helm.
The new task force is known as the Natural Gas Resource Planning Task Force, which will help connect utility regulators with tools, expertise and means to share information and create their own version of a commission-led energy planning process. Johnson came to the role of chair from the Georgia Public Service Commission, while Cordova of the Nevada Public Utilities Commission and Zerfuss of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will serve as co-vice chairs.
“We know that the natural gas sector is experiencing rapid shifts in technology and policies, which often presents complex questions for state utility regulators,” Michael Caron, NARUC president, said. “Under the thoughtful and experienced leadership of Commissioner Johnson and co-vice chairs Commissioners Zerfuss and Cordova, this task force will help state commissioners become better informed and aid in their gas infrastructure decision making.”
On top of this, all 20 applications for roles on the commission have been approved, and as such, 20 different states will be represented. Together they will engage with states and experts alike to help them better understand the costs, benefits and paths available to meet state policy goals and to spur stakeholder engagement at minimum cost to customers. Such efforts are backed by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, Office of Policy and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
The first meeting of the new task force will take place on Nov. 12, 2023.
