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For Immediate Release: 06/21/17
Gregg C. Sayre, Interim CEO
Contact: James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
17048
June 21, 2017
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John B. Rhodes Confirmed to Serve on the Public Service CommissionNYSERDA President and CEO Rhodes to Join PSC As Chairman |
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ALBANY — The New York State Department of Public Service today announced that John B. Rhodes was confirmed by the New York State Senate to serve as a commissioner of the New York Public Service Commission (PSC). Consistent with the Public Service Law, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo will designate Mr. Rhodes as Chairman of the PSC. “John brings more than 30 years of public- and private-sector industry experience to the Public Service Commission, which will make him an outstanding Commission Chairman,” said Interim Department CEO and Interim PSC Chairman Gregg C. Sayre. “Further, I have long been impressed by the leadership and vision he provided at NYSERDA as its President and CEO, and he will be a strong advocate and champion for New York’s ratepayers at the PSC.”
Prior to his appointment at the PSC, Mr. Rhodes had served as President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) since September 16, 2013. NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation that advances innovative energy solutions to improve New York State’s economy and environment.
While leading NYSERDA, Mr. Rhodes was instrumental in developing innovative clean energy policies and initiatives to support the Governor’s nation-leading strategies to combat climate change including the Clean Energy Standard for 50 percent of electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2030 and Reforming the Energy Vision (REV), the state’s strategy to build a cleaner more resilient and affordable energy system and grow New York's economy. He also oversaw the $5 billion Clean Energy Fund focused on stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency as it supports the creation of thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors.
In addition to Chairman Rhodes, James Alesi of East Rochester and Philip Wilcox of North Tonawanda were also confirmed by the Senate to serve as PSC Commissioners. Further, the Senate reconfirmed Diane X. Burman for a six-year term as a PSC Commissioner.
Prior to NYSERDA, Mr. Rhodes’ 30-plus-year business experience focused on the financial and energy industries. Specific to the energy industry, he spent three years at Good Energies, a leading investment firm focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency. As a member of the senior management team, Mr. Rhodes oversaw operations, strategy and portfolio companies. He then joined the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) as Director for the Center for Market Innovation, where he worked to channel private capital towards environmentally beneficial investments, with a focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy, green infrastructure, and sustainable food and agriculture.
Before joining Good Energies, Mr. Rhodes was a partner at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he provided strategic consulting for clients across technology-intensive industries including energy, aerospace, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. He has also served as a trader and general manager at Metallgesellschaft, a German mining, metals, and engineering firm.
The PSC regulates the state's electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water utilities. The Commission also oversees the cable industry. The Commission is charged by law with the responsibility for setting rates and ensuring that adequate service is provided by New York's utilities. In addition, the Commission exercises jurisdiction over the siting of major gas and electric transmission facilities and has responsibility for ensuring the safety of natural gas and liquid petroleum pipelines.
Bipartisan by law since 1970, the Commission consists of up to five members, each appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate for a term of six years or to complete an unexpired term of a former Commissioner.
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