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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240724Anderson Nomination Press Release.pdf Idaho Public Utilities Commission Brad Litile,Govemor P.O. Banc 83720. Boise, ID 83720-0074 Eric Andemn President Jdri R.Mammo* Jr,Cbmmissloner Edward Lodge,Commissloner Contact: Adam Rush Office: (208) 334-0339 E-mail: adam.rush(&puc.idaho.gov NEWS RELEASE: Idaho Public Utilities Commission President nominated to serve on national group that will collaborate on energy issues. Boise (July 24, 2024)—Eric Anderson, the president of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, was nominated on Monday by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners to serve on a new collaborative that will offer advice and guidance on a range of energy issues. Run by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the new Federal and State Current Issues Collaborative is designed to provide a venue for federal and state regulators to share information, improve understanding and where appropriate identify potential solutions regarding challenges and coordination on matters that affect specific state and federal regulatory jurisdictions. The Collaborative will expand on work done during the last three years by the Joint Federal-State Task Force on Electric Transmission. Potential topics the collaborative will examine include where to best coordinate between state and federal regulators on issues ranging from electric reliability and resource adequacy to natural gas-electric coordination, wholesale and retail markets, new technologies, innovations, and infrastructure. The Collaborative has the authority to examine issues of interest, including accepting testimony and written comments from stakeholders. It also has the authority to make recommendations to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission at monthly meetings. Any recommendations it offers would not be binding by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or state commissions. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to contribute to this new effort,"Anderson said. "I see it as an opportunity to share what I've learned during years of experience working in state government, utilities and private business." Before joining the public utilities commission, Anderson served as director and vice president of Sandpoint, Idaho-based Northern Lights Inc., an electric cooperative. He also has worked as a general contractor and real estate broker. Political experience includes serving in the state Legislature's House of Representatives. During his service, he worked on a number of committees that included Environment, Energy and Technology, Commerce and Human Resources, Resource and Conservation, Business and State Affairs. He was first appointed to the public utilities commission in December of 2015 by former Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and re-appointed in January 2019 by Gov. Brad Little. Recently, Anderson was involved in efforts to eradicate quagga mussels from Idaho waterways. The species isn't native to Idaho and clogs rivers and lakes. NARUC received nearly 30 applications from state commissioners for 10 open positions on the Collaborative. Nominees represent each of five NARUC regions across the United States. The other regional nominee is Patrick O'Connell of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. The next step is for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to accept and officially appoint the nominees. They will serve a one-year term that can be renewed for a total of three years. The first meeting of the collaborative is planned for this fall. Additional information is available at: 8BB4B91F-9249-332D-D58D-E4A7E66F12FD(naruc.org). NEW- Commissioner Eric Anderson