Contact: Regina Davis, 202-898-9382, rdavis@naruc.org

WASHINGTON (March 2, 2021) — National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners President Paul Kjellander has appointed California Public Utilities Commission President Marybel Batjer to the board of directors as an at-large member.

Batjer, who was reappointed recently to a full term and leads the CPUC as president, served previously as the first secretary of the California Government Operations Agency. She was also the vice president for public policy and corporate social responsibility at Caesars Entertainment Inc., served as cabinet secretary to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, was the chief of staff to Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn and undersecretary at the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency.

As noted on the CPUC website, Batjer has served on several boards and commissions, including as the former vice chair of the State of Nevada Colorado River Commission.

“It’s my pleasure to appoint President Batjer as an at-large member, as I am confident that the NARUC board will benefit tremendously from her presence and participation,” said Kjellander, who leads the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.  “She has an extensive and impressive background as a public servant, and as a commissioner from California — a state that is often on the cutting edge of technology and policy implementation within the utility sector — she will bring a valuable perspective to the ongoing dialogue.”

"It is an honor to join NARUC's Board of Directors as an at-large member," said Batjer. "Utility consumers benefit greatly when state regulators from across the country share their knowledge and expertise. NARUC plays an invaluable role in fostering that discourse and bringing regulators together to share best practices. I am pleased to represent California on the board of directors.”

Batjer will replace Vermont Commissioner Sarah Hofmann, who is retiring. “We will miss Commissioner Hofmann’s wisdom, steady hand and good sense of humor,” said Kjellander.

The board consists of 20 members, plus the NARUC president, the first and second vice presidents, each past-president (who is still an active NARUC member) and the chairs of all standing committees. Board appointments are made by the NARUC president and serve four-year terms. As the supervisory body, the board oversees the Association's general and financial functions and approves resolutions that serve as the Association's policy.

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About NARUC

NARUC is a non-profit organization founded in 1889 whose members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers in the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NARUC's member agencies regulate telecommunications, energy, and water utilities. NARUC represents the interests of State public utility commissions before the three branches of the Federal government.