With Safety in Mind, Georgia's Wise Will Lead NARUC Committee on Gas

For Immediate Release: January 8, 2015
Contact: Robert J. Thormeyer, 202-898-9382, rthormeyer@naruc.org

WASHINGTON--National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners President Lisa Edgar of Florida appointed Past NARUC President Stan Wise of Georgia as the new chair of the Association’s Committee on Gas.

Commissioner Wise replaces outgoing Committee Chair Barry Smitherman of Texas, who recently left regulation. Commissioners Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota and Susan Rabon of North Carolina will remain in their positions as co-vice chairs of the committee.

Through panel discussions and educational sessions, the Gas Committee fosters awareness and understanding of issues affecting the transportation, distribution, and sale of natural gas safely, efficiently, and economically. Committee members work closely with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the U.S. departments of Energy and Transportation.

“Past President Wise brings vast experience to this position,” President Edgar said. “He is a leader on pipeline safety and infrastructure replacement programs. Gas is poised to play an increasing role in our nation’s energy portfolio, adding greater importance to this already critical fuel. Past President Wise will serve our members and the nation’s ratepayers well. I’d also like to thank Commissioner Smitherman for his service and dedication to NARUC. He first joined the Association in 2004 and has been a key leader and point person on gas issues for years. I wish him the best.”

Past President Wise has served on the Georgia Public Service Commission since January 1995, having been elected statewide four consecutive times. He served as President of NARUC in 2003-2004, furthering his responsibilities and interaction with Congress, federal agencies, State officials, industry leaders, Wall Street, consumer groups and the news media. Past President Wise has testified multiple times before Congress. He is also past President of the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (SEARUC) and serves on NARUC’s Committee on International Relations.

“This is an incredible time to be involved in the regulated gas industry,” Past President Wise said. “The shale gas boom is reshaping the U.S. energy sector both domestically and abroad. With prices at historic lows, we have a responsibility to ensure consumers are the beneficiaries of any new policies and regulations. We also must always keep our collective eye firmly planted on the safety of our pipeline systems. There is much work in front of us and I look forward to working with my colleagues going forward.”