The Public Utility Commission Wednesday welcomed Andrew Place, of Greene County, to the Commission and thanked the Pennsylvania Senate for its support of his nomination.

“Andrew’s unique background – blending work in academia, business and state government – will serve the Commission well as we strive to ensure a continued balance between consumer and utilities,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “He brings a wealth of insight to the Commission, especially related to Pennsylvania’s growing role as an energy hub, and my colleagues and I look forward to working with Andrew to address these important issues.”

Commissioner Place was approved Wednesday 48-0 by the Senate following a unanimous recommendation earlier in the day by the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee.

He will be sworn-in Thursday during a brief ceremony in Harrisburg, immediately following the PUC’s regular Public Meeting.

In his confirmation hearing remarks, Commissioner Place pledged to be “an unassailably independent voice,” and noted the many challenges and opportunities facing the Commission, ranging from utility infrastructure and competitive consumer markets to rail safety, utility security and energy diversity and efficiency.

Prior to his appointment to the Commission, Place was the corporate director for energy and environmental policy at EQT Corporation, where he focused on the economic, social and environmental balance inherent in energy policy choices.

He also worked to establish the Center for Sustainable Shale Development, and has served roles at the Department of Environmental Protection. Additionally, Place was a research fellow at Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Engineering and Public Policy and has taught at the University as an adjunct professor.

Commissioner Place received his bachelor’s degree in economics, with a concentration in mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh, where he graduated cum laude, and a master’s degree in public policy and management from the H. John Heinz III College at Carnegie Mellon, where he graduated with Highest Distinction.

He also owns and operates a 210-acre farm in Greene County, where he resides with this family.

Commissioner Place succeeded Commissioner James H. Cawley, whose term expired on March 31, 2015, following a combined tenure on the PUC of nearly two decades.

NewsClips:

Former EQT Exec Confirmed As PUC Commissioner

Video: PUC Highlights Cybersecurity Threats

10/5/2015