PUCO Chairman Todd A. Snitchler will not seek reappointment

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For Immediate Release 
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PUCO Chairman Todd A. Snitchler will not seek reappointment

COLUMBUS, OHIO (Jan. 14, 2014) – Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Chairman Todd A. Snitchler announced that he will not seek reappointment.

“I am grateful to Governor Kasich for this opportunity and for putting his trust in me. It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Ohio in the capacity of chairman of the PUCO,” Chairman Snitchler stated.  “The work of the Commission affects every Ohioan and I am proud of the work to which I was able to contribute to. I have invested more than five years in public service, three of which were at the helm of the Commission, but I believe now is the time to move ahead into my next role. With that said, I am very proud of the hard working, dedicated staff of the PUCO and I have been honored to have worked with such a great team.”  

As chairman of the PUCO, Snitchler leads the 320-person agency that works to oversee the regulation of electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water and commercial transportation in the state of Ohio. He also serves as the chairman of the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) that reviews, evaluates and approves the siting of electric generation plants and electric and natural gas transmission lines. Chairman Snitchler’s work has focused on encouraging the development of competitive markets; advancements in gas pipeline safety; leading the charge on gas and electric industry coordination; ensuring Ohio is involved in cybersecurity discussions; boosting savings and benefits to ratepayers through the Securitization Act of House Bill 364; reducing regulatory lag through House Bill 95; as well as streamlining and improving the efficiency of PUCO processes including efforts to accelerate automatic approvals of RECs, OPSB process improvements and implementing internal performance management goals.

Throughout Chairman Snitchler’s tenure empowering consumers to control their electric and natural gas choices has been a priority.  In July 2012 he created the Office of Retail Competition charging it with the task of visiting all areas of Ohio to educate consumers on electric and natural gas choice. Additionally, he commissioned a team to develop a new website focused on consumer education regarding electric and natural gas choice, which is scheduled to be released in the coming weeks.

Chairman Snitchler is co-vice chair of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Committee on Gas, he serves on the NARUC Board of Directors and serves as second vice-president of the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners.

Chairman Snitchler was appointed to the PUCO by Gov. John R. Kasich in 2011. His term expires on April 10, 2014.    

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The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service. The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices. Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative. 

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For additional information, contactJason Gilham | (614) 466-7750
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