Thank you Gene Camp!
In 2005, gasoline on average was $3.18 a gallon, Star Wars Episode III hit the theaters, and Hurricane Katrina landed in New Orleans. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 unfolded, YouTube was launched and Gene Camp –already 25 years into his career-started with the PUC. Gene Camp was initially hired as a senior engineer, but was promoted shortly thereafter to the position of Energy Section Chief, responsible for managing the technical staff of the Commission for all Colorado PUC regulated electric, gas and steam utility operating authorities, rates, resource adequacy, acquisitions, and service quality issues before the Commission. He also became the chief engineer responsible for working with legislative committees as the State's expert in energy matters.
Prior to the PUC, Camp worked as a manager and executive for ABB for 15 years
and as a partner in a consulting firm for 10 years in a position that took him
to six continents. His passion for engineering and the energy sector came
at an early age and not far from home - his father. "My dad was one of the most creative people I know. He could design and build anything."
As he began his middle school years, he was attracted to the inventive world of electric pioneer Thomas Edison. Years later, he earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Camp says one of the largest, most complex tasks he's worked on at the PUC was Colorado’s transition to a cleaner electric system after the citizens of Colorado voted to create a renewable portfolio standard by ballot initiative in 2004. Known as Amendment 37, it initially required utilities to generate or purchase enough renewable energy to supply 10 percent of their retail electric sales by 2015.
"It was a huge lift and a challenging effort, as we saw utilities go from essentially zero renewable energy in their portfolio to 80 percent." says Camp.
In 2018, he became a Deputy Director for Fixed Utilities, leading a talented team of economists, engineers, and rate financial analysts.
"I've enjoyed having the interaction I've had with those at the PUC," he comments. "They are a thoughtful group of people with a strong work ethic, intelligence and expertise."
He also has nearly a photographic memory of every proceeding and statute written, says Erin O'Neill, Fixed Utilities senior economist. "It's amazing, he can recall proceedings from years ago!"
Many staff members lovingly refer to him as Ned Flanders from The Simpsons iconic animated television show. Flanders' enigmatic, neighborly personality inspires the loyalty of others.
As new staff begin their journey at the PUC, Camp says it's important to remember that staff's job is to provide sound, well-supported recommendations so that commissioners can make the best decisions possible. "It's also important to not get too invested in our recommendations and leave the decision making to the
Commissioners.”
In the coming months, Camp's decisions will be focused on spending time with
his granddaughter, what furniture to make, or home remodeling. He loves woodworking and is excited to set up his new shop in South Carolina. He and his wife Myra are ardent baseball fans with a goal of visiting as many baseball parks as
possible. "We're recovering Rockies fans, but we may have to become Atlanta
Braves fans when we move to South Carolina," he says with a smile.
He adds that while he loves the game, he thinks the best part is that it's slow enough that you can enjoy socializing with friends.
July 14 will be a milestone event. Celebrated as Bastille Day in France, and the day the Atlanta Braves' Hank Aaron hit his 500th home run, it's also Camp's birthday and his last day at the PUC. Merci Monsieur Camp et adieu! (Thank you Mr. Camp and fare-thee-well!)
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