Press Release: Gov. Evers Announces PSC Chairperson Valcq Leaving Evers Administration

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 01/11/2024 01:43 PM CST
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2024
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers Announces PSC Chairperson Valcq Leaving Evers Administration
Commissioner Strand selected to succeed Valcq as chairperson of PSC
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced that Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC or Commission) Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq will be leaving the Evers Administration, effective Feb. 2, 2024. Chairperson Valcq was appointed by Gov. Evers in 2019 and has served in the Evers Administration since then, nearly all of which as the chairperson of the PSC. 

“Chairperson Valcq was one of the first appointments of my administration, and it has been an honor and pleasure to work alongside her these past five years as we have ushered through efforts to transition our state’s energy industry to zero carbon electricity and made transformational investments to expand access to high-speed internet in every corner of our state,” said Gov. Evers. “I wish her well on her next chapter and am excited to continue this important work moving forward with our exceptional members of the PSC, including Summer Strand, who will be an outstanding chairperson for the PSC.”

“I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments we have achieved. I thank Gov. Evers for the trust he has placed in me and for allowing me to serve on the Commission and as its chairperson for the past five years,” said PSC Chairperson Valcq. “Now is the right time for me to pass the baton as I leave the agency in very capable hands. The PSC is a more transparent and accessible agency than it was when I arrived and that is evidenced by the robust engagement and participation from stakeholders, community members, and our employees. I want to thank my fellow commissioners and PSC employees for their work and service to the state. I will miss them dearly.”

Chairperson Valcq was the first Latina to serve in the position and was appointed to the Commission in January 2019 by Gov. Evers, transitioning to the role of chairperson in March of that year. She was confirmed as a commissioner by the Wisconsin State Senate shortly thereafter in October. During her tenure at the Commission, Chairperson Valcq oversaw:
  • The approval of 3,976 megawatts of solar projects that will help achieve the state’s goal of ensuring all electricity consumed in the state is carbon-free by 2050; 
  • The award of $306 million for 357 projects, ensuring that 395,000 homes and businesses will have new or improved broadband service; 
  • The strategic planning for $1.056 billion in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to expand internet to all Wisconsinites; 
  • The approval of 10 utility programs that have or are in the process of removing 16,778 customer-side lead service lines;  
  • Rate case proceedings, resulting in a savings of $244 million for customers of the five largest electric and gas utilities;  
  • Utility customer protections enacted during the coronavirus pandemic; and  
  • Measures to make PSC proceedings more transparent and accessible to the public, including the creation of a PSC YouTube channel. 
“I want to thank Becky for her leadership and commitment to excellence as chairperson of the PSC,” said Commissioner Tyler Huebner. “I will miss our thoughtful deliberations at our Commission meetings and truly wish her nothing but the best.”

Today, the governor also announced Commissioner Summer Strand will succeed Valcq as PSC chairperson. Commissioner Strand was appointed by Gov. Evers to serve as a commissioner at the PSC on March 2, 2023, for a six-year term. Strand is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the Mid-America Regulatory Conference. Prior to joining the PSC, Strand was the director of government affairs for the Walbec Group, a Wisconsin-based construction and engineering firm. Previously, Strand oversaw the State of Wisconsin Building Program as administrator of the Division of Facilities Development at the Wisconsin Department of Administration. She has also served as an advisor to and citizen member of the State Building Commission. 

“Since day one, I have appreciated Becky’s welcoming demeanor and her dedication to the PSC’s mission. I would like to thank Becky for her years of service to the Public Service Commission and to the state of Wisconsin. Due to her exemplary leadership, the Commission is well-positioned for continued success,” said Commissioner Strand. “This is also bittersweet for me as I will miss working alongside Becky. I am grateful for the opportunity to follow in the role as chairperson, and I look forward to the important work ahead.”
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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