Abbott names ex-Senate aide to empty PUC board
Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday nominated a former state Senate staffer to the vacant Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Will McAdams, president of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas, would be the lone member of the three-seat PUC, which regulates the state’s electric, telecommunications, water and sewer utilities. He must be confirmed by the Senate.
The PUC has been without a commissioner since March 16, when Chairman Arthur D’Andrea was forced out in the wake of a leaked recording obtained by Texas Monthly on which D’Andrea reportedly promised out-ofstate investors he would stop efforts to reverse billions of dollars in charges for wholesale electricity during February’s power crisis.
D’Andrea had been elevated to PUC chair after Commissioner Shelly Botkin and Chairman DeAnn Walker resigned in the wake of the crisis caused by the unprecedented winter storm.
McAdams has worked in state government for more than 10 years, most recently as adviser to Speaker Dennis Bonnen for Business and Regulated Industries, according to the governor’s office.
Before joining Bonnen’s staff, McAdams served in several senior staff positions for the state Senate, including director for the Committee on Business and Commerce and legislative direc
tor for Republican Sen. Charles Schwertner.
“Will McAdams will bring a fresh perspective and outstanding leadership to the Public Utility Commission of Texas,” Abbott said in a Thursday release. “Will’s wealth of experience in public service and state government make him the ideal leader to carry out the PUC’s mission to protect customers, foster competition, and promote high quality infrastructure across Texas. Will is committed to charting a new course for the commission and restoring trust with Texans.”
McAdams did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.
Walker and Botkin resigned amid backlash over last month’s winter storm and power crisis that left more than 100 Houstonarea residents dead when temperatures dipped below freezing and blackouts left millions of Texans without power.
Environment Texas Executive Director Luke Metzger said in a Thursday statement that McAdams has his work cut out for him.
“The PUC is a shipwreck right now,” Metzger said in a release. “The previous commissioners disbanded the Oversight & Enforcement Division, refused to ask the Legislature for the funding they need and oversaw the atrophy of Texas’ energy efficiency programs. Commissioner McAdams has an opportunity to right the ship and help Texas build a cleaner, more reliable electric grid.”
Despite being the commission’s lone board member, McAdams can hold meetings and execute orders. Abbott has not said when he will appoint commissioners to fill the PUC’s two remaining vacancies.