Ex-senate staffer named PUC head
He’s first nominee in wake of officials’ exits after storm
Gov. Greg Abbott has 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 he reportedly promised out-of-state investors that 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 then-house 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 Senate, including director for the Business and Commerce Committee and legislative director for Sen. Charles Schwertner, Rgeorgetown
“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 last week.
Walker and Botkin resigned
amid backlash over February’s deadly winter storm and power crisis that left millions of Texans without electricity.
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.