Powelson nominated to FERC board
Kennett Square resident currently sits on Pa. Public Utility Commission
HARRISBURG » After months of rumors, a Kennett Square area resident who now sits on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission appears to be on his way to serving on a national board.
The White House announced Tuesday that President Donald Trump intends to nominate Robert F. Powelson of Kennett Square to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC.
Members of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission offered their congratulations in public statements, confirming months of rumored reports that Powelson would be moving on.
“Commissioner Powelson is knowledgeable and passionate about public utility issues – from infrastructure investment and marketplace competition to innovation and the development of our next generation of utility workers,” Chairman Gladys M. Brown said. “He has also been a strong advocate for Pennsylvania and for the important role of utility regulators across the country. His service reflects well on the work of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and will be positive for the commonwealth.”
Added Vice Chairman Andrew G. Place: “Rob’s nomination comes at a key moment for federal environmental and energy policy. The reshaped commission will continue to be challenged to balance the demand for rational energy choices in support of both economic sustainability and en-
vironmental stewardship. The crucible of Pennsylvania has put him in a favorable position to navigate these demands.”
A PUC spokesman said Powelson was not available for comment Tuesday. The commissioner does not want to give interviews until his appointment has been finalized, said the spokesman.
FERC approves interstate energy-transmission projects, including some of the most controversial naturalgas pipelines now under consideration, according to S&P Global Platts, a provider of energy and commodities information.
In its statement announcing nominations to the board, the White House said Powelson’s
term would expire June 30, 2020.
Powelson has served as a commissioner on the Pennsylvania PUC since 2008. He was first nominated to the PUC on June 19, 2008, by Gov. Edward G. Rendell and appointed chairman by Gov. Tom Corbett in 2011, the White House noted.
Currently, Powelson serves as the president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners based in Washington, DC. He also sits on the Electric Power Research Institute Advisory Board as well as the Drexel University Board of Trustees.
From 1994 to 2008, Powelson served as the president and CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry based in Malvern. In 2005, he was selected by the Eisenhower Presidential Fellow to be a United States fellow in Singapore and Australia. Powelson holds a bachelor of administration from St. Joseph’s University and a master of governmental administration with a concentration in public finance from the University of Pennsylvania, the White House said.
Neil Chatterjee of Kentucky, an energy policy advisor to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, was also nominated to FERC, it was announced Tuesday.
Pennsylvania PUC Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr. called Powelson’s nomination “prestigious”
“Commissioner Powelson always calls matters as he sees them,” added Commissioner David W. Sweet. “Not only does he have extensive knowledge about utility issues, but he is very skilled at developing creative solutions.”