Ron Binz has been nominated as FERC chairman, according to a statement endorsing his nomination.
“The electric industry is experiencing rapid change and technological advances and Ron Binz is a strong and timely choice to lead FERC,” Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE:PEG) CEO Ralph Izzo said in a statement on June 27. “Ron has both the experience and intellect to hit the ground running and ensure thoughtful consideration of emerging opportunities.”
Binz served as chair of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission from 2007 to 2011, appointed by former Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter. As chairman, Binz was an advocate for renewable energy.
“In Colorado, he showed a willingness to work with diverse groups and elected officials of both parties to develop and implement commonsense legislation,” Izzo said. “His work on the Utilities 2020 project, as well as his diverse experience as a regulator, consumer advocate and policy expert will serve the country well as he leads FERC.”
Former FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff, who honed FERC’s focus on renewable energy, on May 28 submitted his letter of resignation to the White House. Wellinghoff had been with FERC since 2006, when former President George W. Bush appointed him as a commissioner, and had been chairman since 2009, when appointed by President Barack Obama.
Wellinghoff’s term as chairman is set to expire on June 30. A FERC spokesperson told TransmissionHub May 29 that Wellinghoff would remain at FERC until his replacement had been nominated.
A request for comment was not returned as of press time.
