American Gas - February 2011 - (Page 22)

Be Prepared The energy indusTry is experiencing “profound transformation,” says Tony clark, 2011 president of the national Association of regulatory Utility commissioners (nArUc). From increased scrutiny on safety, to customers who now communicate using new technologies and forums, to ensuring customers have access to affordable energy, today’s energy landscape offers both challenges and opportunities. clark, who was first elected to north Dakota’s Public service commission (Psc) in november 2000, says nArUc can play a key role in charting the nation’s energy future by gathering numerous shareholders at its annual meetings and discussing strategies to tackle these issues. clark is a former legislator, representing Fargo in the state House from 1994–7, and he has served as north Dakota’s Labor commissioner. since joining the Psc, clark has overseen regulatory proceedings that have facilitated more than $4 billion in new investment in north Dakota through expanded wind, coal, oil and gas infrastructure, and he currently holds the Psc portfolios on electricity generation and transmission. in an exclusive interview with American Gas, clark shares some of nArUc’s priorities for the coming year as well as the trends for which he believes it’s critical to prepare. American Gas: You mentioned in your acceptance speech that “absolutely no one actually understands what a public commissioner does.” Our readers probably do understand what commissioners do, but could you tell us in your own words not only what you do, but also what you think makes a good commissioner? Also, do you think any changes need to be made regarding how commissions communicate with consumers? President Clark: You are correct that your readers may be among the select few who actually understand what utility commissioners do, but I suspect it is less clear among the general public. The decisions we make are not always easy, nor popular, but that isn’t necessarily the goal. Serving the public interest means providing leadership to ensure consumers get safe, reliable service from a high-performing utility, while allowing utilities to recoup their legitimate costs and earn a fair return. It is a compact that has served the 22 february 2011 AmericAn GAs American people exceedingly well. Good commissioners can come from all walks of life. It really doesn’t matter how you get to the job—elected or appointed, attorney, engineer, accountant, teacher, farmer or legislator. What is important is that you have an open mind, a willingness to learn and work hard, and a dedication to serving the public. During my acceptance speech, I discussed the need to develop strategies to better communicate with our stakeholders about how we do our jobs and the challenges we face. The regulatory world can be arcane. We have all manner of procedures related to due process rights, notice requirements, ex parte communications, open meetings and evidentiary-based records—all for good reasons. Yet because we are dealing with such high-profile issues, all this process can look to the public and other stakeholders like we are just using “legalese” to obfuscate our decisions. We regulators need to ensure that all parties feel as though they have an open, transparent way of communicating with us, and us with them. To do otherwise risks alienating the very people we are there to serve. American Gas: What do you envision the energy utility of the future will look like, what will the future regulatory construct look like, and what role will NARUC and its members play in shaping that future on behalf of the consumers we all serve? President Clark: NARUC will serve the role it Photo by Layn Mudder

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Gas - February 2011

American Gas - February 2011
Contents
Chairman’s Message
Industry News
Safety First
Return on Investment
Be Prepared
Working Smarter
Places to Be
Noteworthies
Advertisers' Index
Jobline
Marketplace
Facts on Gas

American Gas - February 2011