[BETA] Fortnightly

The Electricity Innovation Institution (E2I) announced the appointment of Richard H. Counihan as vice president of research programs, and Robert W. Gee as vice president of development and partner relations. Prior to joining E2I, Counihan was vice president and general manager of the western region for Green Mountain Energy Co. Gee is a former assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, and former chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

The MAPP management committee has elected its executive committee members. Robert Harris , Western Area Power Administration, was re-elected as chairman of the executive committee. James Averweg , MidAmerican Energy, was re-elected as the vice chair and re-appointed as the MAPP representative on the NERC Stakeholders Committee. David Westbrock , Heartland Consumers Power District, Gerald Krause , Omaha Public Power District, Steve Sherner , Minnesota Power, and Carroll Wagonner , Sunflower Electric Power Corp., were re-elected to three-year terms. Jay Logel , Muscatine Power and Water, was elected to a three-year term. Audrey Zibelman, Xcel Energy, was elected to an unexpired term of one year on the executive committee. Other members elected include Patrick Pope , Nebraska Public Power District, Roy Thilly , Wisconsin Public Power, Mark Williamson , Madison Gas and Electric, and Ted Humann , Basin Electric Power Cooperative. All MAPP executive committee members were elected to one-year terms on the MAPPCOR board of directors.

The Energy Distribution Group of NiSource Inc., recently announced a management realignment. Robert C. Skaggs Jr. , president and CEO of NiSource's Columbia Gas of Ohio, Bay State Gas Co., and Columbia Gas of Kentucky's local distribution companies, has assumed the same responsibilities for Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Columbia Gas of Maryland, and Columbia Gas of Virginia. This fills the role formerly held by Anthony Trubisz Jr. , who retired at the end of 2001. Additionally, Peggy Landini has been named COO of Columbia Gas of Virginia. Previously, she served as vice president of Marketing and Customer Service for the Energy Distribution Group.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission announced that Veronica A. Smith has been named the new executive director, replacing Barbara Bruin , who left the post in January. Kim Pizzingrilli has been appointed as the PUC's fifth commissioner. She was nominated by former Gov. Tom Ridge before he left office.

South Jersey Industries and its subsidiary, South Jersey Gas, announced the following organizational changes. Edward J. Graham was elected executive vice president and COO for SJI. Previously, he served as vice president. David A. Kindlick was elected vice president, treasurer, and CFO of SJI. Kindlick was also elected executive vice president and CFO for SJG. Formerly, he was senior vice president, finance and rates, and treasurer. Michael J. Renna was elected assistance vice president. Renna most recently served as director, business and product development. Richard J. Jackson was elected executive vice president and COO of SJG, from senior vice president for operations. Albert V. Ruggerio was elected executive vice president and CEO for SJG from senior vice president, corporate development. Janet T. Nickels was elected senior vice president, customer services