Anastasia Palivos, Illinois Commerce Commission
Acting Commissioner Anastasia Palivos was appointed to the Illinois Commerce Commission by the Governor on January 19, 2018 to a five year term. An Illinois native, Palivos is the first Greek-American woman appointed to the Commission and, at twenty-eight, the youngest-ever appointed commissioner.
PUF's Steve Mitnick: What were your goals during your first year as a commissioner?
Anastasia Palivos: My main goals during my first year as a commissioner were to be a good listener, be fully accessible to all parties, and to dig into all the different energy issues. There is so much to learn, and the best way is to dive in and learn from Commission staff, industry experts, and stakeholders.
In the ten months I've been a commissioner, I've hosted several policy sessions on all types of issues — electric vehicle deployment, transportation electrification, energy storage, wind energy, smart apps for utility operations, and gas pipeline infrastructure and safety.
This was a perfect opportunity to educate the Commission, stakeholders, and myself on important subject matters that pertain to emerging industry issues. My parents are both Greek immigrants and taught me to work hard and stay humble, and that knowledge is power. I've taken that to heart and am trying to learn as much as possible.
PUF: What qualities do you bring to the Commission and utility regulation nationally?