SEARUC
Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta is President, Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. Former NARUC President Paul Kjellander, also former Idaho PUC President, is Senior Advisor at Public Utilities Fortnightly.
When you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. That saying is apropos for Commissioners Ann Rendahl, Carrie Zalewski, and Eric Skrmetta, who all have much going on in their leadership roles.
Louisiana PSC Commissioner and SEARUC President Eric Skrmetta just wrapped up that latter term, having used his mediation skills to guide both organizations with an emphasis on dialogue. Former NARUC President and Idaho Chair Paul Kjellander spoke with Skrmetta about what is unique.
PUF's Paul Kjellander: You're the Louisiana Public Service Commissioner for District 1. As you wrap up your term as SEARUC President, talk about how important it is to bring the Commissioners together from the region?
Commissioner Eric Skrmetta: It's very important, because when we're in our individual states, there're issues that affect all member states, but we don't have the time to independently engage with each other on them.
When we come together, we have moments where we get to talk about various issues that impact all of us. We brainstorm on defining the problems, possible solutions, and making plans and roadmaps on how to deal with them in the future.
PUF: Your region is unique in that you have more elected Commissions than appointed, but how does that work? Do you see differences between those elected, and those appointed?