State and Future of Power: Brien Sheahan

Deck: 

State Commission Chairs

Fortnightly Magazine - June 10 2019
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PUF's Liz Stipnieks: What is it like to be chair of the Commission? What's goes on in a typical day?

Chair Sheahan: The Illinois Commerce Commission oversees electric, gas, and water utilities providing critical services to 12.7 million residents including those of Chicago, one of the largest cities in the world, with a Staff of two hundred and forty and a budget of approximately sixty million dollars.

The weight of that responsibility is something that is acutely felt. In addition to the normal responsibilities of being a Commissioner handling a docket of seven hundred-plus cases a year, the Chair has ultimate responsibly for administration of the agency, managing its docket and budget, interaction with the Governor and his staff, General Assembly, legislative leaders, and other stakeholders. Being the Chair of a large state Public Utility Commission is a seven day a week job. There is no typical day that is in part both exciting and stimulating, and challenging. 

PUF: Regarding trends in the electric power industry, in your state and nationally, what is your take on the current state of industry? Is the industry and regulation going well or not?

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