Jackson Named Texas PUC’s Interim Chair

Chair Lake Stepped Down Last Week

Kathleen Jackson (right) listens to Commissioner Lori Cobos during a recent Texas PUC open meeting. | © RTO Insider LLC

Jun 8, 2023

Kathleen Jackson, the Texas PUC's newest member, has been named as its interim chair. She replaces Peter Lake, who stepped down as chair June 2.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday appointed the Public Utility Commission’s newest member, Kathleen Jackson, interim chair. She will lead the commission until a permanent chair is named, Abbott said.

Jackson was appointed to the commission in August and only confirmed by the Texas Senate in May. She replaces Peter Lake, who stepped down last week and will leave July 1. (See Texas PUC’s Lake Steps Down as Chair.)

“I’m honored and humbled by Governor Abbott’s trust and confidence in me to lead the Public Utility Commission at this very important time for the agency and for Texas,” Jackson said in a statement.

The commission’s other four members were all appointed in 2021. They replaced the previous commissioners, who all resigned after the February 2021 deadly winter storm.

Jackson has led the PUC’s grid-related energy efficiency efforts. She previously served as a board member of the Texas Water Development Board from 2014 to 2022.

Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)