Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday appointed Texas Water Development Board Chairman Peter Lake to head up the state’s Public Utility Commission.
Lake has served on the water board, which provides planning for the state’s water resources and wastewater services, since December 2015 and was appointed chair by Abbott in 2018. He was formerly head of business development at Lake Ronel Oil Co. and previously served as director of special projects for the VantageCap Partners equity firm.
“I am confident [Lake] will bring a fresh perspective and trustworthy leadership to the PUC,” Abbott said in a statement. “Peter’s expertise in the Texas energy industry and business management will make him an asset to the agency.”
Lake’s appointment as PUC chair is subject to Senate confirmation and will expire Sept. 1, 2023.
Abbott made the announcement while Will McAdams, Abbott’s previous appointee to the PUC, testified before the Texas Senate Committee on Nominations. The committee approved his nomination, sending it on to the full Senate for confirmation. (See Abbott Taps ABC Texas President McAdams for PUC Seat.)
“I can sincerely say that I wish I were here under different circumstances,” McAdams told the committee.
The PUC has come under heavy political fire in the aftermath of the February winter storm that nearly brought down the ERCOT grid. All three commissioners resigned in the wake of the event, but Arthur D’Andrea, the last remaining member, remains in his seat until a successor is confirmed. He has conducted two open meetings by himself since the resignations. (See D’Andrea Resigns from Texas Commission.)
State Sens. Kelly Hancock (R) and Charles Schwertner (R) introduced McAdams to the nomination committee.
“I thought the appointment was a very wise appointment by the governor,” Hancock said, calling McAdams the “right man in the right place.”
“He does understand the issues the PUC is going to deal with. He knows the subject matter, and he has integrity,” Hancock said.
Schwertner, for whom McAdams served as legislative director, said, “It’s obviously a very important job, looking forward at what needs to be done in regulating the electric industry.”
