Description

The Policy Pulse Speaker Series offers a monthly forum where officials from all levels of government, as well as leaders of business advocacy groups, discuss the current public policy landscape. Join us for engaging discussions led by distinguished speakers as they discuss their policy priorities relative to those of the regional business community, analyze pressing issues, and offer insights into the impact of public policy on the region and the Commonwealth. From local to national perspectives, each meeting promises to spark meaningful dialogue and broaden perspectives on the ever-evolving realm of public policy. 

October's Topic: 

Energy Policy

October Speaker

Stephen M. DeFrank 

Chairman, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

Stephen M. DeFrank was nominated to serve as Commissioner by Governor Tom Wolf on September 20, 2022, and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate on October 19, 2022.  Once on the Commission, he was elected as Vice Chairman on October 27, 2022, and appointed as Chairman on August 30, 2023, by Governor Josh Shapiro. His term expires on April 1, 2030.

The Chairman’s priorities at the Commission cover a wide spectrum of areas. He is focusing efforts on several areas, including:

• ensuring resource adequacy and electric reliability for Pennsylvanians;
• replacing aging and at-risk natural gas infrastructure;
• achieving economies of scale in the water sector through practical regionalization;
• updating cyber-security protocols for both utilities and the Commission;
• advancing utilities’ roles in transportation electrification;
• increasing availability of broadband telecommunications services;
• renewing energy efficiency programs;
• fostering better accessibility and retention of consumer affordability assistance programs; and
• updating the Commission’s transportation licensing procedures.

Sponsored by RETTEW