LACEY, Wash. - Today, UTC Commissioner Jay Balasbas announced he will be leaving the UTC after five years to pursue opportunities as an independent consultant.
Jay was appointed to the commission by Gov. Jay Inslee in 2017. His term was officially set to end on Jan. 1, 2023.
Balasbas’ last day with the UTC is March 14.
“Jay has been an outstanding commissioner,” said Chair Dave Danner. “Whether it was a rate case, a rulemaking, or a policy issue, Jay rolled up his sleeves and got to work to make our decisions better. I am grateful for his service to the Commission and the people of Washington over the past five years and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
During his time at the UTC, Commissioner Balasbas adjudicated hundreds of rate cases, and contributed to major regulatory changes as the result of the Federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act, Clean Energy Transformation Act, and the addition of new regulated industries including community solar and marine pilotage. Over the last two years, Commissioner Balasbas also contributed to several commission orders championing consumer protections in the wake of the ongoing financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner Balasbas served as the chair of the Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety, co-vice chair of the Committee on Critical Infrastructure, and as a member of the Committee on Gas for the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC).
He also serves as a member of the Gas Technology Institute Public Interest Advisory Committee, the Washington Action Program which monitors federal activities related to the commission's work, and as an ex-officio member of the Washington Highway Users Federation Board of Directors.
Gov. Inslee will appoint Balasbas’ successor.
The UTC regulates the rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, landline telephone companies, solid waste haulers, private water systems, and residential movers among other industries. The agency also manages the state’s pipeline, railroad, and intrastate bus and trucking safety programs.
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