LACEY, Wash. - The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has appointed Deborah Reynolds as interim director of the Regulatory Services Division.
As the interim director of Regulatory Services, Reynolds will lead the UTC’s largest division, responsible for conducting the economic regulation of investor-owned utilities, solid waste collection companies, household goods movers, private passenger ferries, excursion boats, and bus companies.
Reynolds has an extensive career in utility regulation, serving more than 22 years at the commission, most recently as the assistant director for Conservation and Energy Planning. During her time at the UTC, Deborah has been instrumental in leading staff through numerous rulemakings and integrated resource plan reviews; developing and leading the Conservation and Energy Planning team from its inception; and creating processes to support the Energy Independence Act.
Deborah has also been an integral leader in implementing several resource planning portions of the Clean Energy Transformation Act. Her team’s work will establish a framework to align regulated utilities’ approaches to energy generation and storage with the decarbonization goals of CETA and the evolving energy needs of the people of Washington.
“Given her strong background, Deborah is the right person to guide Regulatory Services during this time of transition,” said Chair David Danner, “I am confident she will do a great job.”
Reynolds holds both a Master of Regional Planning, Public Policy, and Geographic Information Systems, and a Bachelor of Science focusing on sociology and environmental law and policy from Washington State University. She also holds an Associate in Arts and Sciences from Clark College.
Reynold’s interim appointment began April 1. She replaces Mark Vasconi, who Governor Inslee recently appointed director of the Broadband Office at the Washington State Department of Commerce.
The Utilities and Transportation Commission will recruit for a permanent director.
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.