New member of utilities agency has judge’s perspective
Samuel Thompson, the newly appointed member of the Public Utilities Commission, promises to give representatives of consumers and utilities a fair hearing at rate cases but said he’s not afraid to make unpopular decisions.
Gov. Jim Gibbons appointed the 58-year-old Thompson to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Chairman Don Soderberg, which takes effect July 13. The governor promoted Commissioner Jo Ann Kelly to chairwoman.
Kelly’s term expires in September 2009. Thompson will complete a term that ends in 2008. Commissioner Rebecca Wagner’s term ends in September, but Gibbons has the authority to reappoint any of the three commissioners.
As a commissioner, Thompson will make $112,500 a year. Kelly will get raise to $119,000 with her appointment to head the commission.
Kelly will continue to study and vote on issues involving regulated utilities such as natural gas distribution companies and electric companies. But she will also be the top administrator and will decide whom to hire, fire and promote on the PUC staff.
“I’m gratified that the governor has confidence in me to help lead the state to help with these major decisions on adding infrastructure for our electricity system to meet the growth of customers so that it’s reliable service at the least possible cost,” Kelly said.
Thompson, a former judge from Memphis, Tenn., said he will bring the lessons he learned in deciding tough cases.
“It’s never been my goal in making a decision to make everybody happy,” Thompson said, adding that he will balance the interests of utilities and their customers in deciding cases.
“It’s more important that they know I will give them a full and fair hearing. I will listen to everyone. I will be balanced,” he said.
Thompson believes global warming, a phenomenon that scientists believe is being caused by carbon dioxide emissions from sources including coal-fired power plants, is a real problem.
He said he supports renewable energy, a priority of the governor and the Legislature, although he also believes there is a need to use coal, a fuel that environmentalists say contributes to global warming.
“They are both components to the overall energy picture,” Thompson said.
Thompson said he is a committed public servant who finds working for the government is more fulfilling than working in the private sector.
He describes himself as a problem solver who has developed skills as a mediator.
Thompson comes to the PUC from the Transportation Services Authority, where he served as a commissioner. He served on the Standing Committee on Judicial Ethics and Election Practices. Thompson was s judge for general sessions court in Tennessee for eight years. He earned his law degree from the Cecil Humphrey School of Law at the University of Memphis.
Kelly, a retired certified public accountant, has served as a utilities regulator for 13 years in Nevada, first at the Public Service Commission and more recently at the PUC, which was spun off from the Public Service Commission.
