x
Breaking News
More () »

Gov. Abbott appoints Texas Water Development Board Chairman Peter Lake to PUC

The Texas Senate must still confirm Lake's appointment.

AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Peter Lake to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). If confirmed by the Texas Senate, Abbott will designate Lake as chairman of the PUC for a term set to expire on Sept. 1, 2023.

The PUC regulates Texas's electric, telecommunication and water and sewer utilities – including the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) – and implements respective legislation. It also offers customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints.

"Peter Lake has been a diligent public servant throughout his time with the Texas Water Development Board, and I am confident he will bring a fresh perspective and trustworthy leadership to the PUC," Abbott said. "Peter’s expertise in the Texas energy industry and business management will make him an asset to the agency. I urge the Senate to swiftly confirm Peter’s appointment."

RELATED: Gov. Greg Abbott names former aide to retired House Speaker Dennis Bonnen to post regulating power grid

Lake has served on the Texas Water Development Board since December 2015 and as chairman since 2018. He is the former head of business development at Lake Ronel Oil Company and previously served as director of special projects for VantageCap Partners.

Earlier this month, Abbott named Will McAdams to the board of the PUC. McAdams's nomination to the board was the governor's first after all three of the previous board members resigned in the aftermath of February's deadly power outages. McAdams will also need to be confirmed by the Senate.

WATCH: The cost of electricity: A look at the financial fallout of February's storms

PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING:

WATCH LIVE: Multiple victims, including Knoxville police officer, after shooting at high school

VERIFY: Texas is not 'very close' to herd immunity from COVID-19

Texas bills would ban camping in public spaces

UT report finds disparities in COVID-19 vaccine and infection rate between East and West Austin

Before You Leave, Check This Out