The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today welcomed Gladys M. Brown of Dauphin County to the Commission after a swearing-in ceremony in the East Wing of the Capitol.
“Gladys is a tireless advocate for consumers, both personally and professionally,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “She is a highly qualified addition to the Commission who brings a wealth of knowledge about utility issues, as well as the creation of the laws that shape our policy. My colleagues and I look forward to working with Gladys.”
Commissioner Brown was unanimously approved by the Senate on Oct. 1, 2013, and was sworn in today by Commonwealth Court Judge P. Kevin Brobson. This followed unanimous approval from the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee on Sept. 24, 2013. Gov. Tom Corbett nominated Commissioner Brown to the Commission on June 17, 2013.
In her confirmation hearing remarks, Commissioner Brown pledged to apply to utility issues the same fair and balanced approach that she used in her more than 22 years as an aide in the Pennsylvania Senate. She highlighted that one of her goals on the Commission would be to increase efforts to educate consumers.
Since 1991, Commissioner Brown has been working as counsel to the Senate Democratic Leader where she worked on many of the major utility issues that have been considered by the General Assembly in the last two decades including Act 201 of 2004, which added Chapter 14 (Responsible Utility Consumer Protection) to change the handling of consumer terminations and reconnections; Act 129 of 2008, which addressed energy efficiency and procurement; and Act 11 of 2012, which expanded the distribution system improvement charge.
Commissioner Brown earned her bachelor’s and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. She lives in Middletown, Dauphin County.
Commissioner Brown succeeds Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner, who left the PUC Sept. 30, 2013.