(Harrisburg, PA) April 2, 2024 — The Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA), the nation’s leading trade association representing competitive retail energy suppliers, is looking forward to working with Uchenna Bright and Denise Sheehan as commissioners of New York’s Public Service Commission (PSC).
New York Governor Kathy Hochul nominated Bright and Sheehan for the appointments, which the State Senate confirmed.
“RESA is excited to collaborate with Commissioner Bright and Commissioner Sheehan,” said Richard Barlette, RESA’s New York State Electric Chair. “The commission will benefit from both Commissioner’s deep, invaluable experience within their respective careers, which include a deep understanding of the energy sector, conservation and environmental issues, government, policies, economic issues, business management, non-profits, stakeholder relations, and prior related experience. New York will be well positioned to achieve its aggressive state climate goals by adding these two experienced commissioners to the PSC.”
With over two decades of experience, Bright has worked in clean energy, organizing employees, projects and new concepts. She worked for the National Resource Defense Council, where she was known for building consensus and engaging a diverse group of stakeholders. She created strategies to address energy, environmental, economic and social issues, as well as strategic energy planning for economic and community development. While with Environmental Entrepreneurs, a business advocacy organization, Bright collaborated with business leaders and entrepreneurs to champion environmental policies as the cornerstone of a robust, flourishing economy.
Sheehan has over 35 years of professional expertise across government and non-profits in her professional background. During her tenure at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, she held senior roles for a decade, including a two-year term as Commissioner, where she spearheaded key initiatives like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the nation’s inaugural cap-and-invest program for carbon emissions. Additionally, she served as a senior advisor to the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium.
The PSC oversees the state’s electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, cable, and private water utilities and is responsible for ensuring safe and reliable utility service and approving rates. Up to seven members can serve on the commission, and each Commissioner must be nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate.
Commissioner Bright and Commissioner Sheehan will both serve six-year terms.
ABOUT RESA The Retail Energy Supply Association is a broad and diverse group of retail energy suppliers who share the common vision that competitive retail electricity and natural gas markets deliver a more efficient, customer-oriented outcome than a regulated utility structure. RESA is devoted to working with all stakeholders to promote vibrant and sustainable competitive retail energy markets for residential and industrial consumers. For more information, visit resausa.org. Follow RESA on LinkedIn, Facebook and X (Twitter).
MEDIA CONTACT: Stacey Gaswirth, Press@resausa.org, 214.213.4675
