Texas Public Utility Commission Chairman resigns

Peter Lake, the Chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), has resigned, according to an announcement from Gov. Abbott.

Gov. Abbott accepted Lake's resignation on Friday, June 2. Lake served as PUC Chairman since he was first appointed in April 2021, overseeing the implementation of bipartisan reforms to the Texas electric grid following Winter Storm Uri.

Lake's resignation as Chairman is effective immediately; he will continue to serve as PUC Commissioner until July 1, 2023.

Gov. Abbott will announce the new PUC Chairman in the coming days.

"Peter Lake is a true public servant who stepped up during a critical time in our state to help rebuild not only the PUC, but Texans’ trust in those charged with providing reliable power," Gov. Abbott said. "With Lake at the helm of the PUC, we have ensured that no Texan has lost power due to the state grid since the 14 bipartisan reforms were passed and signed into law. I thank Lake for his service to Texas and his tireless work to secure and strengthen our state’s power grid."

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PUC regulates the state's electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implements respective legislation, and offers customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints.