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The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today named Bill Ahern as Executive Director, effective February 10, 2003.

Mr. Ahern was previously with Consumers Union, where he served as a senior policy analyst from 1996-1997 and from 2001-2002. During his time at Consumers Union, Mr. Ahern was appointed by the Electricity Oversight Board to represent residential electricity customers on the board of the California Independent System Operator (ISO).

“It is my pleasure to welcome Bill to the Commission,” said PUC President Michael R. Peevey. “Bill has significant knowledge of the utility industry, including various positions at the Commission. His proven track record in policy analysis and management will benefit the Commission and consumers.”

Mr. Ahern was previously employed by the PUC from 1981-1983 as Director of the Utilities Division; from 1984-1989 as the first Director of the Office of Ratepayer Advocates; and from 1989-1991 as Director of Strategic Planning.

“The Commission’s work was awfully complicated during the 1980s when I was a manager at the PUC,” said Mr. Ahern. “With all the utility industry deregulation in the 1990s, I’m looking forward to helping the Commissioners and talented staff navigate to smoother waters.”

Mr. Ahern has had a distinguished career in State government, working for five agencies and the Legislature, including:

Officer to the Board of the California State Coastal Conservancy from 1998-2001;

Deputy Commissioner for Rate Regulation at the California Department of Insurance from 1993-1995;

Chief of the Energy and Ocean Resources Division at the California Coastal Commission from 1977-1981;

Manager of the Biennial Report Office at the California Energy Commission from 1975-1976.

Mr. Ahern holds a Doctorate in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

The Executive Director reports to the President of the Commission and manages the divisional staff.

Mr. Ahern replaces Wes Franklin, who on Jan. 21, 2003, announced his resignation from the position after seven years of service, but will remain at the Commission and join the President’s staff.