"Today is a little bit like preparing for a piano recital with only two weeks of lessons."
That’s how new Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak described her first PSC meeting. Fedorchak was appointed by Governor Dalrymple to take the place of Kevin Cramer, who was elected to Congress. Fedorchak says the PSC has a lot to do with both the energy industry and the agriculture industry.
"If anyone doubts what the PSC does, we're squarely in the middle of this booming economy," said Fedorchak. "We play a really important role in helping to regulate and keep a fair marketplace. It's a role I personally take very seriously."
The other new member is former Republican State Senator Randy Christmann, who was elected in 2012.
"Over the years, in the Senate, representing energy country, and in my telecommunications background and agriculture background, I've had the opportunity to work with the Commission from the outside," said Christmann. "It's been nice the last couple of weeks, being up here, getting to know and working with staff, and realizing we have some very good people in place to get us the information we need to make good, timely, fair and prudent decisions."
Commission chairman Brian Kalk has been on the PSC four years. He was re-elected chairman for another two years.