Rebecca Cameron Valcq, who joined Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission five years ago as one of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ first administrative appointees, will leave the utility regulation agency early next month, the governor announced Thursday.
Valcq, who has spent much of the last five years as the three-member commission’s chair, will step down on Feb 2. Commissioner Summer Strand, who Evers appointed to the commission last March, will take on the role of PSC chair, Evers said in a statement.
“Now is the right time for me to pass the baton as I leave the agency in very capable hands,” Valcq said in a statement. “The PSC is a more transparent and accessible agency than it was when I arrived and that is evidenced by the robust engagement and participation from stakeholders, community members, and our employees. I want to thank my fellow commissioners and PSC employees for their work and service to the state. I will miss them dearly.”
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Under Valcq’s leadership, Evers said, the PSC has “ushered through efforts to transition our state’s energy industry to zero carbon electricity and made transformational investments to expand access to high-speed internet in every corner of our state.”
The commission also approved nearly 4,000 megawatts of solar projects, awarded more than $300 million in broadband expansion projects and approved 10 utility programs that have or are in the process of removing more than 16,000 customer-sided lead service lines during Valcq’s tenure.
The governor has not yet named a commissioner to fill the seat.
Strand, former administrator of the state Department of Administration’s Division of Facilities Development, was appointed to the commission last year, marking the first time since Evers took office that the PSC has consisted entirely of Democratic appointees. In addition to Strand, Tyler Huebner, who was appointed by Evers in March 2021, also serves on the commission.
“Due to (Valcq’s) exemplary leadership, the Commission is well-positioned for continued success,” Strand said in a statement. “This is also bittersweet for me as I will miss working alongside Becky. I am grateful for the opportunity to follow in the role as chairperson, and I look forward to the important work ahead.”