PUC Commissioner appointed to national committees

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced that Commissioner Kathryn Zerfuss has been appointed to the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Committee on Gas and the Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety. 

The appointments were made by National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) President Tricia Pridemore. 

“The safe, efficient, and economical delivery of natural gas is a critical component of our energy future,” Zerfuss said in a statement. “I am excited to collaborate with national leaders and federal partners through the NARUC Committee on Gas and the Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety to address evolving challenges and build a more secure and sustainable energy system for consumers.” 

According to a release, the NARUC Committee on Gas fosters awareness and understanding of key issues impacting the transportation, distribution, and sale of natural gas, while the Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety focuses on critical pipeline safety concerns. Members of these groups collaborate closely with federal agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the U.S. Departments of Energy and Transportation. 

Zerfuss has been a participant in NARUC initiatives, serving on the Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment and as co-vice chair of the NARUC–U.S. Department of Energy Task Force on Evolving Gas Infrastructure Planning. She also contributes to discussions on energy affordability through her role on the Advisory Board of the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC). Zerfuss’s work as a PUC commissioner reflects over two decades of leadership in government affairs, with a focus on energy, environmental concerns, education, and affordability. 

“With Commissioner Zerfuss joining the NARUC Committee on Gas, Pennsylvania continues its proud tradition of leadership in addressing critical utility issues,” PUC Chairman Stephen DeFrank said. “Her insight and commitment to workforce development and energy policy will greatly enhance our efforts to tackle challenges in natural gas safety and infrastructure reliability on a national scale.” 

DeFrank emphasized the importance of Pennsylvania’s active role in national utility discussions. Per the release, Zerfuss’s appointment ensures that Pennsylvania will remain at the forefront of national discussions about energy safety and efficiency, continuing the state’s long history of meaningful contributions to regulatory innovation and collaboration.