Maryland State Wire

Maryland's newly appointed Public Service Commission Chairman Jason Stanek, an adviser in Washington as well as a longtime civil servant, said during a recent interview that he's serious about taking up the job next week.

"As a proud Marylander, I'd like our state's residents to know how seriously I take the duties of the PSC chairmanship," Stanek said during a Maryland State Wire email interview. "The PSC not only has enormous responsibility to assure that citizens receive safe, reliable and affordable utility services, but it must also ensure that our regulated utilities are prepared for the changes that are coming our way."

Stanek brings a wealth of experience in utilities regulation to the job he will begin July 1. 

"As a federal utilities regulator and, most recently, a Congressional staff member, I've had a variety of experiences during my career that influence how I examine and respond to issues," Stanek said. "I'd like to think that I'm thoughtful in my analysis and will fully evaluate all the positions before reaching a decision. I also try hard to collaborate on issues where differences exist. That being said, while compromise and consensus-building is good, principles and commitment to all Marylanders are also important. I'm also looking forward to working with getting to know the dedicated employees of the Public Service Commission."

Gov. Larry Hogan announced last week that he had appointed Stanek as incoming chair of the state commission that regulates public utilities and some passenger transportation in Maryland. 

"Jason Stanek's impressive career working in positions related to energy and utility policy demonstrates his vast experience and understanding of these complex issues," the governor said in a June 20 press release announcing Stanek's appointment. "He is knowledgeable in nearly every aspect of the utility industry, and I have no doubt that he will serve Maryland well in this new role."

The governor's announcement of Stanek's appointment came the day after the PSC's current chairman, W. Kevin Hughes, issued his own announcement that he would be stepping down effective June 30, which is the end of his term. Hughes had himself been appointed to the PSC in September 2011 by then-Gov. Martin O'Malley, who elevated Hughes to chairman in January 2013.

Stanek earned a law degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in May 2001 after earning a bachelor's in International Relations from Tulane University in 1997, according to his resume. He also spent the fall of 1996 as an intern to Congressman Robert Livingston.

Stanek entered public service in August 2001 when he became a staff attorney in the Federal Energy Rgulatory Commission's general counsel office and later served as legal adviser to the commission Chairman Pat Wood, according to his resume and the governor's press release announcing his PSC appointment. Stanek worked 16 years in progressively senior positions within Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, as well as a tenure as a special assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Justice Department.

More recently, Stanek has been senior counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives' Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Energy. 

"I've spent many years working on issues relating to design of the electricity markets, and particularly the energy markets that serve Maryland’s power needs," Stanek said. "Since our electric delivery system isn't perfect, we must continuously be looking for ways to enhance the reliability and resiliency of our grid, both at the retail and wholesale levels. The PSC is in a prime position to help guide our utilities as they face an uncertain future with changing load growth and consumption patterns. Since Maryland's grid is closely interconnected with its neighboring states, I am looking forward to the PSC playing an even greater role in these regional discussions and with our grid operator."

With his entire career spent in public service, Stanek said during his Maryland State Wire email interview that he recognized "the sacrifices and opportunities that come with the decision to be a civil servant" offered some advise to anyone considering a similar path. 

"For those with an interest in serving in government, I'd recommend speaking with those folks already serving the public to get a better understanding of what drives them and the personal satisfaction they derive from serving and representing others," he said. "Of course, a career in public service is but one avenue; I believe it is important for all citizens to simply get involved in their local communities. After 17 years in public service, I can recall many instances of personal job satisfaction, whether it be formulating sensible policies to make government more efficient, or collaborating with diverse sets of stakeholders to find areas of common ground. I've had a very satisfying career in public service so far and I'm looking forward to continuing that work at the PSC."