PA & OH PUC Session
A Conversation with the Utility
Commission Chairs
Speakers:
Terrence J. Murphy – Government Affairs Counselor, K&L Gates,
Pittsburgh (Moderator)
Hon. Robert F. Powelson – Chairman, Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission
Hon. Todd Snitchler – Chairman, Public Utilities Commission of
Ohio
April 27, 2012
Hilton Garden Inn Hotel – Southpointe/Pittsburgh
Contents
“A Conversation with the Utility Commission Chairs”
“Chairman Snitchler’s Comments” ................................................. A
Biographies ................................................................................................. B



Terrence J. Murphy (Moderator)
Hon. Robert F. Powelson
Hon. Todd Snitchler
K&L Gates LLP
A
B
Terrence J. Murphy
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Mr. Murphy serves as government affairs counselor in the Pittsburgh office,
concentrating his activity as Pennsylvania and federal legislative and regulatory policy
counsel. In his position, Mr. Murphy represents a diverse array of clients including
manufacturing,, transportation, petrochemical, natural gas production and public
utilities. He advises companies on strategic policy development, issue management
and provides advocacy services at local, state and federal venues.
PITTSBURGH OFFICE
412.355.6500 TEL
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
412.355.6501FAX
Prior to joining K&L Gates, Mr. Murphy was president of Columbia Gas of
Pennsylvania and Columbia Gas of Maryland providing leadership and strategic
direction. He established a track record of driving innovative, ambitious and
disciplined initiatives and processes, resulting in increased revenue and efficiencies.
During a distinguished 30 year career with Columbia Gas he advanced by achieving
increasing levels of responsibility and ultimately being the officer directing regulatory
policy, government affairs, communications, community relations, customer service
and economic development.
terry.murphy@klgates.com
Prior to his career at Columbia Gas, Mr. Murphy worked for the Pennsylvania House
of Representatives. His first assignment was as research analyst to the House Energy
Committee. He advanced and was appointed executive director of the House FederalState Relations Committee, created to provide liaison to the Pennsylvania
Congressional delegation and provide oversight of discretionary federal funds.
PROFESSIONAL/CIVIC ACTIVITIES







The Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, Board member : former Board
Chairman
Pennsylvania Economy League of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Board Member
John Heinz Regional History Center, Member, Former Trustee Chairman
Pennsylvania Energy Association, Member; Former Board Chairman
Pennsylvania Business Council and Pennsylvania Chamber of Business &
Industry, Board Member 2003 - 2009
The Pennsylvania Society, Lifetime Member
United Way of Washington County, Leadership Council
EDUCATION
B.A., University of Scranton, 1972
ACHIEVEMENTS



K&L Gates LLP
Named “CEO Communicator of the Year” by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Public
Relations Society of America, 2008
Completed the Implement Mergers & Acquisitions Program and the Executive
Development Program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Completed the Financial Leadership Program at The Tepper School of Business,
Carnegie Mellon University
Honorable Robert F. Powelson
Chairman
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Robert F. Powelson serves as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Chairman
Powelson was first nominated to the PUC on June 19, 2008, by Governor Edward G. Rendell to fill the
remainder of an unexpired term. The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed Chairman Powelson
to serve as Commissioner on June 30, 2008. Commissioner Powelson was renominated by Governor
Rendell for a full five-year term on February 12, 2009, and once again unanimously confirmed by the
Pennsylvania Senate on April 22, 2009.
On February 24, 2011, Governor Tom Corbett appointed Powelson Chairman of the PUC. Chairman
Powelson’s term expires on April 1, 2014.
On March 8, 2011, Governor Corbett invited Chairman Powelson to serve as a member of the Marcellus
Shale Advisory Commission. The Commission reviewed the Commonwealth’s existing statutes,
regulations and policies and provided recommendations to ensure that Pennsylvania maximizes the
opportunity that Marcellus Shale presents in the most responsible manner possible.
Chairman Powelson was appointed to the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
(NARUC) Board of Directors on March 16, 2011. In addition, Chairman Powelson is Co-Vice Chair of
NARUC's Committee on Water. Chairman Powelson has been appointed to represent the Water
Committee on NARUC’s Task Force on Climate Policy. He is also a member of the NARUC Committee
on Critical Infrastructure and a member of the NARUC Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues-Waste Disposal.
Under Chairman Powelson's leadership, Pennsylvania ratepayers have had an active voice on issues
such as nuclear power production, renewable investment, broadband deployment, infrastructure
development, unaccounted-for water, and reliable electric service at rates that have been capped for 12
plus years. In a relatively short period, Chairman Powelson has been a leading voice on competitive
markets and a staunch advocate for the nuclear power industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Previously, Chairman Powelson served as the President of the Chester County Chamber of Business &
Industry, a 1,600- member business organization that he joined in 1994. During his tenure as President
and CEO, the Accrediting Board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded the Chester County
Chamber a Three Star Accreditation standard of excellence. In 2005, he was selected by the Eisenhower
Presidential Fellows to be a U.S. fellow in Singapore and Australia.
K&L Gates LLP
Prior to joining the Chester County Chamber, Chairman Powelson was the Director of Government
Relations for the Delaware County Chamber, where he helped to develop the county’s economic
development strategy. From 1990-91, Powelson served as a Staff Assistant to Congressman Curt
Weldon.
Chairman Powelson holds a Bachelor of Administration degree from St. Joseph’s University and a Master
of Governmental Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in public
finance.
A native of Delaware County, Chairman Powelson and his wife, Lauren, and sons Ryan and Shane,
reside in Kennett Square.
K&L Gates LLP
Commissioners
Paul A. Centolella
Cheryl Roberto
Steven D. Lesser
Andre T. Porter
John R. Kasich, Governor
Todd A. Snitchler, Chairman
Chairman Todd A. Snitchler
Term expires, April 10, 2014
Chairman Todd A. Snitchler was appointed to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio by
Governor John Kasich in March 2011.
As chairman of the PUCO, Snitchler is the head of a 350-person agency that works to oversee
the regulation of electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, and commercial transportation
in the state of Ohio. He is also the chairman of the Ohio Power Siting Board that reviews,
evaluates, and approves the siting of electric generation plants and electric and natural gas
transmission lines. Snitchler is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners and serves on the association's committees on Gas and International Relations.
Before joining the Commission, Snitchler was elected to two terms in the Ohio House of
Representatives, where he represented the 50th House District including parts of Stark County.
In addition to serving in the Ohio Legislature, Snitchler was also an attorney in private practice.
Snitchler is also a member of the Grove City College Alumni Council.
Chairman Snitchler received his bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education/social
science from Grove City College and his law degree from the University of Akron School of
Law, where he served as executive editor of the Akron Law Review. He is a graduate of
Leadership Stark County’s 20th Class and an active member of The Chapel in North Canton.
Snitchler lives in Uniontown with his wife Melanie, with whom he has two children.
180 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215-3793
(614) 466-3016
www.PUCO.ohio.gov