I started to make a list, but it soon got out of control.
Steve Mitnick is Editor-in-Chief of Public Utilities Fortnightly and author of the book “Lines Down: How We Pay, Use, Value Grid Electricity Amid the Storm.”
My career in utility regulation and policy, now thirty-nine years in duration, has been enriched by hundreds of friends. They were thoughtful and passionate about the public interest. They were funny and kind. Usually they had all these traits.
Many of them were great commissioners. I started to list them. But the list soon got out of control.
I then limited the list to retired commissioners. This was hard. We're fortunate to have this many great currently-serving commissioners.
I then further limited the list to retired commissioners that I've worked with substantially. This was hard too. It made the list manageable, sure. But it also forced me to leave out so many glorious people.
Of the remaining twenty-five, six of them have worked at consultancies with me. After they served as commissioners of course. Indeed, I hired three of them. And I retained three more of them as lawyers or consultants. And one of these great people hired me, while she was a commissioner. It was my first big break as an expert witness for staff.
Of the remaining fifteen on the list, we generally collaborated on projects and common interests, or just talked a lot at NARUC gatherings. When a Winter, Summer or Annual Meeting approached, I looked forward to seeing them again.
Here's the list. Dear friends omitted below, please forgive me. I miss you as much.