New Approaches, New Technologies, Driving Change
Brien Sheahan was appointed Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission by Gov. Bruce Rauner and will serve a five-year term. He was Counsel to Governor Rauner’s Transition Committee beginning in November 2014. Prior to that he worked as Director of Government Relations for Navistar from 2012 to 2014 and was General Counsel for the Illinois Republican Party from 2007 to 2012. Sheahan also served as a member of the DuPage County Board for ten years.
PUF's Steve Mitnick: What's the goal of the NARUC innovation awards initiative?
Brien Sheahan: The Task Force on Innovation is proud to provide an opportunity to highlight and recognize the innovative work of various leaders in the public utility sector. The awards are a result of FERC Commissioner Rob Powelson's vision and leadership and complement his focus on encouraging innovation.
We believe that the utility industry will change more in the next ten years than it has in the last one hundred years, and it is important that we distinguish pioneers and trailblazers who are leading the way. This is a unique opportunity for NARUC members to nominate their colleagues and peers, and to celebrate innovative thinking. NARUC is the perfect forum for regulators to share best practices, and for utility and regulatory innovators to receive national recognition for the work that they are doing.
PUF's Steve Mitnick: Are commissions becoming significantly more innovative? If so, what's driving the trend?
Brien Sheahan: Many state commissions are driving innovation in a variety of ways and Commissioner Powelson's leadership has certainly been critical in encouraging state regulators to challenge their staffs, stakeholders, and utilities to leverage technology to increase value for society.