DeWine reappoints Friedeman to third term at PUCO | The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Ohio Senate.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has reappointed Lawrence K. Friedeman to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for a third term. The announcement was made by the governor’s office on Feb. 28.
Friedeman’s current term expires April 10, 2025 and his new five-year term begins April 11. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Ohio Senate.
Then Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich appointed Friedeman to PUCO in 2017 and DeWine reappointed him for a second term in 2020.
Friedeman has held various roles in the energy sector related to regulatory and compliance disciplines. He has worked with regulatory commissions, utilities, consumer advocates and competitive suppliers in a dozen states, including Ohio.
He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He and his wife, Beth, a retired educator, live in Waterville, Ohio.
The Public Utilities Commission regulates utility-service providers, including electric and natural gas companies, local and long-distance telephone companies, water and wastewater companies and rail and trucking companies. PUCO is composed of five commissioners appointed by the governor to rotating, five-year terms.
Jenifer French of Westerville is chair. She was reappointed in 2024 for a term ending April 10, 2029. Commissioners include Friedeman, John D. Williams (term ends April 10, 2028), Daniel R. Conway (term ends April 10, 2027) and Dennis P. Deters (term ends April 10, 2026).
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, 180 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. 800-686-7826. Website. To learn more about the commissioner appointment process, visit here.
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