Newsom Appoints a New Utilities Regulator with a Mandate to Cut Costs

Newsom appoints a new utilities regulator with a mandate to cut costs

In summary The governor elevated a former self-driving car company lawyer to lead the California Public Utilities Commission, promising a renewed focus on cost cutting. The state’s primary utility regulator is under new management. Gov. Gavin Newsom promoted Commissioner John Reynolds to president of the California Public Utilities Commission this week as part of a “new phase” of Newsom’s effort to address sky-high power bills.  Former President…

Newsom Appoints John Reynolds to Head California PUC

Feb. 19, 2026 – California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced John Reynolds as the new president of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on Wednesday. Current CPUC President Alice Reynolds will be stepping down from the commission by the end of February, and transitioning into her newly appointed position by Newsom to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) Board of Governors.“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the peo…

Newsom reshuffles utilities commission, promising to try and lower power bills

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. The state’s primary utility regulator is under new management. Gov. Gavin Newsom promoted commissioner John Reynolds to president of the California Public Utilities Commission this week as part of a “new phase” of Newsom’s effort to address sky-high power bills.  Former president Alice […] The post Newsom reshuffles utilities commission, promising to try and lower …

E&E News: Newsom names new top California utility regulator

Commissioner John Reynolds will helm the California Public Utilities Commission amid a sharpened focus on affordability and reliability.

California shifts utility strategy toward lower bills and stronger clean energy infrastructure

Governor Gavin Newsom has chosen John Reynolds to be the next president of the California Public Utilities Commission. This is a new step in the state's efforts to protect homes and businesses from rising utility costs while continuing to work toward long-term climate and safety goals.