The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC), the Washington, D.C.-based organization representing regulated water utilities and private water service companies throughout the United States, has selected Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioner Robert F. Powelson to serve as NAWC’s new chief executive. In this role, Powelson will guide the strategic direction of the organization, oversee the association’s operations, and work directly with the more than 220 NAWC member companies.
In August 2017, Powelson was confirmed by the United States Senate for a seat on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Prior to his appointment to FERC, he served on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC) from 2008 to 2017, and he chaired the PA PUC from 2011 to 2015. While on the PA PUC, he was particularly focused on Pennsylvania’s water infrastructure development, promoting the availability of safe drinking water. and reducing unaccounted-for water.
Powelson is past president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), where he also was a member of the Board of Directors. He served as chairman of the NARUC Committee on Water and represented the Water Committee on NARUC’s Task Force on Climate Policy. From 2014-2015, Powelson also served as president of the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners (MACRUC). Prior to joining the PA PUC, Powelson served as president of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry.
Powelson is a graduate of St. Joseph’s University and received a Master of Governmental Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania.