The Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) has recently welcomed new leadership and commissioners, marking a new chapter for the agency that plays a critical role in overseeing the state’s energy landscape. Energy Trust looks forward to continuing its strong collaboration with the Commission to deliver reliable, affordable energy solutions that benefit people across Oregon.

Commissioner Letha Tawney was appointed by Governor Tina Kotek to serve as chair of the OPUC beginning June 18. Tawney joined the commission in 2018 and succeeds Megan Decker who stepped down as chair after two four-year terms. Chair Tawney previously served on Energy Trust’s Board of Directors   from 2019 through 2024 where she helped shape Energy Trust’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.

Commissioner Karin Power is the newest member of the OPUC, being appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate to serve a four-year term ending May 2029. Power is a former state representative and, more recently, the natural resources and climate advisor to Governor Kotek.

Commissioner Les Perkins, who joined the Commission in 2024, previously worked as general manager at Farmers Irrigation District in Hood River, which has been a leader in the state in irrigation modernization. Perkins also helped found Farmers Conservation Alliance, which works with Energy Trust to assist irrigation districts with planning and funding irrigation modernization projects. Perkins recently replaced Tawney as ex officio member on the Energy Trust Board.

In addition to regulating the state’s investor-owned electric, natural gas and telephone utilities, the OPUC oversees Energy Trust’s investment in energy-efficiency and renewable energy programs on behalf of Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista.

As part of its oversight, the OPUC sets annual performance measures for Energy Trust including for energy savings, renewable resource development, financial integrity, customer satisfaction and equity.