Brian Rybarik, UTC nominee, tells Senate committee he will prioritize collaboration, transparency and consumer protections

Brian Rybarik, the governor’s nominee for chair of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, appeared before the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee to answer questions about his priorities and experience.

Rybarik said he would bring experience from private practice, utility in-house counsel roles, Microsoft and a prior role at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to the UTC, and emphasized a focus on “safe, reliable utility services at fair prices.” He told the committee: “Finding that balance is always a challenge, but I think it's particularly challenging right now as we work to implement new policies that this legislature has passed.”

The hearing focused on the scope of UTC responsibilities and immediate challenges…