Senate committee unanimously recommends two nominees to Utah Public Service Commission

The Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technologies Confirmation Committee on Oct. 12, 2025, voted unanimously to favorably recommend two nominees to the Utah Public Service Commission: Jerry Fenn for a term to expire March 1, 2031, and David Clark for a term to expire March 1, 2027. Chair Senator Harper presided over the committee.

The recommendations matter because the Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates investor-owned electric, gas, water and some telecommunications utilities in Utah, and the commission is currently handling a large Rocky Mountain Power general rate case and other high-profile dockets. Committee members emphasized continuity and experience as reasons for forwarding both names to the full Senate.

Jerry Fenn, the first nominee called by the committee, described a background primarily in telecommunications and recent service on the commission. Fenn said he represented independent telephone companies, served as president of Quest Communications, and later worked at CenturyLink. He told the committee he has had a steep learning curve on electrical regulation since joining the PSC and cited his recent work on the agency's large general rate case, including multiple hearing phases and upcoming hearings on wildfire mitigation and deferred accounting issues. Fenn also described health setbacks after his appointment, saying, "it was a rugged couple of months to, to start on the commission," and outlined the weeks he spent preparing filings and testimony.

Senator Milner moved that the committee "favorably recommend the full body of the Senate the appointment of Jerry Fenn as a member of the Public Service Commission with a term to expire 03/01/2031." The committee chair called the voice vote and ruled the motion passed unanimously.

David Clark, the second nominee, summarized decades of utility regulatory experience dating to work in the 1980s for Pacific Bell and San Diego Gas & Electric and 12 years at the Utah Public Service Commission. Clark said he initially planned to retire at the end of the month but welcomed serving an additional two years, saying, "I welcome the opportunity to serve for 2 more years under Chair Fenn's able leadership, if I'm granted that privilege." Senator Winterton expressed support for Clark, saying he has "served the state well."

Senator Winterton moved that the committee forward David Clark's nomination to the full Senate for confirmation as a PSC member with a term to expire March 1, 2027. The committee approved the motion unanimously by voice vote.

The committee's recommendations now go to the full Utah Senate for confirmation. The meeting then adjourned.