Senate committee forwards Christopher Petrie nomination to full Senate after confirmation hearing

The Wyoming Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee voted to send the nomination of Christopher Petrie to the full Senate after a confirmation hearing in which witnesses praised his service on the Public Service Commission and members discussed the commission’s expanding workload and rural telecommunications gaps.

Petrie, currently a commissioner and former chief counsel at the Public Service Commission, told the committee that “safe, adequate and reliable service at just and reasonable rates is crucial” and said he would continue working to maintain utility service across Wyoming. Randall Luthy, policy director for Governor Mark Gordon, introduced Petrie and urged support for the nomination.

The hearing focused on how recent legislative directives and changing energy markets have affected the commission’s workload. Petrie said the legislature’s guidance on reviewing integrated resource plans (IRPs) and reliability “was helpful” and that the commission has stepped up scrutiny of IRPs from major utilities. He told senators, “If we’re being shoved too far out of our lane, we’ll let you know,” adding that the agency will assist where it can without compromising its core duties.

Committee members pressed Petrie on practical challenges for ensuring reliability and service in remote areas. A committee member described a case on a reservation where fiber or cable lines were cut during an overbuild, leaving an elderly resident without reliable landline or cellular service and, in some instances, access to 911. Petrie acknowledged the difficulty, noting topography and economics limit deployment and that the long-standing “call before you dig” system and FCC rules do not fully resolve jurisdictional gaps in reservation areas. He said possible mitigations include voice-over-Internet, satellite options and targeted outreach, but that no single, immediate solution was available.

Public commenters and witnesses spoke in favor of Petrie’s confirmation. Bruce A.C., representing Montana-Dakota Utilities, called Petrie “even handed” in balancing utility and consumer needs. Former PSC chair Kara Fornstrom testified that Petrie brings “deep experience” and diligence to the role. Richard Garrett and others also offered endorsing remarks.

After public testimony, Senator Dockstader moved to forward Petrie’s nomination to the full Senate for confirmation. The committee recorded four ayes on the roll call; one member—Senator Steinmetz—was noted as excused during the vote. The motion was recorded as forwarded to the full Senate.

The committee hearing combined a standard confirmation review with broader discussion about the commission’s evolving responsibilities amid changing technology and legislative direction. The nomination now proceeds to the full Senate for a confirmation vote.