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Senate committee advances Julie Vogler’s appointment to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to a joint session
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Summary
The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee referred Gov. Dunlavy’s appointee Julie Vogler to a joint House‑Senate session for consideration after she described more than two decades of RCA experience and answered committee questions about ratepayer protections and import facility dockets.
Julie Vogler told the committee she was appointed by Gov. Dunlavy on March 11, 2026 to a six‑year term on the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) to replace Robert M. Pickett and said she meets statutory qualifications. Vogler reviewed her more than 21 years of regulatory experience at the commission, including roles in finance and tariff analysis, work on the Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program and recent service as legislative liaison.
Committee members asked how the commission would protect ratepayers if large gas import projects proceed. Vogler said commissioners review filings, examine contract components and utility portfolios and can investigate costs included in contracts, citing AS 42.05.141(d) as guidance in the record. She said the commission has opened an informational docket on contemplated import facilities and confirmed Cook Inlet LNG has participated in that docket.
After questions, Sen. Merrick moved to advance Vogler to a joint session of the House and Senate for further consideration; the chair announced that the appointment was referred to a joint session. The committee noted that a committee signature on the report does not indicate a member’s final vote in the joint session.
