From the Governor’s office:
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today appointed Steven Lesser as a commissioner of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio for a five-year term beginning April 11, 2010 and expiring April 10, 2015.
Lesser, of Bexley, is currently the chief of staff at the PUCO, a position he has held since September 2007. In this role, he directs the daily operations of the agency and advises agency staff on policies to follow in cases, rulemaking and enforcement action.
“Steven has served the PUCO in numerous capacities for the past 30 years. He is well-regarded by his colleagues and he understands the issues facing utilities and customers in Ohio,” Strickland said. “Steven’s deep knowledge will continue to be an asset to the PUCO in his new role as commissioner.”
As chief of staff, Lesser has also been critically involved in the implementation of the new electric regulation bill, smart grid initiatives, and the implementation of “green” rules, which includes means for encouraging the development of alternative energy businesses in Ohio.
Lesser has served PUCO in numerous roles since 1979, including attorney examiner/administration law judge from 1979-1986, deputy director of the transportation department from 1986-1998, and assistant director of the legal department from 1998-2007.
In these roles, Lesser has supervised field staff and established a civil forfeiture and enforcement section at the PUCO. Additionally, he has worked on consumer protection and safety legislation in the transportation division, developed national standards for hazardous material safety, created natural gas conservation programs, established minimum standards for the water industry and mediated both consumer and industrial complaints.
“I have enjoyed the opportunity to work within several areas at the PUCO during my three decades at the commission,” Lesser said. “I look forward to building on these experiences and continuing my work in this new capacity.”
Lesser received a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1975 and a law degree from Capital University in 1978.
