Rebecca Valcq to leave Public Service Commission

Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday announced that Rebecca “Becky” Valcq will leave her role as chair of the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin. Valcq’s resignation will be effective on Feb. 2.

“Chairperson Valcq was one of the first appointments of my administration, and it has been an honor and pleasure to work alongside her these past five years as we have ushered through efforts to transition our state’s energy industry to zero carbon electricity and made transformational investments to expand access to high-speed internet in every corner of our state,” Evers said.

Valcq said in social media post she didn’t know what the next professional chapter held for her. In a statement, she proclaimed it was the right time for her to “pass the baton.”

“The PSC is a more transparent and accessible agency than it was when I arrived and that is evidenced by the robust engagement and participation from stakeholders, community members, and our employees. I want to thank my fellow commissioners and PSC employees for their work and service to the state. I will miss them dearly,” Valcq said.

Valcq oversaw the following projects during her tenure.

• The approval of 3,976 megawatts of solar projects that align with the state’s carbon-free goals by 2050
• The award of $306 million for 357 new and improved broadband projects for 395,000 homes and businesses
• Planning for $1.056 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to expand internet access across the state
• The approval of 10 utility programs that have or are in the process of removing 16,778 lead service lines for customers
• Rate case proceedings that saved $244 millions for customers of the five largest energy utilities
• Utility consumer protections during the coronavirus pandemic
• Creation of a PSC YouTube channel and other measures to make proceedings accessible to the public

Commissioner Summer Strand will become the next chairperson, according to the governor’s office. Strand was appointed 11 months ago after working as the governor affairs director for Walbec Group.

Strand is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the Mid-America Regulatory Conference, officials said. She previously oversaw facilities administration for the State of Wisconsin Building Program and served as an advisor and citizen member of the State Building Commission, officials added.

Strand said in a statement the departure was bittersweet and thanked Valcq for her time at the PSC.

“I would like to thank Becky for her years of service to the Public Service Commission and to the state of Wisconsin. Due to her exemplary leadership, the Commission is well-positioned for continued success. This is also bittersweet for me as I will miss working alongside Becky. I am grateful for the opportunity to follow in the role as chairperson, and I look forward to the important work ahead,” Strand added.