FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, DEC. 6, 2007

CONTACTS

Evan Dreyer, 303.866.6325, evan.dreyer@state.co.us

Terry Bote, 303.894.2827, terry.bote@dora.state.co.us

GOV. RITTER NAMES JAMES TARPEY TO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Gov. Bill Ritter today announced the appointment of James Tarpey to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to fill the remainder of retiring Commissioner Carl Miller's term. Tarpey, an attorney with Holland and Hart, has worked in the energy, utility and regulatory arenas since 1973.

"Jim Tarpey brings vital experience, skills and knowledge to the important role of a Colorado Public Utilities Commissioner," Gov. Ritter said. "His expertise extends to the operations of electric, telecommunications and natural gas utilities as well as to various issues associated with electric transmission, energy resource additions and demand side management. He also brings extensive legal and regulatory experience, and he understands the need to protect consumers and establish a secure energy future for Colorado. We all will benefit from his service on the PUC."

Gov. Ritter said he fully intends to re-appoint Tarpey to a full, four-year term in January 2009.

"I am very pleased Gov. Ritter has appointed me to this position and I appreciate the associated responsibilities," Tarpey said. "It is important for Colorado to meet its energy needs in a way that is responsible both environmentally and economically. The PUC will play a key role in achieving that goal."

Tarpey earned his bachelor's of business administration degree from St. John's University in New York in 1965 and his law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1968.

His professional experience includes serving as an FBI special agent (1968 to 1972), an attorney with the Colorado Attorney General's Office representing the PUC (1973 to 1975), an administrative law judge for the PUC (1975 to 1977) and an attorney in private practice. He has worked at Holland and Hart since July 2001.

Miller, 69, had served on the PUC since 2004 after being appointed by former Gov. Owens. He announced his retirement earlier this week. Gov. Ritter also soon will be naming a replacement for Polly Page, whose term on the PUC ends in January. Gov. Ritter appointed the chairman of the commission, Ron Binz, earlier this year.

The PUC, a division of the Department of Regulatory Agencies, is a constitutionally recognized commission. It has economic and quality-of-service regulatory authority over intrastate telecommunication services; and investor-owned electric, gas and water utilities; as well as partial regulatory control over municipal utilities and electric associations.

The PUC also regulates railroad and motor carrier utilities. Under its jurisdiction are common and contract motor carriers; transportation operating authorities; and carriers providing intrastate and interstate transportation services. Finally, the PUC has jurisdiction over railroad corporations and public railroad-highway grade crossings.