Knowles reappoints DeMarco to six-year term with Regulatory Commission of Alaska

by The Associated Press

Patricia DeMarco was reappointed to a six year term on the commission that regulates the state’s utilities, Gov. Tony Knowles said July 2.

DeMarco has been with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska since it was created in July 1999. Knowles praised DeMarco’s work on the five-member commission.

The agency has come under fire recently from the state’s largest utilities and was the subject of a three-day special session in June.

Alaska Communication Systems, the state’s largest local telephone provider, accused the commission of bias. Chugach Electric Association, the state’s largest electric supplier, complained the commission takes too long in making decisions.

Knowles called a special session to extend the agency for four years after it was set to expire June 30 and enter a one year winding down period.

The Legislature approved a one-year extension and created a panel to review the agency’s performance.

As commissioner, she will earn an annual salary of $78,828. DeMarco’s term ends July 1, 2008.

DeMarco is former president of the Anchorage Economic Development Corp. and has a bachelor's and doctorate degree in biology from the University of Pittsburgh.