Press Release

Governor Gray Davis today announced the appointment of Regina Ann Birdsell as Director of the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, Public Utilities Commission.

The Office of Ratepayer Advocates (ORA) was established in September 1996 after the Legislature passed and the Governor signed SB 960. The legislation directs that an independent advocacy division be established to represent public utility customers in commission proceedings.

Ms. Birdsell, 45, of Glendale, is a consultant to the Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy (School of Policy, Planning and Development) at the University of Southern California, a position she has held since January 2001. Prior to that, she served as Vice President for Winner and Associates, a management consulting and public affairs firm with emphasis on organizational and communication problems for high profile corporate clients. Ms. Birdsell was the executive director for the New Los Angeles Marketing Partnership from 1995 to 1999. From 1991 to 1995, she was Director of Public Affairs for the Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Ms. Birdsell served the California Attorney General's Office as Press Secretary from 1990 to 1991. She was the producer for The Parenting Network for Warner Brothers in 1989 and a coordinating producer for KABC-TV Eyewitness News from 1982 to 1988. Ms. Birdsell earned a bachelor of arts degree and a master of social works degree from the University of Southern California.

The role of ORA is to obtain the lowest possible rate for service consistent with reliable and safe service levels. This charge covers all the industries regulated by the PUC except for transportation, telecommunications, electricity, gas and water. Ms. Birdsell will receive a salary of $101,220. This position requires Senate confirmation.