HONOLULU - The state Senate confirmed Maui resident Michael Champley on Thursday as a member of the Public Utilities Commission.
Champley has been serving on the commission on an interim basis since Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed him in September.
"Mr. Champley's extensive professional experience in the energy industry, commitment to public service and proven leadership throughout his career are all important characteristics that make him an asset to the PUC," said West and South Maui Sen. Roz Baker, who chairs the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. Her committee recommended Champley's confirmation.
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Champley
Champley also had the support of Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents Central Maui residents.
Tsutsui praised Champley's "extensive experience and analytical skills."
"He has the reputation of knowing how to address complex and crucial issues relating to the utility industry," he said.
Prior to his appointment, Champley worked as a Maui-based senior energy consultant focused on clean energy resource integration in Hawaii. He was a senior executive with DTE Energy, a major electric and gas energy company where he held various executive positions, including senior vice president for regulatory affairs and senior vice president for power supply. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton and a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana University with emphasis in finance and public utility economics and regulation.
