Michael Peevey, a former utility executive and energy industry entrepreneur, was reappointed Nov. 28 to another six-year term on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and retained as its president. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger also reappointed CPUC member Rachelle Chong. The appointments require confirmation by the state Senate. Peevey, 70, was originally appointed by Schwarzenegger predecessor Gray Davis and was later reappointed and made CPUC president by Schwarzenegger, who can select another member of the five-member panel to the top position at any time. Chong, 49, a former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) member, was selected for the CPUC by Schwarzenegger three years ago after the governor tapped then-CPUC member Susan Kennedy to be his chief of staff. Peevey has served as president of the CPUC since 2002 and is a Democrat. Chong, a Republican, has served since 2006 and was originally appointed to the FCC by President Bill Clinton. Peevey is an economist and Chong is one of four lawyers on the CPUC.

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