FERC Chairman Pat Wood has named Edward M. Meyers, commissioner with the District of Columbia Public Service Commission, to head up the federal agency’s new Division of State Relations that will work closely with states on critical electric and natural gas issues.

Meyers will join the Commission on Feb. 4. The new division, which will be part of FERC’s existing Office of External Affairs, is expected to initially focus on regional transmission organizations (RTOs), which are seen as the most pressing issue facing regulators now.

Meyers has been a DC regulator since 1990. Prior to that, he held various posts within the District’s government, including director of policy, director of communications, and deputy director of the finance and revenue department. He also was a principal planner for the University of California’s nine-campus system, and a staff economist for the University of California President’s Task Force on Energy.

He received a B.A. degree in economics from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in urban economics from the University of Detroit, and a doctorate in American government from Georgetown University. He is the author of three books on urban issues.

Wood did not say how long it would be before the new division will be fully staffed, and up and running. The division’s objective, as outlined last November, will be to communicate and coordinate with states on key energy issues. Individual staff members will be responsible for states within specific regions.

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