Press Release

PUC Recognizes Contributions & Leadership of Linda C. Taliaferro

Published on 9/3/2015

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today recognized the contributions and leadership of past Chairman Linda C. Taliaferro, who recently passed away.

“Linda Taliaferro began her tenure on the Commission in the shadow of the Three Mile Island accident and helped to guide the PUC’s response to that incident and numerous other key issues,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “She was a trailblazer and role model for many others who have followed, including myself, and she will be missed.”

Taliaferro helped guide the Commission for nearly a decade, from November 1979 to December 1988, during an extremely turbulent time for Pennsylvania utilities and consumers. At the time of her appointment, Taliaferro was only the third woman to ever serve on the Commission, and in April 1983 she became the first African-American woman to Chair the PUC.                                           

Commissioner Taliaferro played a central role in helping to address numerous major utility issues, including the aftermath of TMI and the regulation of rates for nuclear generators in Pennsylvania; the break-up of AT&T and restructuring of local telephone companies; deregulation of the trucking industry, accompanied by PUC’s Motor Carrier safety inspections; and early state efforts to promote electric conservation and weatherization programs.

“Linda Taliaferro was an articulate, caring and staunchly independent voice for the Commission – committed to serving the public interest during some of the most challenging years for the PUC,” said Commissioner James H. Cawley, who served alongside Taliaferro. “She was a champion of equality and diversity in the workplace, and a driving force in ethical conduct – creating the PUC’s Employee Code of Conduct and Ethics Guide and continuing as an advocate for corporate ethics in the years following her service on the Commission.”

The current PUC Commissioners opened today’s public meeting with personal reflections about Commissioner Taliaferro and a moment of silence in her honor.  A recorded version of that meeting is available for online viewing.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

# # #

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov