Kelly officially named to state PUC

Cy Ryan and Kevin Rademacher

Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005 | 11:09 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Jo Ann Kelly is returning to the state Public Utilities Commmission. She previously served nearly 12 years on the commission, Kelly, who recently moved from Las Vegas to Reno, was named today to the commission by Gov. Kenny Guinn. Kelly succeeds Adriana Escobar Chanos, who was named state Consumer Advocate in the Attorney General's Office.

Guinn said Kelly "has a distinguished record of public service and I have complete confidence in her." He said she has a solid background on energy issues.

Former colleagues also praised Kelly's experience and record.

Fred Schmidt, who served on the commission with Kelly and also worked with her as Nevada Consumer Advocate, said it was a solid choice by the governor.

"She certainly has the background experience and was always highly regarded," said Schmidt, now a utilities attorney with the Hale Lane law firm in Carson City. "I think the transition will be fairly smooth. She knows the issues."

Richard McIntire, former commissioner and PUC staff member, agreed.

"Commissioner Kelly is a giant among Nevada regulators," he said. "I consider her my mentor in that I did my best to emulate her 'Just call them as you see them' philosophy. Nevadans will be well served by her return to the regulatory arena."

Kelly was approved by Gov. Richard Bryan to the commission where she served from 1985 to 1996. Guinn named her as a temporary member of the commission from January to November 2000.

Kelly also was chairwoman of Guinn's Nevada Electric Energy Policy Committee in October 2000.

Kelly, 66, will earn $95,199 a year and her new term will run through Sept. 30, 2005.