Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell

Press Release issued today – April 12, 2010

Panel will help guide strategic planning, financial policies and rate-budget reviews

SEATTLE – Today the Seattle City Council confirmed the appointments of the new City Light Review Panel. This panel comprised of member appointees by the Mayor and the City Council, will oversee City Light’s strategic plan process, financial policies and rate reviews. This concept is a departure from the previous City Light Citizen committees because it combines the former City Light Advisory Committee and the ad-hoc Rate Advisory Committee. Combining the two groups streamlines their activity while concurrently immersing the group in City Light issues. By actively working on City Light’s strategic plan and reviewing financial policies, the group will be in a more informed position to dive into rate reviews when they occur.

The new panel members are: Julia M. Ryan, Sylvester Cann IV, Matt Lyons, Eugene C. Wasserman, Stan Price, David Allen, Sue Yuzer, and Debbie Tarry. Together, they represent small business customers, high-level users, residential customers, and low-income customers. Panel members bring experience and knowledge of energy issues and offer backgrounds in budgeting, strategic planning, risk management, and environmental sustainability.

“This panel brings a commitment to assist with City Light’s strategic plan, which is their roadmap to the future. They will demand that the utility use a customer-focused approach that implements best practices in how it plans and operates its core functions and how it addresses environmental issues.” said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, who worked with the Mayor’s office to evaluate the competitive application process for the entire panel.

“As City Light begins its process of planning for the future, this Panel can bring about an oversight and involvement from third parties to ensure transparency and bring other perspectives,” said Councilmember Nick Licata.

“These candidates bring an extensive range of experience and knowledge, as well as a creative and innovative view of the energy industry and the Utility’s commitment to conservation,” stated Councilmember Mike O’Brien.

The Panel will begin meeting in May 2010, and those meetings will be open to the public. The committee maintains the Council’s commitment to transparency and openness that includes representatives from all of City Light’s customer classes into the equation of decision-making.

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