UTC welcomes new policy director

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LACEY, Wash. - The Utilities and Transportation Commission named Michael Furze as the new policy director, starting Oct. 1.

Mr. Furze brings 16 years of experience shaping policy strategies, mostly within government agencies in Washington State. He previously served as the director of the Washington State Energy Office and as an assistant director at the Washington State Department of Commerce. Most recently, Mr. Furze was the director of the Building Technologies Office at the United States Department of Energy. In these leadership roles, he prioritized policy direction, reform, and implementation.

"Michael's impressive background in policy is strengthened by his experience and knowledge in the energy-related space," said UTC Executive Director Jeff Killip. "I am confident that his professional expertise and experience will be an asset to our team and the public we serve."

Mr. Furze holds a Master of Community and Regional Planning degree from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

The UTC regulates the rates and services of investor-owned electric utilities, telecommunications companies, natural gas and water companies, solid waste collection companies, household-goods movers and passenger transportation companies, commercial ferries, pipeline companies, marine pilotage, and a low-level radioactive waste repository. The commission does not regulate the rates of broadband services, cellular, cable, or Internet service.

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