Maui’s Champley Confirmed as PUC Commissioner

Maui Senators congratulate Michael Champley on his confirmation. L-R: Senate President Shan Tsutsui, Senator J. Kalani English, Michael Champley and Senator Roz Baker. Photo Courtesy, Senate Communications.

By Wendy Osher

Maui resident, Michael Champley was confirmed today by the Hawaii State Senate as the newest commissioner for the state Public Utilities Commission.

Champley began serving on an interim basis in after his appointment by Governor Neil Abercrombie in September.

“Mr. Champley’s extensive professional experience in the energy industry, commitment to public service, and proven leadership throughout his career are all important characteristics that make him an asset to the PUC,” said Senator Roz Baker in a statement today.  Sen. Baker, who represents South and West Maui, is the chair of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee that recommended Champley’s confirmation.

Senate  President Shan Tsutsui of Maui also praised Champley’s extensive experience saying his, “analytical skills make him an excellent choice for the PUC.”

“He has the reputation on knowing how to address complex and crucial issues relating to the utility industry,” said Sen. Pres. Tsutsui, who represents Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului, Pa‘ia, Lower Pa‘ia.

Prior to his appointment, Champley worked as a Maui-based senior energy consultant, focused on clean energy resource integration in Hawai’i.

His experience includes over 40 years of analyzing, integrating and managing economic, public policy and technical issues confronting an evolving regulated energy utility industry.

Fellow Senator J. Kalani English of East Maui said Champley’s four decades of experience lends to a “thorough understanding of the regulatory process from a utility perspective.”

The Senate Communications team notes that Champley was a senior executive with DTE Energy, an electric and gas energy company, where he held various executive positions, including Senior Vice President-Regulatory Affairs and Senior Vice President-Power Supply.

Champley has a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton, and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University, with emphasis in finance and public utility economics and regulation.

*** Supporting information courtesy US Senate.