CPUC President John Reynolds on energy affordability in a time of crisis

As a kid, John Reynolds learned the value of public service by watching his mother — an environmental review specialist for the Oregon Department of Transportation — at work. Years later, he found his own path into public service through the utility sector.

Learning about natural monopolies and the imperative to protect ratepayers through rate design and regulation was what hooked him. He joined the California Public Utilities Commission early in his career, working as a lawyer and policy adviser. After a brief stint in the private sector, he returned to the CPUC as a commissioner in 2022. Then, earlier this year, Gov. Gavin Newsom selected him to be its president.

This week on With Great Power, Reynolds talks about how the commission is working to address its top priority right now — improving energy affordability — while also pursuing the state’s clean energy goals and wildfire safety needs.

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Credits: Hosted by Brad Langley. Produced by Mary Catherine O’Connor. Edited by Anne Bailey. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is executive editor. The GridX production team includes Jenni Barber, Samantha McCabe, and Brad Langley.