IREC Vice President Radina Valova Appointed as New York Public Service Commissioner

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is honored to announce that its Regulatory Vice President, Radina Valova, has been appointed to serve as a Commissioner on the New York Public Service Commission, the utility regulatory body for the state.

Valova was nominated for the Commission on May 24 by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. A hearing to consider her nomination was held on June 5 in a joint meeting of the New York State Senate’s Energy and Telecommunications and Finance Committees. Her nomination was formally approved by the full senate on June 6, around 4 p.m. Eastern Time. 

“Radina’s appointment as a Public Service Commissioner for the State of New York is a testament to the caliber of her electricity regulatory expertise and a public affirmation of what the IREC team has long known—that she is a tireless advocate for advancing the public interest through sound utility regulatory policy,” said IREC President and CEO Larry Sherwood. “We look forward to seeing great contributions from Radina over the six years of her appointment.” 

As a New York Public Service Commissioner, Valova will have significant authority in shaping New York’s utility and clean energy markets and its ability to meet its ambitious climate change and clean energy targets as one of seven members of the Commission. As reported by Politico at the time of her nomination, “The commission has vast authority and responsibility to hit the state’s renewable energy and zero-emission electricity targets, as well as playing a pivotal role in the transition of the gas system to reduce emissions.”

“I am honored to have Governor Kathy Hochul’s nomination and the Senate’s confirmation, and am thrilled at the opportunity to serve New Yorkers as a member of the Commission. I look forward to working toward upholding the Commission’s responsibility to ensure safety, reliability, affordability, and achieving the state’s clean energy and just transition mandates,” Valova said. “It has been a truly wonderful experience to work with the IREC team on laying the technical foundation for the rapid, efficient, and equitable grid integration of clean energy. IREC’s Regulatory Program is in excellent hands and will continue to drive toward well-designed policy and technical solutions across the country.” 

Valova has led IREC’s state regulatory program since 2020. In this role, she has overseen IREC’s work to align state regulatory policies, particularly interconnection procedures, with best practices for the efficient and equitable growth of renewable energy that maintain grid safety, reliability, and affordability. Prior to joining IREC, Radina served as Senior Staff Attorney and Regulatory Affairs Manager for the Pace Energy and Climate Center in White Plains, New York, where she led the Center’s engagement in New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision, developed policy solutions for decarbonizing the buildings sector, and pushed for clean and affordable energy for low- and moderate-income communities. 

Valova’s last day as a member of IREC staff will be June 18; Mari Hernandez, IREC Regulatory Program Director, will lead the organization’s state regulatory team until a successor is found. IREC is currently hiring for its next Regulatory Vice President and interested applicants are encouraged to apply at: https://irecusa.org/about-irec/careers-and-opportunities/

IREC | irecusa.org