The director of the state panel that regulates public utilities is stepping down from that role. But he won’t really be leaving the commission.
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Director Tom Johnson says personal reasons have led him to the decision to step down. But he does intend to stay on as a member of the commission. That term would end in four years.
Johnson, a long time state lawmaker who became chairman last April, says he’ll stay in the top position until a replacement has been found. One of the leading contenders for that replacement could be Andre Porter.
He was a PUCO member before being named the director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. He’s back on the commission now.