Brandy Marty Marquez announced her resignation from the Public Utility Commission of Texas on March 8, 2018. Commissioner Marquez served on the commission since Gov. Perry appointed her in August 2013. Her resignation is effective April 1.
Texas public servant
Before her appointment as PUC commissioner, Marquez worked in several key roles including Chief of Staff to Governor Rick Perry. Her previous roles include Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of the Budget, Planning and Policy Division, and Deputy Legislative Director. The PUC’s press release announcing her resignation included a statement from Gov. Greg Abbott. “The State of Texas has benefited greatly from the more than 17 years of dedicated service from Brandy Marquez,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Her commitment and passion for public service have been on full display throughout her impressive career. I commend Brandy for her extraordinary accomplishments during her tenure as Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and I wish her the best in all her future endeavors.”
PUC service
Marquez emphasized honest conversations and a Texas-first approach. While at the Commission, Marquez served on the Texas Reliability Entity. There, she focused on vital issues ranging from cyber security to regional standards and enforcement issues. She also sat on the Nuclear Waste Storage Coalition. The Coalition focuses on finding a solution to nuclear waste storage issues across the country. After the Texas Legislature moved regulation of water utilities from TCEQ to the PUC, Marquez participated in several rulemakings and contested cases. She also supported changes to ensure fair customer rates in the Sharyland territory. Marquez gave transmission line routing cases her deep, personal consideration. On the day she announced her resignation, the commission approved Sempra Energy’s proposal to acquire Oncor. Oncor is state’s largest transmission and distribution utility.
Marquez statement
The PUC press release included this statement from Marquez. “I leave the Commission knowing that the agency will continue serving our great state with fairness under the principled leadership of Chairman DeAnn Walker and Commissioner Arthur D’Andrea. Supported by the best staff of any Texas agency, the PUC will continue working tirelessly on behalf of stakeholders and consumers. I am honored to have served my fellow Texans. I leave with a happy heart.”