DENVER  - Governor Bill Owens announced the appointment of Raymond L. Gifford to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today. Gifford will serve as one of three public utilities commissioners for the State of Colorado.

"Ray Gifford brings a great deal of regulatory experience to the position and will serve Coloradans well," said Gov. Owens.

Gifford, who currently manages the technical unit in the Regulatory Law Section of the Colorado Attorney General's office said, "I am honored that Gov. Owens appointed me to this very important commission." During 1992-'93, Gifford served as a law clerk to U.S. District Court Chief Judge Richard Matsch. He has his juris doctorate from the University of Chicago Law School.

The PUC consists of three commissioners who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate for a term of four years. No more than two commissioners can be appointed from the same political party. The Commission has a director who oversees staff with expertise in engineering, economics, law, finance, support and management.

The PUC oversees roughly $3.3 billion in annual revenue of the regulated fixed utilities including electrical, common carrier, pipeline, gas, telephone, telegraph and providers, and water corporations that supply their services to the public. The PUC is also responsible for regulating the safety of utility services and ensures the public receives utility services at affordable prices.