Arlington, Va., May 24, 2022 – Utility Industry representatives from across the U.S. elected Dewey Day of Pacific Gas & Electric Company as the new Chair of the Utilities Technology Council Board of Directors, effective through May 2023.  Day was elected at UTC’s 2022 Telecom & Technology Conference’s Membership Meeting, held on May 18 in Oklahoma City, Okla.

At the meeting, utility representatives approved Chair Day as well as Kirt Mayson of NorthWestern Energy as Vice-Chair, and Gary Vondrasek of JEA as Secretary/Treasurer. Each will serve in these capacities until the membership elects new officers during UTC’s 2023 Telecom & Technology Conference in Ft. Lauderdale scheduled for May 2023.

UTC is the global association at the nexus of the energy, utility, and telecommunications industries. Representing members of all sizes and ownership structures, UTC advocates for access to the information and communications technologies (ICT) needed for the safe and reliable delivery of mission-critical services.

“I would first like to thank our outgoing Chair Paul Lambert for his steadfast leadership of UTC over the last year,” Acting Chair Day said. “During his tenure, we faced unimagined challenges, and Paul’s leadership was key in developing a resiliency that has made us and our members even stronger than before. Thank you, Paul, for your unwavering commitment to UTC and our industry.”

“My thanks also to the UTC Board for this honor. This last year continued to throw an unprecedented number of challenges our way, from historically damaging storms, to the continued pandemic, to an unstable and tragic international situation in Ukraine. Yet at every turn, our industry has responded with resilience. Throughout my term, I look forward to working with my fellow colleagues and the UTC team to collaborate and build upon our successes. Our industry is truly essential to the economic livelihood of our nation, and I am proud to be a part of it. My congratulations to Vice-Chair Mayson and Secretary/Treasurer Vondrasek.”

Chair Day is a Principal Operational Technology Architect at Pacific Gas & Electric Company.  He has 28 years of experience designing fiber optic, microwave, and radio communications systems supporting utility needs throughout PG&E’s 79,000 square mile service territory.  Chair Day served for 15 years on the WECC telecommunications workgroup before joining UTC’s leadership team.  At UTC, he served for four years as Chair of the Public Policy Division prior to being elected to the Executive Committee.  Chair Day has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University, Fresno.

“Congratulations to Chair Day, Vice-Chair Mayson, and Secretary/Treasurer Vondrasek,” said UTC President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs. “Once again, the UTC Membership has elected a slate of proven leaders who will continue to push us forward. Chair Day is a UTC veteran, and I am excited about the next year and beyond. I also want to offer my profound and humble thanks and salute to Immediate Past Chair Lambert.  I am so thankful for his leadership and support! We all owe Paul a huge debt.”

###

About UTC 

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory, and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/   

Arlington—June 7, 2022 – The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) has recognized utilities and their personnel who demonstrated initiative, perseverance, and innovative thinking throughout the past year. The awards were given at the 2022 Telecom & Technology Conference in Oklahoma City, Okla.

UTC’s awards recognize the importance of utility Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems and the employees who build, operate, and maintain these systems to support the reliability, resilience, and safety of the nation’s electric systems. From storm response to day-to-day reliability, ICT networks also provide opportunities for communities to enhance economic prosperity, provide innovative new services, and support health, education and access to critical services.

“Congratulations to all of our winners this year,” said UTC Chairman of the Board Paul Lambert of East River Electric Power Coop. “I am proud to stand among them.  Over the past year our incredible workforce has answered the call, shown a resilience, and provided their communities with essential utility services under unprecedented and sometimes dangerous circumstances. These awards go to the heart of what makes UTC so special—the people, the utilities, and the technology partners who make up our membership. Every day our members work hard to support reliable, resilient, and affordable services to people and businesses. It is an honor to recognize a select few for their service.”

The 2022 UTC Award Winners are: 

• APEX Award – Recognizes individual accomplishment and organizational commitment for outstanding projects undertaken by utility telecom workers.
  • WINNER: Ameren; Brian Hartman, Roger Luechtefeld
• Dondanville Award – Established in 1989, named in honor of UTC’s first President & CEO, Russell V. Dondanville.  The Dondanville Award recognizes an individual’s extraordinary service and dedication to UTC over the years through active participation in numerous association activities.
  • WINNER: Paul Lambert, East River Electric Power Coop
• Meehan Award – Established in 1998, the Meehan Award is named in honor of UTC’s first Exec. Director Charles M. (Mike) Meehan. It recognizes individuals for their extraordinary leadership in projects during the past year that greatly furthered the interests and objectives of UTC.
  • WINNER: Ron Beck, Central Lincoln PUD
• Connie Durcsak Unsung Hero Award – Recognizes an individual or utility that exemplifies the selfless, admirable, necessary, never-ending work that our utility workers do every day in extenuating circumstances. They perform heroic tasks daily and there is often no press, fanfare, or acknowledgment of the lifesaving efforts performed by our utility workers
  • WINNER: Southern Company; Doug Barton
• UTC’s Emerging Leaders Awards. This award acknowledges “rising stars” within UTC’s member utilities, who are dedicated to the critical work of telecom, infrastructure, IT/OT, security, technology innovation, policy, and other key utility disciplines
  • WINNERS: Mike Lacey, National Grid; Daniella Piper, New York Power Authority; Corey Peters, New York Power Authority; Keisha Sauls, CenterPoint Energy; Lon Renner, Nebraska Public Power District
• Chairman Awards – These awards are given in appreciation for service to UTC during the past calendar year.
  • WINNERS: Dewey Day, Pacific Gas & Electric; Kirt Mayson, NorthWestern Energy; Peter Muhoro, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative; Daniella Piper, New York Power Authority; Travis Phifer, Tri-State G & T; Bob Lockhart, UTC; Brittany Luckett, UTC

• IMPACT Award – Building on the legacy of UTC awards, the IMPACT award honors the UTC Associate Member Organizations making a great impact on our industry through an innovative and proven solution.
  • WINNER: Burns & McDonnell; Matt Olson

###

About UTC 

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/

Arlington, Va.—March 14, 2022—The following statement may be attributed to UTC President & CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs.

“On March 8, President Joe Biden announced a ban on oil, natural gas, and coal imports from Russia in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign democratic nation. Before we turn to the implication for the U.S., let’s look at the war’s effects on Ukrainians.

“Over 2.5 million people, more than 5% of Ukraine’s population, have fled their homes on a moment’s notice to seek safety in neighboring countries. Thousands of Ukrainians have been killed or injured by Russia’s reckless bombardment of civilian centers and hospitals. We have all seen the pictures of the Russian tanks and infantry setting fire to the world’s largest nuclear plant in Zaporizhzhia and the news about Russian occupiers cutting all electricity to the cooling pools for the spent radioactive fuel rods at the Chernobyl nuclear plant.

“There are at least 650,000 people without electricity and almost 150,000 people without natural gas supply in the east, north, and south amid ongoing hostilities. At the same time, temperatures are dropping below freezing and crowded conditions in bomb shelters and private dwellings have the real likelihood to create a health crisis.

“Compare that to the quite literal “First World Problems” in the U.S. We are suffering from high gas prices due to the sanctions against Russia, which also increases inflation. There are no lines at gas stations, natural gas remains plentiful since the U.S. can produce all the gas we consume, and coal imports from Russia make up a minuscule .05% of modest imports. This seems like an opportune moment to consider how information communications technology, e.g., Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Distributed Energy Resources, Microgrids, Internet of Things, connecting the growing generation of renewable energy resources, etc. can shape, power, and safeguard the American power supply and delivery. ICT has many facets, and UTC’s members are active in all of them. Becoming energy independent is a big job and entails all sectors from oil and gas to wind and solar. Let us use the combined creativity and ingenuity of our utilities to chart the fastest course to a carbon-neutral future while ensuring the safe, reliable, and affordable generation, transmission, and delivery of power to Americans.”

###

About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory, and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/

Headquarters Staff Changes Provide Organization with Depth of Experience

Arlington, Va.—February 10, 2021–Utilities Technology Council (UTC) President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs today announced a round of strategic new hires and promotions that she said will strengthen UTC’s leadership structure, enabling the organization to more effectively service its members and respond to a rapidly changing industry environment by shaping the future of utility mission-critical technologies.

The four new hires, which will bolster UTC’s senior management staff, are:

• Teesa Banks, who has assumed the role of Chief of Staff. Banks is responsible for overseeing UTC’s daily operations and individual departments.  She also heads the organization’s Human Resources department.  Banks comes to UTC with extensive experience in organizational leadership, human resource management, and compliance.  She received her master’s degree from Troy University, Troy, Ala.

• Menen Fantay, who has come onboard as UTC’s Vice President, Operations. Fantay, who is rejoining UTC after four years, is responsible for ensuring the organization’s daily business practices meet its operational goals. She returns to UTC with a broad and extensive understanding of business administration, finance, and information technology.  Fantay received her bachelor’s degree from Strayer University and studied for her master’s degree at the University of Maryland, College Park, Md.

• Peter Wilson, who has joined UTC as Director, Communications. Wilson is responsible for developing and coordinating the organization’s strategic messaging and stakeholder outreach. He is a Washington, D.C., based communications professional with expertise working with nonprofits, trade associations, and national PR firms. Wilson received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Ca.

• Dana Daberko is UTC’s new Frequency Coordinator, where she is responsible for the coordination and filing of applications for radio station authorizations and antenna structure registrations issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and notices of proposed construction or alteration of communications tower sites issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. She also manages UTC’s License Sentry, FCC License Management Services, and Frequency Sentry Monitoring Services. Dana studied at Vernon College, Vernon, Texas, and Montgomery College, Rockville, Md.

• “I’m excited and proud to welcome Teesa, Menen, Peter, and Dana to the UTC staff, wherein a short time they are already making their presence known,” Ms. Osiene-Riggs said. “UTC is a small but mighty team, and I know they will work hard and tirelessly to make sure we and our members stay at the forefront of an exciting time for our industry, when the utilities, telecom, and technology industries are more connected than ever before.”

Osiene-Riggs also announced the promotion of Christopher Brent to Manager, Membership & Meetings.  Brent is responsible for onboarding new UTC members and servicing existing members, as well as overseeing UTC’s webinar program and managing UTC’s regional and national events.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Alvernia University, Reading, Pa.

“Christopher’s promotion is the result of his hard work and dedication, and it’s richly deserved,” Osiene-Riggs said. “I couldn’t be more proud of him for helping to move our meetings program forward in exciting new directions, and he has built deep relationships with our members that have earned their respect and trust.”

UTC staff bios are available on the UTC website: https://2026.utc.org/utc-staff/.

 ###

About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/

The following statement may be attributed to UTC President & CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs.

“I fully support today’s vote by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to advance the nomination of Alan Davidson as Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce to the Senate floor for a full vote. Mr. Davidson’s diverse background in public service and the private sector make him the ideal leader for NTIA at a crucial time. If confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Davidson will be the first Senate-confirmed leader in over two years, and we look forward to working with him as NTIA administers $42 billion for faster broadband services to underserved and unserved areas, another $1 billion for middle-mile broadband infrastructure deployment and $2 billion for broadband services in tribal areas as part of the overall $65 billion for broadband in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.“

“UTC is looking forward to Mr. Davidson’s speedy confirmation by the Senate and working with him to eliminate the digital divide and promote access to reliable, robust, and affordable broadband services. Utilities around the country are leading the way to deploy broadband infrastructure or provide broadband services in unserved and underserved areas, and UTC stands ready to assist NTIA with providing broadband to Americans on an equitable and inclusive basis.  UTC is also excited to collaborate with NTIA to provide access to a sufficient and suitable spectrum for electric, gas, and water utilities and other critical infrastructure industries. ”

“UTC also expresses its appreciation for the leadership of Acting NTIA Administrator Evelyn Remaley and we are ready to continue our productive working relationship.”

###

About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory, and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/

The following statement may be attributed to UTC President & CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs.

“UTC, together with eleven associations representing a broad cross-section of electric, gas and water utilities, public safety and other critical infrastructure, filed a Petition for Rulemaking and a Request for Stay with the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) to prevent radiofrequency interference to their mission-critical communications from unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band.  The Commission must develop new rules for the 6 GHz band because real-world testing has proven that 6 GHz low-power indoor (LPI) devices will cause interference to licensed microwave systems.  The threat of interference from these devices is imminent and substantial, and the Commission must stop certifying 6 GHz LPI devices and revoke the certification of those devices it has already approved.  The Commission should also conduct independent tests to determine if it is necessary to develop new rules for unlicensed standard power access devices.  Finally, the Commission must implement a cost recovery mechanism for incumbent licensees to reimburse them for any expenses incurred in mitigating and resolving interference from unlicensed operators in the 6 GHz band.”

“UTC expects swift action by the Commission on the Petition for Rulemaking and Request for Stay to protect the safe and uninterrupted operation of critical utility communications systems and the electric, gas, and water services that they support.”

###

About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory, and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/

The following statement may be attributed to UTC President & CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs.

“I applaud the appointment of Commissioner Emile Thompson as the Interim Chair of the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. At the same time, I congratulate Mayor Muriel Bowser for her foresight in appointing Mr. Thompson, whose outstanding record of public service and commitment to the District will be the foundation for leading the Public Service Commission in successfully addressing pressing issues such as the energy transition and utility workforce development.”

“UTC is looking forward to working with Interim Chair Thompson and developing creative, sustainable solutions to the challenges facing utilities.”

###

About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory, and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/

The Utilities Technology Council released the following statement from UTC President & CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs praising the House for the bipartisan passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes $65 billion in total funding for broadband, $65 billion for power infrastructure, and $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging stations.

“Today, all Americans can look confident into a future with fast, reliable, and affordable broadband connections fueled by investments in broadband access for all Americans, including those in rural areas, low-income families, and tribal communities. UTC members have long advocated for one-time investments in future-proof technologies that cost-effectively deliver reliable and affordable broadband services.”

“This legislation also drives needed investments in critical energy infrastructure, enabling the construction of thousands of miles of new transmission lines, which will enable the expansion of renewable sources of energy and other clean energy initiatives on the way to a carbon-zero future. These investments will be essential to support electric vehicle charging infrastructure and incorporate new demand-response programs.”

“The projected generation of millions of quality jobs including in electric, gas and water utilities and other critical infrastructure industries also represents an outstanding opportunity for UTC’s members on their workforce development journey.”

###

About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory, and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/

October 28, 2021—

UTC applauds President Biden’s nominations of Acting Chair Jessica Rosenworcel to serve as the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission and Gigi Sohn to serve as Commissioner of the FCC.  We also applaud the nomination of Alan Davidson to serve as Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

“I extend heartfelt congratulations from UTC and our utility industry members to these two trailblazing FCC nominees”, stated UTC President & CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs. Not only do Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel and Gigi Sohn have a long and distinguished career in public service and telecommunications policy but they are true pioneers.  I also want to extend UTC’s congratulations to Alan Davidson as he prepares to lead the NTIA to promote broadband access and oversee federal spectrum management.”

Electric, gas and water utilities are empowering communications to support the safe, reliable, and secure delivery of energy and water services; and to promote broadband deployment and reduce the digital divide.  We look forward to working with these excellent nominees to promote policies to support utilities’ mission-critical communications needs and develop opportunities for access to broadband funding for last-mile and middle-mile networks that utilities are deploying in unserved and underserved areas.

###

About UTC

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: 2026.utc.org/