Washington—Sept. 9, 2021—

Arlington, VA—Sep. 1, 2021 – Policies supporting funding for broadband, electric infrastructure, and federal spectrum sharing were among a series of resolutions approved by the electric, water, and natural gas utility members of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC) during the UTC Telecom & Technology 2021 annual conference.

Specifically, UTC’s core utility members approved policy resolutions supporting utility broadband, state block grant funding for broadband infrastructure development, and federal spectrum sharing.  In addition, the members approved resolutions opposing FCC policies that would unfairly shift the cost of pole replacements onto utilities, and force utilities to bear a disproportionate and unfair share of the cost of the FCC’s Universal Service Fund contributions.

These approved policy resolutions will guide and inform UTC’s advocacy in Washington, D.C., and at the state level on these issues.

Below is a summary of the resolutions; the full text of the resolutions is available here.

Resolution Supporting Utility Broadband Infrastructure Policies

This resolution expresses UTC’s support for state policymakers to consider new and innovative rate-regulatory policies that shorten the lag between investment and cost-recovery on all utility technologies, including middle- and last-mile projects, in order to help connect all Americans to broadband services. The resolution urges Congress to consider adding funding for all utility broadband projects, including middle- and last-mile, as part of its economic recovery packages.

Resolution on Universal Service Fund Contribution (USF) Reform

This resolution expresses UTC’s opposition to any attempts to disproportionately or unfairly increase the USF fees paid by utilities. This resolution also states that UTC will, and encourages its members to, raise awareness of the significant impact USF Contribution Reform will have on utilities and their customers.

Resolution on Federal Support for State Block Grant Funding for Broadband Infrastructure Development

This resolution urges the federal government to remove the barrier of eligible telecommunication carrier (ETC) status and other such requirements that otherwise prevent open access utilities from receiving federal funding for broadband infrastructure. The resolution also states that UTC supports a role for states in identifying funding needs and mechanisms that work best for rural communities and rural providers. Finally, the resolution asks the federal government to create state block grant programs that allow broadband infrastructure funding requirements to be tailored by states to best address the infrastructure development needs of customers in each community.

Resolution Opposing NCTA Petition on Utility Pole Attachments

This resolution urges the Federal Communications Commission to reject the NCTA petition on pole replacement costs, as it would only serve to shift costs and delay deployment of broadband services in unserved and underserved areas. This resolution also urges the FCC to promote rules and policies that encourage collaboration and partnership between utilities and telecommunications companies in order to develop smarter, safer, and more technically efficient services for the public.

Resolution Supporting Department of Defense Spectrum Sharing

This resolution expresses UTC’s formal support for spectrum-sharing arrangements with the Department of Defense in order to provide utilities and federal agencies with reliable wireless communications to support future capacity and coverage requirements cost-effectively.

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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—Sep. 1, 2021 – The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) marked the return to its in-person Annual Telecom & Technology Conference by recognizing utilities and their personnel who demonstrated initiative, perseverance, and innovative thinking throughout the past year.

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 Immediate Past UTC Chairman of the Board Greg Angst of CenterPoint Energy. “I can think of no other industry that has risen to the challenges of the last year-plus like the utility sector and our technology partners. Time and again, our incredible workforce has answered the call and provided our essential utility services under unprecedented 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 energy and water services to people and businesses. It is an honor to recognize a select few for their service.”

The 2021 UTC Award Winners are:

• APEX Award – Recognizes individual accomplishment and organizational commitment for outstanding projects undertaken by utility telecom workers.
  • WINNER: Tennessee Valley Authority
• Dondanville Award – Established in 1989, named in honor of UTC’s first President & CEO, Russell V. Dondanville. It recognizes an individual’s extraordinary service and dedication to UTC over the years through active participation in numerous association activities.
  • WINNER: Greg Angst, CenterPoint Energy

• 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.
  • WINNERS: Mike Unser, Salt River Project; Sheryl Osiene-Riggs, UTC

• 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: Nashville Electric Service
    • Chris Luark
    • Cory Stanton
    • Ryan Parker
    • Sadaria Wallace
    • Mickey Thompson
    • Michael Shannon

• 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: Casey Hutchinson, Puget Sound Energy; Sue Hoffman, Southern Company; Kedaar Raman, New York Power Authority

• Chairman Awards – These awards are given in appreciation for service to UTC during the past calendar year.
  • WINNERS: Dewey Day, Pacific Gas & Electric; Roger Bryant (retired), Southern Company; Matt Schnell, Nebraska Public Power District; Ron Beck, Central Lincoln People’s Utility District; Mlungisi Mkhwanazi, Africa Utilities Technology Council; Rob Thormeyer, UTC

• Committee Leadership Recognition – Honors Committee and Division leadership
  • Paul Zawada, American Electric Power Company; Kirt Mayson, NorthWestern Corporation; Mitchel Crocker, CenterPoint Energy; Michael Rosenthal, Southern LINC; Doug Barton, Southern Company; Matt Schnell Nebraska Public Power District; Sheila Wells (retired); Ron Beck, Central Lincoln People’s Utility District; Jon Stitzel, Ameren; Gary Vondrasek, JEA; Darren Farnan, United Electric Cooperative

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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/ \\Client\C$\Users\Eric Wagner\UTC\Meetings\Annual Conference\2021 Portland\Press Releases\2026.utc.org/

Arlington, VA, August 31, 2021 –Energy and water utility representatives from across the U.S. elected Paul Lambert of East River Electric Cooperative as the new Chairman of the Utilities Technology Council Board of Directors, effective through May 2022.

During UTC’s Annual Telecom & Technology Conference’s Membership Meeting on August 26, utility representatives approved Chair Lambert as well as Dewey Day of Pacific Gas & Electric as Vice-Chair, and Kirt Mayson of NorthWestern Energy as Secretary/Treasurer. Each will serve in these capacities until the membership elects new officers during UTC’s Telecom & Technology Annual Conference in Oklahoma City scheduled for May 2022.

UTC is the global association at the nexus of the energy, utility, and telecommunications industries. Representing energy and water providers 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 these vital services.

“First of all I would like to thank our outgoing Chairman Greg Angst for his steadfast leadership of UTC over these last few years,” Acting Chairman Lambert said. “Greg signed up for a year-long term, like the rest of us, but due to the pandemic and our inability to meet last year, he ended up serving two-plus years. Thank you, Greg, for your unwavering commitment to UTC and our industry.”

“My thanks also to the UTC Board for this honor. These last few years have thrown an unprecedented number of challenges our way, from historically damaging storms, frequently evolving attacks on our infrastructure, and now the coronavirus pandemic. 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 Chairman Day and Secretary/Treasurer Kirt Mayson.”

“When I look back on the last two years, it staggers me to think of how much has changed,” said Immediate Past Chair Angst. “No one knew the pandemic would upend our industry and so many of our lives. But I am proud of how our industry and association responded. Proud, but not surprised. Ours is an industry that plans for the unknown, so we were ready when the pandemic hit. We’ve managed to move the needle on utility broadband and have successfully raised awareness in Washington about our industry’s critical need for spectrum. I would like to thank the UTC Board and our membership, but also the UTC staff, especially President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs. Sheryl led the team through the worst of the pandemic, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together now that we are recovering. UTC is an outstanding organization, and I am humbled to have been your Chairman.”

Chairman Lambert is a supervisor in the Telecommunications Department at East River Electric Power Cooperative in Madison, S.D., where his direct responsibilities include mobile trunked radio, SCADA, load management, multiple wireless systems and their associated antenna systems, and standby generator backups. He has worked in the utility telecommunications field for more than four decades.  He is a graduate of Lake Area Technical College (LATC) in Watertown, S.D., with a degree in Electronics/Communications. He holds a First Class Federal Communications Commission Operators License and is a certified tower climber. Chairman Lambert previously served on the Advisory Board for the electronics program at LATC and served on the Lake County 911 Communications Committee.

Chairman Lambert has been an active participant in UTC’s Region 5 for many years and is a past officer and Chairman. He currently serves on the International Board of Directors for the Knights of Columbus and he and his wife Julie are the parents of four adult children and have five grandchildren.

“Congratulations to Chair Lambert, Vice Chair Day, and Secretary/Treasurer Mayson,” said UTC President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs. “Once again, the UTC Membership has elected a slate of leaders who will continue to push us forward. Chair Lambert has been involved with UTC for decades and I am excited about the next year and beyond. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank and salute Immediate Past Chair Angst. What a run we’ve had! I am so thankful for his leadership and support. We all owe Greg a huge debt.”

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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/

WASHINGTON—July 21, 2021–Utilities Technology Council President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs issued the following statement applauding the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ approval of a resolution supporting utilities’ efforts to deploy broadband to unserved and underserved areas:

“On behalf of the Utilities Technology Council, I wish to thank and applaud our nation’s state utility regulators for highlighting the important role utilities can play in bringing broadband services to all corners of the country. Electric utilities of all kinds—investor-owned, cooperative, and public power–empower broadband deployment. Hundreds of cooperative and municipally owned utilities are directly providing high-speed, resilient broadband services in unserved and underserved areas. At the same time, a growing number of investor-owned utilities are deploying middle-mile broadband networks to help connect similarly situated parts of the country.

“However, there are still barriers in numerous states that are preventing more utilities from connecting their communities with broadband. NARUC’s resolution encourages states to consider removing restrictions preventing utilities from offering broadband services, which can include using their rights-of-way for broadband networks. NARUC also suggests developing a model statute that states may use to address regulatory barriers. UTC supports these efforts and looks forward to working with NARUC and its members.

“It is clear to me that broadband access is as important today as electricity was a century ago. Electric utilities are well-positioned to promote broadband access, either directly or through innovative partnerships with other entities. My sincere thanks and gratitude to NARUC for passing this important resolution.”

–UTC President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs

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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—June 22, 2021 –Energy and water utility representatives across the U.S. yesterday nominated a new slate of officers to lead the Utilities Technology Council (UTC), effective through June 2022.

The new officers have assumed their roles on an acting basis; their nominations are subject to confirmation during the Aug. 22-27 UTC Annual Telecom & Technology Meeting.

During UTC’s June 21 Board of Directors meeting, UTC board members nominated Paul Lambert of East River Electric Cooperative as its new Chairman, Dewey Day of Pacific Gas & Electric as Vice Chair, and Kirt Mayson of NorthWestern Energy as Secretary/Treasurer. If confirmed by UTC’s membership in August, each will serve in these capacities until UTC’s June 2022 Telecom & Technology Annual Conference.

UTC is the global association at the nexus of the energy, utility and telecommunications industries. Representing energy and water providers of all sizes and ownership structures, UTC advocates for the information and communications technology (ICT) needed for the safe and reliable delivery of these vital services.

“First of all I would like to thank our outgoing Chairman Greg Angst for his steadfast leadership of UTC over these last few years,” Acting Chairman Lambert said. “Greg signed up for a year-long term, like the rest of us, but due to the pandemic and our inability to meet last year, he ended up serving two-plus years. Thank you, Greg, for your unwavering commitment to UTC and our industry.

“My thanks also to the UTC Board for this honor. These last few years have thrown an unprecedented number of challenges our way, from historically damaging storms, frequently evolving attacks on our infrastructure, and now the coronavirus pandemic. Yet at every turn our industry has responded with resilience. Throughout the next year, 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 Acting Vice Chairman Day and Acting Secretary/Treasurer Kirt Mayson.”

“When I look back on the last two years, it staggers me to think of how much has changed,” said Immediate Past Chair Angst. “No one knew the pandemic would upend our industry and so many of our lives. But I am proud of how our industry and association responded. Proud, but not surprised. Ours in an industry that plans for the unknown, so we were ready when the pandemic hit. We’ve managed to move the needle on utility broadband and have successfully raised awareness in Washington about our industry’s critical need for spectrum. I would like to thank the UTC Board and our membership, but also the UTC staff, especially President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs. Sheryl led the team through the worst of the pandemic, and I look forward to seeing what they can achieve now that we are recovering. UTC is an outstanding organization and I am humbled to have been your Chairman.”

Chairman Lambert is a supervisor in the Telecommunications Department at East River Electric Power Cooperative in Madison, S.D., where his direct responsibilities are mobile trunked radio, SCADA, Load Management, multiple wireless systems and their associated antenna systems, and standby generator backups. He has worked in the utility telecommunications field for more than four decades. He is a graduate of Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, S.D., with a degree in Electronics/Communications. He holds a First Class Federal Communications Commission Operators License and is a certified tower climber. Chairman Lambert previously served on the Advisory Board for the electronics program at LATI and served on the Lake County 911 Communications committee.

Chairman Lambert has been an active participant in UTC’s Region 5 for many years and is a past officer and Chairman. He currently serves on the International Board of Directors for the Knights of Columbus and he and his wife Julie are the parents of four adult children and have five grandchildren.

“Congratulations to Acting Chair Lambert, Acting Vice Chair Day, and Acting Secretary/Treasurer Mayson,” said UTC President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs. “Once again, the UTC Board of Directors has nominated a slate of leaders who will continue to push us forward. Acting Chair Lambert has been involved with UTC for decades and I am excited about the next year and beyond. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank and salute Immediate Past Chair Angst. What a run we’ve had! I am so thankful for his leadership and support. We all owe Greg a huge debt.”

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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/

Washington—June 18, 2021—Utilities Technology Council President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs issued the following statement in recognition of Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday:

“On this historic first official Juneteenth holiday, I encourage all Americans to use this day as one of remembrance, reflection, and education. Juneteenth is both joyous and tragic occasion. Joyous in that the enslaved African-Americans were finally freed, but tragic because of the generations of enslaved peoples who suffered and toiled against their will.

“In many ways, the story of Juneteenth is a parable for today. Although President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it was two long years before the Civil War ended and word of President Lincoln’s order made its way across the entire South. Similarly today, our country is still reeling from the original sin of slavery. While we have made tremendous progress, we continue to have much healing to do.

“It is my hope that beginning today, we can reflect on how far we have come, and how far we have to go.”

–Sheryl Osiene-Riggs, President & CEO, Utilities Technology Council

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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/

Washington—May 24, 2021–Utilities Technology Council (UTC) President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs today announced a round of senior-level promotions within the UTC staff.

“Today’s promotions are the result of hard work and dedication amongst some of our longest-tenured members of the UTC staff,” Ms. Osiene-Riggs said. “UTC is a small but mighty team. We model ourselves after our members—we work hard and tirelessly to serve them as they power our lives. I am proud to move up these staff who have put in the years and hours in service of our members. My congratulations to them. I also want to acknowledge the entire UTC team—we are truly a family and I cannot thank them enough for their incredible devotion over the last year. We have made tremendous strides under difficult conditions and I am so proud of all of them. Thank you.”

In order of seniority, Ms. Osiene-Riggs made the following appointments:

• Brett Kilbourne was promoted to Senior Vice President of Policy. As part of this role, Mr. Kilbourne will continue to serve as UTC’s General Counsel. He will also provide oversight of UTC’s Public Policy Team and is a member of the association’s Senior Executive Team. Mr. Kilbourne joined UTC in 1999. In this role, Mr. Kilbourne provides legal guidance to utilities on telecommunications issues both pending before federal and state agencies and being considered in Congress.

He received his Juris Doctor degree from Catholic University and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the South. Mr. Kilbourne is licensed to practice law in the state of Maryland, and is a member of the American Bar Association and the Federal Communications Bar Association.

• Joann Howell was appointed Vice President of UTC’s Spectrum Services. Ms. Howell is UTC’s longest-serving staff member, having joined the organization in 1990. Most recently, Ms. Howell served as Senior Director of Spectrum Services. In her new role, Ms. Howell oversees UTC’s Spectrum Services team, which assists commercial entities coordinate spectrum frequencies to comply with federal regulations. More information on UTC Spectrum Services is available here: https://2026.utc.org/spectrum-services/

• Rob Thormeyer was promoted to Vice President, Communications and Advocacy. Mr. Thormeyer most recently served as Senior Director, Communications and Advocacy. In his new role, Mr. Thormeyer manages UTC’s messaging and public-facing communications with policy stakeholders, including federal and state policymakers, and the media. Prior to joining UTC in September 2017, Mr. Thormeyer served as Strategic Advisor to former Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Member Colette Honorable.

• Daniel Thrasher was promoted to Vice President, Finance and Operations. Prior to his promotion, Mr. Thrasher was UTC’s Senior Director of Finance and Operations. As Vice President, Mr. Thrasher oversees UTC’s Finance and Operations Department, which is responsible for managing UTC’s budget and ensuring the association is in compliance with fiscal audit regulations. Prior to joining UTC in early 2018, Mr. Thrasher spent nearly a decade working directly with non-profit organizations.

• Finally, Kevin Lynch was promoted to Director, Finance and Operations. Mr. Lynch joined UTC in October 2018 as Manager of Accounting and Administration. He has more than 25 years of progressive work experience with for-profit and non-profit organizations. Mr. Lynch also oversees UTC’s IT department in addition to his accounting responsibilities. He graduated from North Carolina A&T with a degree in accounting.

In addition, Ms. Osiene-Riggs announced the following new hires to the UTC organization since last August:

• Tracy Adams, Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO
• Brittany Luckett, Manager of Marketing
• Heather Harvey, Manager of Membership
• Brian Clark, IT and Database Manager
• Chemia (Mia) Richardson, Association Coordinator
• Campbell Baskin, Legislative Assistant

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

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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/

Washington—April 13, 2021—Utilities Technology Council President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs issued the following statement after President Biden nominated Chris Inglis as National Cybersecurity Director, Jen Easterly as Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and Robert Silvers as Undersecretary of Policy at the Department of Homeland Security:

“On behalf of the Utilities Technology Council, I send my congratulations to Jen Easterly, Chris Inglis, and Robert Silvers upon their nominations today. All three of these nominees come with extensive backgrounds in public and private service. Securing our nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber and physical attack requires a strong partnership between government and industry. Communication, collaboration, and information sharing are essential as we shore up our nation’s most crucial assets. I look forward to working with these three qualified candidates and urge the Senate to approve these nominees as expeditiously as possible.”
–UTC President and CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs

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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/