Pennsylvanians can expect Darryl Lawrence to keep championing their interests as the state's Consumer Advocate, following a unanimous Pennsylvania Senate approval. His nomination, which came from Attorney General Dave Sunday, marks the culmination of Lawrence's interim tenure that began on February 4. Prior to stepping into the interim role, he has been entrenched in the Office of Consumer Advocate since 2005 and climbed the ranks to become Senior Assistant Consumer Advocate.
Attorney General Dave Sunday expressed his satisfaction with the Senate's decision, reaffirming his faith in Lawrence's abilities. "I am pleased that the Senate has confirmed my appointment of Darryl Lawrence as Pennsylvania’s Consumer Advocate, and am confident that Darryl will serve Pennsylvanians well in that capacity," Sunday stated, per the official announcement. "Darryl dedicated his career to advocating on behalf of Pennsylvanians who may not have a voice in the regulatory, judicial, and legislative processes attached to public utilities. He has proven himself as an experienced, tough, fair, and honest advocate."
Since its creation by the General Assembly in 1976, the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate stands as the vanguard representing utility ratepayers in the state. Operating autonomously though housed within the Office of Attorney General, it has the liberty and authority to immerse itself in legal battles and has been notably active before the Pennsylvania Utility Commission and in various courts.
"It has been an honor to work for the Office of Consumer Advocate, and to serve the public utility customers of Pennsylvania for the past 20 years," Lawrence said in gratitude. "I look forward to continuing this important work as the new Consumer Advocate of Pennsylvania. My heartfelt thanks to Attorney General Dave Sunday, the Pennsylvania Senate, and the incredible staff at the Office of Consumer Advocate who have provided support and encouragement throughout this process. I am deeply honored to take on this new role," captured by the Attorney General's official announcement.
As Consumer Advocate, Lawrence will be involved in influencing the service quality and pricing for public utilities such as electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and telecom companies in Pennsylvania. These sectors are under the close scrutiny of either the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or, at the federal level, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. His expertise and long-standing commitment to public service aim to keep these essential services in check for the good of every citizen in the Commonwealth.
