Evers taps Marcus Hawkins to Public Service Commission

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Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers Thursday announced the appointment of Marcus Hawkins to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC). The appointment fills a vacancy created by Republicans in the Wisconsin State Senate firing PSC Commissioner Tyler Huebner earlier this year, Evers said. Hawkins’ appointment is effective April 8, 2024, and he will serve for the remainder of the term ending March 1, 2027.

“Marcus Hawkins’ experience working with utilities and his proven commitment to the state have well-prepared him to take on the role of commissioner,” said Evers.

“We have important work ahead of us at the PSC, from expanding access to high-speed internet to building 21st-century clean energy infrastructure across our state, and I’m glad to have Marcus’ expertise back at the PSC and know that he will serve the people of Wisconsin well,” Evers added.

Hawkins is the executive director of the Organization of MISO States (OMS), where he works closely with Commissioners from the 17 state regulatory agencies within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) footprint. Hawkins oversees the coordination of efficient and informed participation in regulatory proceedings of the regional grid operator, advises state commissions on wholesale market and transmission planning issues, and represents the collective interests of state regulators at both MISO and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Hawkins has been with the OMS since 2016, serving as executive director since January 2019.

Prior to joining OMS, Hawkins was a senior engineer at the PSC, program manager and engineer at Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation, and an energy capital markets analyst with PA Consulting Group in Denver, Colorado. Hawkins received a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he also received certificates in technical communication and energy analysis and policy.

“I’m so excited to be joining the Commission during such a critical time of rapid change in the utility industry,” said Hawkins.

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside many dedicated and inspiring utility commissioners from Wisconsin and around the country. I’m very humbled to be stepping into this role myself and hope to follow the excellent examples that have been set before me. I look forward to hitting the ground running and contributing to the extremely important work of the PSC. Lastly, I’d like to thank Gov. Evers for trusting me with this awesome responsibility,” Hawkins added.