Pataki Could Appoint Top Regulator

ALBANY— The resignation yesterday of a longtime appointee of Governor Pataki could mean the Republican will choose a new top utility regulator to serve through Democratic Governor-elect Spitzer's term.

William Flynn has resigned as chairman of the state Public Service Commission, which regulates energy and telecommunications including telephone and cable television service. Rate increases and service changes are proposed by companies to the commission. Mr. Flynn's term isn't scheduled to end until February 2009.

"The governor is considering his options and hasn't made a decision yet," a Pataki spokesman, David Catalfamo, said. Mr. Spitzer, who won by a historic margin in November, made a major campaign issue of reducing energy costs to spur business and to create a new energy policy for the state.

Mr. Spitzer had no immediate comment. The PSC has made some of the decisions most keenly felt by New Yorkers. It has approved rate increases for telephone and energy companies, required emergency service by telephone companies, and regulated competition among private companies in the growing telecommunications field."

As chairman of the Public Service Commission, Bill played an important role in approving one of the nations most aggressive Renewable Energy Standards," Mr. Pataki said.

"Chairman Flynn also expanded the States energy efficiency programs emphasizing assistance to low-income customers and helped develop some of the most progressive telecommunications policies focusing on the emerging wireless and broadband technologies."

Mr. Pataki is working with Mr. Spitzer on a transition to the first new administration in 12 years.