[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointment of John Tuma to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Tuma will receive his second consecutive appointment to the PUC and will serve a term effective March 29, 2021 and expiring on January 4, 2027.

“The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission plays the essential role of ensuring that utilities like electricity, heat, and phone lines—services that Minnesotans rely on every single day—are reliable,” said Governor Walz. “I am grateful to Commissioner Tuma for continuing his service to Minnesota.”

“For years, Commissioner Tuma has been devoted to ensuring that Minnesota’s lights stay on and our power remains reliable. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to his continued service on the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.

"I am deeply honored by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor's confidence in allowing me to continue to serve the people of Minnesota" said PUC Commissioner Tuma. "I’m ready to roll up my sleeves to do the hard work necessary as we transform the energy industry to provide customers with clean, cost-effective and reliable service 24/7. It is a privilege to work alongside and support the dedicated fellow Minnesotans that are committed to providing these critical services from the line worker who answers the call on a bone chilling Minnesota morning to the planners making sure that service is always there keeping our families safe and warm."

"Commissioner Tuma's reappointment is richly deserved,” said Ron Elwood, Supervising Attorney at Legal Services Advocacy Project. “He has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to protecting ratepayers while ensuring necessary stability and reliability of utilities and utility service, and looking to a clean energy future."

About Commissioner John Tuma

Commissioner Tuma has served on the PUC since 2015, where his areas of focus have included cyber security, telecommunications, and siting of renewable facilities. Prior to his service on the PUC, Commissioner Tuma worked for decades on energy and conservation policy issues for nongovernmental organizations. Tuma’s experience includes working with Conservation Minnesota to lead efforts to pass key energy legislation, including Minnesota’s Renewable Energy Standard – which garnered broad, bipartisan support.

Commissioner Tuma served as a Republican legislator in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1995 to 2002, representing parts of Rice, LeSueur, Scott, and Dakota counties. During his time in the House, he served as Chair of the Crime Prevention Committee.

Commissioner Tuma earned his B.A., Summa Cum Laude, from Mankato State University, and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. He has practiced law in Northfield where he presently resides with his wife Wendy. They have two adult children Cal and Molly.

About the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates the electricity, natural gas, and telephone services industries in Minnesota—ensuring safe, reliable, and effective utility services. The Commission is a five-member body with legislative and quasi-judicial functions.

About the Appointment Process

A screening panel recommended candidates to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor following vetting, consultation, and panel interviews. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor interviewed three finalists and made their final selection. The two other finalists interviewed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor were Senator David Osmek and Brad Finstad.