New consumer chief

Claire Geddes, a member of the search committee that recommended Beck, said she will not oppose Beck, as she did Reberg.

"(Beck) has got a very strong background in utility regulation," Geddes said. "She has more experience than anyone else. She has the background, and she has the education. That end of it is very strong. I'm hoping that she will be as strong an advocate."

In 2005, Minnesota had the ninth-lowest average residential natural gas prices in the nation, according to the Energy Information Administration. That same year, Minnesota's electricity rates ranked No. 21 in lowest average retail prices. In comparison, Utah residential natural gas prices in 2005 were second lowest in the nation, with electricity prices ranking 12th lowest.

"I have no connection to utilities that operate in Utah," Beck said. "I would ask that people judge me for who I am, that they give me a chance. Certainly some people who come from the utility are going to always be naturally inclined to side with the utility. That's not the case with me."

The Committee of Consumer Services was created by the Utah Legislature in 1977 and is charged with protecting the interests of consumers and small businesses in utility rate cases.

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