Chief of state consumer services panel resigns

Here we go again.

Leslie Reberg, the executive director of the state's Committee of Consumer Services, will step down from her current position in the next two weeks after deciding to run for Salt Lake County recorder.

That means the six-member committee charged with looking after the interests of residential and small-business customers of the state's utilities faces another potentially explosive process as Reberg is replaced with its third executive director in less than a year.

The committee's executive director is appointed by the governor but must be confirmed by the committee.

In March 2005, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. fired then-executive director Roger Ball, who was viewed by some members of Huntsman's transition team as a "pit bull" in standing up to Utah's utilities. Huntsman subsequently nominated Reberg, a former

US WEST employee, setting off a firestorm of controversy among some consumer advocates.

Now, faced with soaring natural gas prices and a request earlier this month by Utah Power to raise electricity rates by $197 million, those advocates are wondering who the governor has in mind to fill the director's chair.

Calls to the governor's office Monday seeking comment were not returned.

Reberg said her decision to leave was a personal one, not influenced by the governor or anyone else. She added that Utah Power's rate request is still in its early stages, allowing her successor enough time to get his or her "feet on the ground."

"People I respect, both Democrats and Republicans, contacted me and said that my skills, knowledge and experience were needed in the county recorder's office," Reberg said. "After a great deal of consideration, I determined that I could bring needed change to the recorder's office."

Francine Giani, director of the Utah Department of Commerce, said Reberg was not "fired" or forced out.

"I think that the governor has been pleased with her performance, and certainly when I notified him he was surprised . . . ," Giani said. "She occasionally ruffled a feather or two, but that's OK, because I think that the results that have come have been very positive for the citizens of this state."

Among the issues Reberg has taken on since her April confirmation was a claim by the committee that Utah Power collected $50 million more than was needed to pay its federal taxes. That issue is still outstanding.

She also helped champion a change to how local taxes are applied to customer energy bills.

Still, some welcomed the news of Reberg's departure.

Claire Geddes, a longtime consumer advocate, gave Reberg only average marks.

Geddes sees Reberg's departure as a chance for Huntsman to "step up to the plate and appoint someone who is truly an advocate for the public."