News Release

August 13, 2007

Joe Harkins sworn in as KCC Commissioner

Joe Harkins was sworn in today as a Commissioner of the Kansas Corporation Commission. Harkins was appointed by Governor Kathleen Sebelius on July 11, 2007, and confirmed July 26, 2007, by the Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee.

Harkins has served in a variety of regulatory and public policy capacities throughout his career in state government. Most recently, he has served as director of the Kansas Energy Office at the KCC, and was special assistant and energy advisor to Governor Sebelius from 2003 to 2006. In addition, Harkins has held the positions of secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, director of the State Water Office and director of the University of Kansas Public Management Center.

Harkins earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science in 1960 from the University of Kansas, as well as a masters of public administration in 1963 from KU.

Harkins swearing in completes the new makeup of the Commission. The Commission is comprised of Chairman Tom Wright whose term expires March 15, 2010 and Commissioners Mike Moffet and Joe Harkins whose terms expire March 15, 2008 and March 15, 2011, respectively.

The three-member commission is appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. Commissioners serve staggered four-year terms. Harkins replaces Bob Krehbiel, whose term had expired and recently became the State's Chief Gaming Officer.

The KCC regulates the energy, transportation and telecommunications industries within Kansas, including public utilities, motor carriers and oil and gas producers. It does not regulate most electric cooperatives, water cooperatives, municipal utilities, wireless telephones, long distance phone services, cable companies or the internet.