Gov. Butch Otter has named Kristine Sasser, legal counsel for the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, to the commission seat that opened with the retirement of Commissioner Martha Smith; the appointment is effective today. “Over the past seven years, Kristine has distinguished herself as someone who is thorough, professional, collegial and devoted to fulfilling the vital role of an ombudsman for ratepayers and regulator for our public utilities,” Otter said in a statement. “The electricity, natural gas and other services enjoyed by Idaho citizens are in good hands with Kristine’s knowledge, skills and temperament ensuring that our system works.”

Smith was appointed to the PUC by then-Gov. Cecil Andrus in 1991; like Sasser, she previously had served as a deputy attorney general for the commission. Both are Democrats. If confirmed by the Idaho Senate, Sasser will serve a six-year term.