Leuwam Tesfai has become the executive director of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), according to an April 1 announcement. Tesfai began her career at the CPUC as an intern 15 years ago and now leads a workforce of 1,600 employees whose decisions affect Californians and influence one of the world’s largest economies.
Tesfai’s leadership comes at a time when the CPUC faces complex challenges in energy, water, and transportation regulation. Her background includes experience in renewable energy markets and clean technology commercialization before pursuing legal studies at the University of San Francisco School of Law while interning at the CPUC. “Whenever I left my desk, I brought a notebook and pen, ready to take on any assignment,” Tesfai said about her early days as an intern.
Throughout her tenure, Tesfai has held roles such as law clerk, judicial clerk, attorney, regulatory analyst, advisor and chief of staff to two commissioners. Most recently she served as deputy executive director for energy and climate policy where she led over 200 analysts and engineers addressing issues like clean energy procurement and transportation electrification. Kerry Fleisher, a director in the Energy and Climate Policy Division who previously served as chief of staff for former CPUC President Alice Reynolds said: “Leuwam is one of the most talented people I’ve worked with… And she is empathetic as a leader, warm and responsive no matter how busy she is.”
Tesfai highlighted experiences during the pandemic working with Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma on efforts to improve broadband access for low-income students through programs like California LifeLine. “The impact on low-income people during the pandemic was very acute… It became very clear to me then that the work we do at the CPUC impacts lives,” Tesfai said.
In her first weeks as executive director, Tesfai emphasized building programs that improve daily life for consumers by ensuring reliable utilities service across diverse communities in California. She noted that roughly 40 percent of residents speak a language other than English at home.
CPUC President John Reynolds welcomed her appointment: “Leuwam brings immense capability, curiosity, and devotion to public service… I’m excited that she has hit the ground running as Executive Director.” As she begins this new role, Tesfai aims to connect with employees across all divisions while supporting innovation within staff teams.
