Leuwam Tesfai has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), effective February 2, 2026. Tesfai currently serves as Deputy Executive Director for Energy and Climate Policy at the CPUC and has held various leadership roles since joining the agency in 2011, including Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor to former Commissioners.
Her background includes experience in both public service and the private sector, with a focus on renewable energy markets, facility permitting, and clean energy technology commercialization. In 2023, she received national recognition with the C3E Clean Energy Education and Empowerment Government Award from the U.S. Department of Energy.
“Leuwam has consistently shown that effective policy depends on strong leadership and execution,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds. “As Deputy Executive Director for Energy and Climate Policy, she has shown a rare combination of problem-solving through particularly complex policy issues and a remarkable ability to bring people together. This experience makes her exceptionally well suited to lead as Executive Director.”
Tesfai will be responsible for overseeing daily operations at the CPUC and expediting matters within its jurisdiction to ensure regulatory mandates are met.
“I am honored to be named the CPUC’s Executive Director at this important moment,” said Ms. Tesfai. “I look forward to working with the Commissioners and staff to support a smooth leadership transition and advance the CPUC’s priorities. Together, we will champion equity and innovation while promoting affordability, reliability, and safety in our forward-looking utility regulation for all Californians.”
A San Diego native, Tesfai graduated from Emory University and the University of San Francisco School of Law. She is active in legal and civic organizations such as UC Berkeley School of Law’s Center for Law, Energy & the Environment Advisory Board; California Lawyers Association Environmental Law Section Executive Committee; and League of Women Voters San Francisco Board.
Tesfai will succeed Rachel Peterson, who will step down on January 31, 2026.
The CPUC is responsible for regulating services and utilities in California to protect consumers, safeguard the environment, and ensure access to reliable infrastructure across the state. More information about its work can be found at www.cpuc.ca.gov.
