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Governor Greg Abbott has announced the reappointment of Benjamin Barkley as Chief Executive and Public Counsel of the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC). Barkley's new term will last until February 1, 2027. OPUC is responsible for representing residential and small commercial consumers in Texas's electric, telecommunications, water, and wastewater utility industries. The role involves overseeing OPUC's operations and leading its consumer representation efforts at both state and federal levels.
Benjamin Barkley hails from Austin and currently serves as the Chief Executive and Public Counsel for OPUC. His previous roles include assistant general counsel for the Office of the Governor (OOG), policy advisor for the OOG, senior policy advisor, general counsel, committee clerk to a Texas State Senator, and assistant district attorney for Fort Bend County. He is also affiliated with the State Bar of Texas. Barkley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Honor Studies from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School.
The appointment requires confirmation by the Senate.