SFU professor appointed chair and CEO of BC Utilities Commission

Mark Jaccard, a distinguished professor in SFU’s School of Resource and Environmental Management, has recently been appointed chair and CEO of the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC).

The BCUC is responsible for regulating B.C.’s energy utilities, ensuring customers have safe and reliable energy service rates, and plays a key role in the province’s energy transition strategy.

Jaccard, who previously served as chair and CEO of the BCUC from 1992 to 1997, is an energy economist specializing in the design and application of energy-economy models for assessing climate policies. He is also the director of SFU’s Energy and Materials Research Group, who has helped governments and organizations develop and apply models that explore quick and effective responses to the climate emergency. Jaccard will continue to support members of his research group as he heads the BCUC.

As chair and CEO of the BCUC, Jaccard will oversee the regulation of B.C. energy utilities like Fortis BC, BC Hydro and ICBC as the commission works to support B.C.’s climate goals, outlined in CleanBC and Roadmap to 2030, in a cost-effective and efficient manner. 

"I look forward to returning to the BCUC at this pivotal time in the energy industry," said Jaccard in a BCUC statement announcing his appointment.

 “Mark's expertise in sustainable energy policy will be a great asset to the BCUC, British Columbians, and ultimately all Canadians, as they work to advance energy transitions and work towards B.C.’s emissions targets and set an example for other provinces,” says Naomi Krogman, dean of SFU’s Faculty of Environment.

Learn more about the BCUC here.