The Outlook for Partnerships and Private Investment: Q&A with NAWC CEO

EDITOR’S NOTE —

In September, Water Finance & Management sat down with new president and CEO of the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC), Robert Powelson. Powelson officially joined NAWC in August 2018 after a year serving on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to which he was confirmed in August 2017 by the U.S. Senate.

Prior to his appointment to FERC, Powelson served on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission since 2008, including as Chairman from 2011 to 2015. While on the PUC, he was particularly focused on Pennsylvania’s water infrastructure development, promoting the availability of safe drinking water and reducing unaccounted-for water. We chatted with Powelson about what it’s like to be working in the water sector and his thoughts on several upcoming NAWC initiatives.

Water Finance & Management: First, welcome to NAWC! Since joining, what are your thoughts on the current state of the U.S. water sector and what are you looking to bring to the association?

Powelson

Robert Powelson: I’m excited to join NAWC and help tell the very positive success story of NAWC member companies. Our members are first-in-class in many areas, including sound asset management, stellar compliance with federal health and environmental regulations, and water system technical expertise. Water companies already serve 73 million Americans – about 1 in 4 – and have the capital investment, the expertise and the experience to help communities address their unique challenges to ensure systems continue to serve residents for generations to come.