The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has announced that Leuwam Tesfai will become its new Executive Director, effective February 2, 2026. Tesfai is currently the CPUC’s Deputy Executive Director for Energy and Climate Policy and has worked at the agency since 2011 in various roles, including Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor to former Commissioners.
Tesfai’s background also includes private sector experience focused on renewable energy markets, facility permitting, and advancing clean energy technologies. In 2023, she received national recognition from the U.S. Department of Energy with the C3E Clean Energy Education and Empowerment Government Award.
CPUC President Alice Reynolds said, “Leuwam has consistently shown that effective policy depends on strong leadership and execution. 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.”
In her new position, Tesfai will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the CPUC and expediting matters under its jurisdiction.
“I am honored to be named the CPUC’s Executive Director at this important moment,” said 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 native of San Diego, Tesfai graduated from Emory University and the University of San Francisco School of Law. She participates actively in legal and civic organizations such as the Advisory Board for the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment at UC Berkeley School of Law; the Executive Committee of the Environmental Law Section of the California Lawyers Association; and serves on the Board of Directors for the League of Women Voters San Francisco.
Tesfai will take over from current Executive Director Rachel Peterson, who will end her tenure on January 31, 2026.
The CPUC is responsible for regulating utilities across California to ensure safe, reliable services while protecting consumers and safeguarding environmental interests. More information can be found at www.cpuc.ca.gov.
