Jennifer Easler named consumer advocate

Jennifer Easler has been appointed consumer advocate for regulated utility issues, replacing Mark Schuling, who retired Jan. 10, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller announced.

Easler, an attorney in the office since 1996, must be confirmed by the Iowa Senate. She will oversee a staff of 14 people who investigate services regulated by the Iowa Utilities Board. Easler will represents the public in court and before agencies.

Schuling had held the position since January 2011.

“Jennifer is a proven leader, and she will be a strong, credible voice for Iowans to assure reasonable utility rates and terms,”  Miller said in a statement. “For more than 20 years, she’s represented the public interest amid major changes in the energy and utilities industries.”

Easler co-chairs the Electric Committee for the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates.