Pro-Consumer Utility Regulator Leaving Aug. 1

Sharon Nelson, the state utility regulator who has antagonized big power and telephone utilities with her pro-consumer philosophy, said Tuesday she would resign by Aug. 1 to seek new challenges.

The 12-year chairwoman of the state Utilities and Transportation Commission appeared at a news conference with Gov. Gary Locke, who said Nelson was leaving her $87,000-a-year job over his protest.

He said he tried several times to persuade Nelson to stay for a third six-year term, but to no avail.

Locke, who once worked as a lawyer for U S West, acknowledged that the regional telephone company earlier this year had made it clear it hoped she would not be reappointed when her second term expired.

Nelson presided over a panel that last year not only denied the utility what it called a desperately needed rate increase, but ordered it to cut its rates. US West is challenging the action in court.

Locke said he “certainly will not be consulting with US West” or any utility before choosing Nelson’s replacement on the three-member commission. He said to do so would be “inappropriate.”

In answer to a question, he said his own history as a former US West employee will not pose a conflict of interest.

Nelson, 50, said she intended to take a long vacation and then explore opportunities in the telecommunications or energy fields. Nelson, an attorney, didn’t say if she might represent industry or consumers.