News Release

For more information contact: Jesse Borjon, (785) 271-3269

April 11, 2014

Apple Sworn in as Commissioner

Topeka, KS - Today, Pat Apple was sworn in as a Commissioner of the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC).

"I am truly humbled and honored to serve on the Commission," stated Apple. "I have a great appreciation for the work the Commission does in regulating many of the cornerstone industries in Kansas. As a Commissioner, I will dedicate my time to carrying out the mission of the agency by working to balance the public interest."

"We welcome Senator Apple to the Commission," stated Chair Albrecht. "I have admired his work in the Kansas Senate and look forward to his contribution and perspective on the Commission."

Prior to the KCC, Apple served in the Kansas Senate from 2005 to 2014. He served in numerous capacities including Chair, Senate Committee on Utilities, from 2009 to 2014, and Vice-Chair from 2005 to 2008. Apple also served on the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, Senate Commerce Committee, Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee, Vice-Chair of Kansas Electric Transmission Authority (KETA), 911 Coordinating Council, and Chair of Telecommunications Study Committee.

Apple is a business owner. He and his wife Debbie began Apple Electric in 1983, now Apple Electric, Inc., which continues to serve commercial and industrial customers in the greater Kansas City area. Apple is certified as a Master Electrician.

Apple is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Kansas. He previously served on the Board of Education for Unified School District 416 and was a Miami County Commissioner for District 4. Apple and his wife Debbie live in Louisburg.

Apple joins Commissioners Albrecht and Emler on the three-member Commission. Members are appointed by the Governor and serve staggered four-year terms.

Apple was appointed by Governor Sam Brownback on March 24, 2014, and confirmed by the Kansas Senate on April 6, 2014. His term expires on March 15, 2018. He fills the seat of Tom Wright whose four-year term expired on March 15, 2014.

The KCC regulates five industries in the Kansas economy and has the responsibility of ensuring that natural gas, electricity, telephone, and transportation vendors provide safe, adequate, and reliable services at reasonable rates. The mission of the agency is to protect the public interest by impartially and efficiently regulating oil and gas production; rates, services, and safety of public utilities and commercial trucking; and promoting energy programs.