Governor Greg Abbott appointed Patrick Rhode to the Public Utility Commission of Texas for a term ending on September 1, 2027, effective April 1, 2026. The commission oversees the regulation of electric, water, wastewater, and telecommunications utilities in the state and is responsible for implementing related legislation and assisting customers with consumer complaints.
Rhode is the founder and president of Patrick Rhode Strategies. His previous experience includes serving as Special Assistant to the President of the United States, Senior Advisor to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, holding senior roles at the United States Department of Homeland Security after September 11, and working as vice president at an international infrastructure company. He holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Arkansas—one in Political Science from Fayetteville and another in Communications from Little Rock.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott has contributed to Texas leading the nation in job growth and record employment levels, according to the official website. The office maintains its primary location in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to its official website.
Greg Abbott was listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to the official website. Since his election in 2014, Abbott has led an administration focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling decisions, and southern border security according to information provided by his office.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott delivers services statewide across Texas according to its official website. Observers will be watching how Rhode’s appointment may influence utility regulation during his tenure.
