Leuwam Tesfai has been named the new Executive Director of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), with her term set to begin on February 2, 2026. Tesfai is currently serving as Deputy Executive Director for Energy and Climate Policy at the CPUC, where she has worked since 2011 in several senior roles, including Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor to former Commissioners.
Tesfai’s background includes significant experience in both regulatory policy and law, as well as work in the private sector focused on renewable energy markets, facility permitting, and clean energy technology commercialization. In 2023, she received national recognition when she was honored with the C3E Clean Energy Education and Empowerment Government Award from the U.S. Department of Energy.
“Leuwam has consistently shown that effective policy depends on strong leadership and execution,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds. “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 role, Tesfai will be responsible for overseeing daily operations at the CPUC and managing all matters under its jurisdiction. The agency is tasked with regulating services and utilities across California to protect consumers, safeguard the environment, and ensure access to reliable utility infrastructure.
“I am honored to be named the CPUC’s Executive Director at this important moment,” said Ms. 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.”
Tesfai is originally from San Diego and holds degrees from Emory University and the University of San Francisco School of Law. She is also active in legal circles as a member of advisory boards at UC Berkeley School of Law’s Center for Law, Energy & the Environment; serves on the executive committee of the Environmental Law Section of the California Lawyers Association; and sits on the board for League of Women Voters San Francisco.
She will succeed Rachel Peterson as Executive Director following Peterson’s departure at the end of January 2026.
