Leuwam Tesfai has been named the new Executive Director of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), with her term beginning on February 2, 2026. Tesfai currently serves as Deputy Executive Director for Energy and Climate Policy at the CPUC and has been with the agency since 2011. During her tenure, she has held positions such as Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor to former Commissioners, working in several divisions including Legal, Energy, and Administrative Law Judge.
Tesfai also brings experience from the private sector in renewable energy markets, facility permitting, and clean energy technology commercialization. In 2023, she received national recognition through the C3E Clean Energy Education and Empowerment Government Award from the U.S. Department of Energy.
CPUC President Alice Reynolds stated: “Leuwam has consistently shown that effective policy depends on strong leadership and execution. 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.”
As Executive Director, Tesfai will be responsible for overseeing daily operations at the CPUC and expediting matters within its jurisdiction to ensure regulatory mandates are met.
Tesfai commented: “I am honored to be named the CPUC’s Executive Director at this important moment. 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.”
A San Diego native, Tesfai is an alumna of Emory University and University of San Francisco School of Law. She is active in legal circles as a member of advisory boards including UC Berkeley School of Law’s Center for Law, Energy & the Environment; serves on the executive committee for Environmental Law Section at California Lawyers Association; and sits on the Board of Directors for League of Women Voters San Francisco.
Tesfai will succeed Rachel Peterson as Executive Director when Peterson steps down on January 31, 2026.
The CPUC regulates services such as utilities in California by protecting consumers, safeguarding environmental standards, ensuring access to safe infrastructure statewide (www.cpuc.ca.gov).
