Fortnightly Under Forty: Maria Bocanegra

Of the 64 rising stars, we selected eleven of them to highlight. These eleven exemplify the impressive record and pace of accomplishments of the best of our industry's next generation. The inspiring stories of Haben Goitom of Alliant Energy, Jennifer Wischnowsky of Ameren, Keegan Odle of Burns & McDonnell, Delevane Diaz of EPRI, Sean Meredith of Entergy, Illinois Commissioner Maria Bocanegra, Aaron Curtis of ITC, Ana Stachowiak of NYPA, Lisa Dailey of Northfork Electric Cooperative, Abbey Roy of Southern Company, and Brian Van Abel of Xcel Energy are told in part in the interviews that follow. These unique up-and-comers are already leading the industry's transformation and mission-critical groups within their organizations, in some cases as a COO, CFO or division VP.

PUF: What's the mix when working with others on Staff, the Commissioners, and outside parties? What's it like to be a Commissioner?

Maria Bocanegra: Being a Commissioner is the best job I've ever had. Before joining the Commission, I served as an Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Worker's Compensation Commission, and I thought that was the best job. 

But the sphere of participation and impact when making decisions on complex regulatory matters, implementing state policy, or exploring with stakeholders the future of our utility services is unlike what I could have ever imagined doing. I am honored to ensure that with every decision I make or initiative I facilitate or support, that it is done for the purpose of ensuring the citizens of Illinois safe, reliable, and affordable utility services. 

One aspect of the job I love so much is that it is multifaceted. I do a little bit of everything.

First and foremost, the docket is of great priority to me. It is paramount above any other extra curriculars, as I like to say. At the ICC, as Commissioners, we collectively regulate gas, electric, water and wastewater investor-owned utility companies. In addition to public utilities, we regulate some aspects of telecommunications and transportation. 

The docket encompasses a variety of matters respective to each utility service, such as certificates to operate, tariff filings, etc. However, rate cases generally receive the greatest public attention. And rightfully so. Nevertheless, with every matter there is much to review, analyze, and conclude.

Luckily, I do not have to do this alone. I have the benefit of two amazing advisors that assist me in managing the docket and all the other responsibilities. As a team we also evaluate industry trends and target specific ones to explore.

In addition to my team, the ICC has a highly knowledgeable and reliable Commission Staff. Whether it's discussing a topic that interests me or technical assistance in a docketed matter, Staff is always ready and willing to extend their institutional knowledge and expertise.

I should also mention that it is important to me to also seek the expertise of experts outside the ICC. I similarly reach out to consumer advocates, industry organizations, and our utilities for data, studies, and historical practices. The best way to learn is by doing and I enjoy learning what is important to all of our stakeholders.

PUF: There's a balance between judicial versus policy, but with your ALJ experience, maybe you lean a little more into the docket. Is that the way you see it?

Maria Bocanegra: Yes. That's a fair statement. I more often wear the judicial or legal hat than the policy hat. This is mainly due to my previous experience. When I was an ALJ, my considerations were narrower; meaning, facts are facts, and do they fit squarely within whatever the law is. 

Now, it's not just about the facts, but about the practical implications at the local level, and state level. This role requires policy considerations such as impacts on financial markets, consumers, state policies and more. 

When looking at litigated matters, I tend to evaluate cases in terms of what the evidence is presented in front of me. But I am much more comfortable to pivot and introduce policy considerations in my deliberation.

It's a tough job. There are calls you have to make that aren't going to please everybody, and I learned that fast when I was an ALJ. We are quasi-judicial and as judges, we must be able to make decisions that are fair, impartial, unbiased, and without the influence of public clamor or partisan interests. That said, I just do my best in executing the best judgment with information I am given at that time.

PUF: How did you become a Commissioner?

Maria Bocanegra: The opportunity came as a surprise, because when Governor Pritzker's Office approached me, I was in my last term as an ALJ and I was awaiting confirmation of my reappointment for that role. But little did I know that when I received a call one evening from one of the Deputy Governors in March 2019, it was not about moving my confirmation along, instead it was about a potential role with the Illinois Commerce Commission.

The Deputy Governor shared with me that I came highly recommended, and after reviewing my resume, she wanted to interview me. Although I was nervous, I went in for the interview with confidence in my career as a dedicated public servant. The rest as they say, is history.

This was overwhelming - in a good way - not only because of the confirmation hearing status, but I was also exploring other judicial opportunities. I was in rounds of interviews for being a federal immigration judge and thought that's where my career on the bench would be.

Nevertheless, on April 8, 2019, I was appointed to the Commission. I am beyond thankful to the Governor and his administration for bestowing me the honor to continue serving the great State of Illinois, and the opportunity for engaging with tremendously smart, committed, and dynamic professionals in the utility industry.

PUF: How did you come up to speed?

Maria Bocanegra: Prior to arriving at the ICC, I had a short window of time to learn about the ICC, so I started researching anything and everything about the Commission. I looked at one of the Commissioners on the ICC's website and realized I knew her.

We'd run into each other in mutual circles, so I reached out to somebody, who reached out to somebody else, and they gave me Commissioner Oliva's cell phone number. I reached out to her and we met for lunch. 

She explained the importance of our Commission, the important role that a Commissioner has and answered all of my questions. She was so supportive and so helpful.

Once I arrived at the Commission, I received the help and support of many at the Commission. Technical Staff, administrators, and other Commissioner's advisors generously gave their time and shared expertise to allow me to hit the ground running. 

Shortly after arriving at the Commission, I was invited to present at the NAWC Conference for the Illinois Chapter. So how did I do it? By jumping right in and with the help of others.

PUF: You're allowed two assistants or advisors, and they're helpful to Commissioners. Did you get to pick yours?

Maria Bocanegra: I didn't have a pool to choose from, but there were a lot of suggestions. Some people suggested I bring over from the Workers Compensation Commission. In the end, I wanted somebody from the outside, like I was. I wanted somebody who was new, fresh, and could count on, and luckily for me I found two amazing advisors.

One is a recent graduate from Columbia, with a Master's in Public Policy. My other advisor is a lawyer with a JD from Northwestern. Interestingly enough, both are of Cuban descent, and both are from Miami.

I hired Jena first, and then I was down to two individuals to fill the second position. It was between Alejandro and another woman. I took Commissioner Oliva's advice and myself and Jena went out to coffee with each of them. It was important to me we all connected as I knew this would be one of my closest relationships in my new role.

PUF: You've been there over a year. Do you feel like you've had an impact, and what's been most rewarding?

Maria Bocanegra: I do feel like I've had an impact, and this role is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I work hard at what I do, and always seek out learning opportunities. I am usually the one asking a million questions.

I enjoy bringing stakeholders together or inspiring stakeholders to evaluate hot topics. I have been successful in supporting stakeholders to continue exploring topics such as electrification, water, and diversity, for example. Undoubtedly, there is an opportunity and need for Illinois to expand the conversation on these topics.

What makes this role rewarding is the opportunity to make positive changes. It sounds cliché, but we're living in an exciting time right now. The traditional way that we thought of both the utility model and utility regulation is changing. 

There are changes being driven by technology. There are new innovations. There are new things coming onto the grid. There are new gap technologies that probably weren't even thought of twenty years ago.

I am privileged to be a part of that and help make that change. Illinois has its own energy related goals and I'm honored to help in any way I can. 

PUF: What do you tell young folks who are just starting out?

Maria Bocanegra: There are two key things I share with young professionals starting out. First, get committed. This means dive into the job and have a peripheral understanding of the subject matter you're in to evaluate where you are and where you need to go. It also means being on top of current of events, and not being afraid of asking lots of questions. A career can take many paths, but you cannot succeed without investing in yourself every step of the way.

Second, I also tell young professionals to, always do the right thing. Although simplistic and obvious, it is phrasing a mentor shared with me and has remained with me because having integrity is not learned or selective. Having integrity is a core value to live by. Whether it is managing people, dealing with opponents, trying a case, or coming to a resolution in an order, when you do the right thing, the rest will fall into place.

I am lucky to have the mentors that I do, so anyway I can pay it forward, I soar to do it.

Of the 64 rising stars, we selected eleven of them to highlight. These eleven exemplify the impressive record and pace of accomplishments of the best of our industry's next generation. The inspiring stories of Haben Goitom of Alliant Energy, Jennifer Wischnowsky of Ameren, Keegan Odle of Burns & McDonnell, Delevane Diaz of EPRI, Sean Meredith of Entergy, Illinois Commissioner Maria Bocanegra, Aaron Curtis of ITC, Ana Stachowiak of NYPA, Lisa Dailey of Northfork Electric Cooperative, Abbey Roy of Southern Company, and Brian Van Abel of Xcel Energy are told in part in the interviews that follow. These unique up-and-comers are already leading the industry's transformation and mission-critical groups within their organizations, in some cases as a COO, CFO or division VP.