NYISO Names Consumer Liaison

RENSSELAER, N.Y. (08/11/2011)(readMedia)-- The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) today announced the appointment of Tariq N. Niazi as NYISO Consumer Interest Liaison.

Mr. Niazi, a 30-year veteran of the New York State Consumer Protection Board, will work with the consumer sector of NYISO market participants, governmental consumer protection agencies and other electricity ratepayer advocates to enhance the effectiveness of end-use consumer representation in the NYISO governance processes.

"The Consumer Interest Liaison is a key point of contact for consumer interests and responsible for developing procedures and programs to promote mutual understanding of how developments in our competitive wholesale markets provide value to end-use customers. Tariq Niazi brings extensive experience and abundant expertise to his new role as the NYISO Consumer Liaison," said NYISO President and CEO Stephen G. Whitley.

Mr. Niazi has served as the Director of the Utility Intervention Unit and as Chief Economist of the New York State Consumer Protection Board.

As Consumer Liaison, Mr. Niazi will coordinate the NYISO's consumer-related initiatives. Among the position's key responsibilities is the analysis of market developments and preparation of consumer-focused reports.

The Consumer Liaison also serves as point person for the activities of the NYISO's 15-member Consumer Advisory Council, created by the NYISO Board of Directors to provide a forum for the exchange of information between the NYISO and electricity consumers, with a focus on information sharing, outreach and education.

The NYISO's unique system of shared governance includes stakeholder committees that represent a diverse array of electricity suppliers and consumers. Market design, operating protocols and the NYISO's annual budget are developed through a collaborative process, which involves monthly meetings of the major committees as well as meetings of various sub-committees, task forces and working groups. During his tenure with the state Consumer Protection Board, Mr. Niazi was an active participant in the NYISO's shared governance process having chaired the Electric System Planning Working Group.