Patrick Rhode Sworn In as PUCT Commissioner

TX PUC News

Published April 2nd, 2026

Detected April 3rd, 2026

Summary

Patrick Rhode was sworn in as Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) on April 2, 2026. He was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott effective April 1, 2026. His background includes service as Special Assistant to the President of the United States, NASA Senior Advisor, senior roles at the Department of Homeland Security, and Vice President of an international infrastructure company.

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What changed

Patrick Rhode was sworn in as Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, appointed by Governor Greg Abbott effective April 1, 2026. Rhode brings extensive public and private sector experience including roles at the White House, NASA, and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as sixteen years as Vice President of an international infrastructure company.

This is a routine personnel announcement with no regulatory changes or compliance implications. Regulated utilities and other stakeholders do not need to take any action as a result of this appointment. The commission continues to regulate electric, telecommunication, and water/sewer utilities statewide.

Source document (simplified)

Patrick Rhode Sworn in as Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas

AUSTIN, Texas - Patrick Rhode was sworn in today as Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). Commissioner Rhode was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott effective April 1, 2026. His career spans public and private sector experiences from the White House to industry leading corporations. "I'm honored by Governor Abbott's appointment and grateful for the opportunity to serve Texans in this important role," Rhode said. "The issues before the Commission are critical to households, businesses, and communities across Texas. I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners and PUCT staff to ensure reliable, affordable utility services statewide and to keep our economy growing." Rhode's career has included service as Special Assistant to the President of the United States, NASA Senior Advisor, senior roles at the United States Department of Homeland Security after 9/11, a sixteen-year Vice President of an international infrastructure company, and President of a corporate affairs and development consultancy based in Austin, Texas. Rhode has been elected and appointed to national infrastructure boards and committees. He was formerly elected to the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Business and was previously elected to the Board of Directors of the Austin, Texas Chamber of Commerce. Rhode was presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Mass Communication and awarded the Capitol Citation from the Arkansas Secretary of State. A native of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Rhode has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He and his family live in Dripping Springs, Texas. About the Public Utility Commission of Texas Our mission is to serve Texans by regulating the state's electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implementing respective legislation, and offering customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints. Since its founding in 1975, the Commission has a long and proud history of service to Texas, protecting customers, fostering competition, and promoting high quality infrastructure. To learn more, please visit https://www.puc.texas.gov.