Employee Spotlight – Alyson Anderson


August 4, 2022

The division I work in is…

Office of Consumer Services (OCS)

I have worked at Commerce for…

I have worked at Commerce since December 2018. Previously, I worked on the staff at the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and then as a part-time consultant before returning to full-time work with the Office of Consumer Services.

At Commerce, my job is…

The OCS is the Utah consumer advocate representing residential, small commercial, and agriculture consumers on issues pertaining to the regulation of public utility service before the Utah Public Service Commission. As a utility analyst, I participate in analysis and research of a public utility’s data and information, manage OCS expert consultants, and submit both written and oral testimony and comments in line with the OCS policy objectives to determine rates, terms, and conditions of utility services that promote fairness and advance the public interest.

The best thing about working for the Utah Department of Commerce is… 

The OCS plays a vital role in the utility regulation process promoting safe, reliable, affordable utility services in Utah. I appreciate representing groups of consumers that might not easily organize themselves or otherwise have representation in the regulatory process.

I have professionally grown working in my division because…

Utility regulation is a dynamic industry. My Director and colleagues have mentored me and collaborated with me on many different projects. The biggest growth has been the confidence in my ability to understand the issue and ask appropriate questions to promote fairness of utility rates and the public interest.

During my workday I could not live without….

The internet! A lot of day to day work involves the internet, from research and learning opportunities to filing documents with the Utah PSC. Even our phone system is internet based!

Outside of the office I like to…

I like to spend time with my family. I have three adult children, two of which live outside of Utah, and at home I have my husband and two dogs. I like watching most sporting events, but I am passionate about college football, and the Boise State University Broncos are my team.

My superpower is…

I am still trying to determine if I even have a superpower?!