Easler named as Iowa's acting consumer advocate

Des Moines Bureau

DES MOINES -- Iowa  Attorney General Tom Miller announced Wednesday that he has appointed Jennifer C. Easler as acting state consumer advocate effective on Friday.

Easler replaces John Perkins, who is retiring after serving as Iowa's consumer advocate since 2001. She has been a utility attorney in the Office of Consumer Advocate since 1996.

Miller said he plans to appoint a permanent Iowa consumer advocate before next March 15 for a full four-year term beginning May 1, 2011. The appointment is subject to confirmation by a two-thirds majority of the Iowa Senate.

Easler is a 1993 honors graduate from Drake University Law School.  During her time at the Office of Consumer Advocate, she has concentrated on electric utility issues and has served on the Iowa Energy Advisory Council, the State Energy Council, the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council, and the Dual Party Relay Council.

The mission of the Office of Consumer Advocate is to represent the interests of Iowa utility consumers and the public generally in matters before the Iowa Utilities Board, federal and state courts, and federal agencies.