News Tuesday that Colorado Public Utilities Commission Chairman Joshua Epel is stepping down was met with praise for his tenure but also a pledge from ruling state Senate Republicans-who must confirm Epel’s replacement-that any PUC pick will make utility ratepayers a top priority.

Gov. John Hickenlooper’s office announced that Epel will no longer lead the commission, effective Jan. 1, 2017.

“Joshua Epel has been instrumental in transforming Colorado’s business climate and growing our economy,” read a statement from Hickenlooper. “He helped modernize the state’s regulatory environment with consistency and thoughtfulness, giving Colorado a competitive advantage for any business considering relocating or growing.”

Epel was appointed chairman in January 2011. He was reappointed by Hickenlooper in 2014.

The commission guides transportation, energy and telecommunications regulation.

Epel oversaw the emergence of transportation network companies, including Uber and Lyft, which resulted in some of the first and most comprehensive regulations governing the new technology in the nation.

Epel also played a role in enacting robust telecommunications reforms, which helped modernize decades-old laws that hadn’t kept pace with the growth of the internet. He also worked on expanding broadband to underserved rural parts of the state and improving 911 services.

“Under the leadership of Governor Hickenlooper, Colorado has taken a more forward-looking approach than any other state to intentionally and cost-effectively de-carbonize the economy,” Epel said. “We have such momentum that the next chairperson will have a tremendous opportunity to keep moving forward. I’m so proud to have been part of this extraordinary effort to rebuild Colorado’s economy.”

A search for Epel’s replacement on the three-member commission is underway. Frances Koncilja and Glenn Vaad hold the other two seats.

Republican Senate President-elect Kevin Grantham of Canon City-who will officially take his role leading the chamber once the legislature convenes in January-said he hopes the incoming PUC leadership will put ratepayers first.

In a statement issued to the media, Grantham said:

“Senate Republicans will ensure that any new appointee to the Public Utilities Commission is firmly committed to making the well-being of Colorado ratepayers their top priority. Our most vulnerable citizens and small businesses rely on affordable energy. We also believe the Public Utilities Commission should be prepared to participate as a full partner in a broad regulatory reform agenda moving forward.”

Meanwhile, conservation groups praised Epel’s work on the commission cutting the state’s carbon footprint, something that Hickenlooper has made a priority.

“Under his leadership, the Colorado PUC has continued to advance Colorado’s position as a national clean energy leader,” said John Nielsen, Western Resource Advocates’ clean energy program director. “Over the course of Chairman Epel’s tenure, Colorado utilities have acquired significant new renewable resources, encouraged thoughtful expansion of the rooftop solar industry and undertaken significant investments in energy efficiency. We thank him for his service to the state.”