Amy Oliver Cooke is a new adviser to Gov. Jared Polis’ Office of Consumer Counsel, which represents Coloradans’ interests before the rate-setting Public Utilities Commission.

She is set to join the 11-member Utility Consumers’ Board that is part of the Department of Regulatory Affairs. Cooke also is executive vice president and director of the Energy and Environmental Policy Center for the Denver-based Independence Institute, a free-market think tank, as well as a frequent media personality.

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Cooke also is a board member for the Colorado Coalition of Ratepayers, a nonprofit organization that advocates for residential and small businesses concerning the utility rates.

“I am thrilled to have a seat on this impactful board, and am most thankful to Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert for having nominated me,” Cooke said in a statement, referencing the Republican lawmaker from Parker.

“This is a critical time for energy policy in Colorado, as the decisions being made today are certain to impact the state’s rate-paying public for generations to come. I am committed to serving as an advocate for sound public policies which benefit the consumers first and foremost, and can’t wait to get to work.”

Polis appoints seven members to the Utility Consumers’ Board, one from each of the state’s seven congressional districts. The state Senate president, speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senate and House minority leaders appoint one each.