SC Public Service Commission member David Wright to retire

David Wright of St. Andrews is retiring Friday as a member of the state Public Service Commission, the agency that decides on utility rate hike requests.

“I’m still young enough to do something else,” he said. “I’m looking for a challenge.”

He plans to be a consultant on nuclear power and other energy issues as well as help raise money to battle colon cancer, a disease he has survived.

Wright, 57, served on the PSC for nearly 10 years. Previously he was a state representative and Irmo mayor and councilman.

He also was active in several national organizations of utility regulators, severing as an adviser on changes in federal and state oversight.

His post as one of two Midlands members of the PSC could remain empty until a successor is elected by the Legislature next spring.

This story was originally published May 30, 2013 at 4:17 PM with the headline "SC Public Service Commission member David Wright to retire."