Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: Alice Busching Reynolds

34. Alice Busching Reynolds

In her role as President of the California Public Utilities Commission, Alice Busching Reynolds leads and is the public face of the agency that regulates private utilities, natural gas operators, railroads, telecommunications and private water companies…all entities that have a profound impact on our everyday lives. Oh, and most solar energy companies. And that limo you rented for your high schooler’s prom? The CPUC regulates limo companies too. The rideshare you took home after that great going away party for your colleague? The self-driving car you saw in San Francisco? All regulated by the CPUC. It’s a brutally tough job, and one that is not likely to win you many friends. Reynolds knows this as she is regularly called to testify before lawmakers over the scores of rate hikes it has approved for PG&E, or increasing criticism that her agency is too cozy with the entities it regulates. Fair criticisms, but she could also counter that her agency has also fined the hell out of PG&E over its role in some of California’s historic fires. Like we said, it’s a brutally tough job.

Updated Aug. 26, 2025