Ratepayer advocate named

Ten months after voters created the position, a citizens commission Tuesday picked an energy industry expert and neighborhood council member as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's first ratepayer advocate.Daily News,

Fred Pickel, 59, will become executive director of the new Office of Public Accountability if confirmed by the City Council and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Pickel is president of Wilshire Energy Consulting Group, a collaborative of experts who work with energy industry clients. He is also president of the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council.