JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri's top utility regulator says he is stepping down effective March 1.
Kevin Gunn announced his resignation Wednesday during a meeting of the Missouri Public Service Commission.
He has been commission chairman since February 2011 and has served on the panel since being appointed by former Gov. Matt Blunt in March 2008. His term was not due to expire until March 2014.
The commission regulates investor-owned utilities providing electricity, natural gas, water, sewer and telephone services. It will be up to Gov. Jay Nixon to appointment a new chairman of the five-person panel, as well as a new commissioner.
Gunn previously worked as an attorney in the St. Louis area and served as chief of staff for Democratic U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt.