Brand Named New Ratepayer Advocate

Stefanie Brand has been named the new director of the Public Advocate’s Division of Rate Counsel, Public Advocate Ronald Chen announced today.

Currently the Assistant Attorney General in charge of litigation at the Division of Law in the Department of Law and Public Safety, Brand brings to Rate Counsel more than 20 years of legal experience, with 15 years working on behalf of the people of New Jersey.

“We are extremely pleased that Stefanie will be joining the department to lead the Division of Rate Counsel, which is charged with protecting energy, telecommunication, water and gas consumers in New Jersey,” Chen said. “Stefanie brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and a demonstrated commitment to serving the public interest.”

“The Division of Rate Counsel does important work advocating on behalf of ratepayers,” Brand said. “As the cost of these services continues to climb, the work of this division takes on even greater importance. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this division and look forward to ensuring that ratepayers receive quality service at fair rates.”

The Division of Rate Counsel represents the interests of residential and commercial consumers of electricity, natural gas, water and sewer service, telecommunications, cable TV and insurance. The division’s mission is to ensure that all utility consumers receive safe, adequate and proper utility service at rates that are just and nondiscriminatory.

Brand graduated from Columbia University School of Law in 1986, and clerked for Associate Justice Gary Stein of the New Jersey Supreme Court.  She joined the Attorney General’s office in 1992.  

During her tenure with the Division of Law, Brand has worked on a variety of issues, such as child welfare, environmental regulation, human services, employment and tort law. In her current position, Brand oversees all civil litigation for the state.

“A common theme throughout my career has been ensuring that government works the best way it can for the people,” Brand said. “As director of Rate Counsel, I will work to strengthen Rate Counsel’s role as a strong voice for consumers across New Jersey.”

Brand is scheduled to begin work on Oct. 1.