Reberg's resignation comes at a time when Utah consumers are facing what could be the biggest increase ever in their monthly electricity bills - a whopping $197 million requested rate increase that if granted by state regulators would push up the typical Utah Power customer's bill by $120 or more a year.

"A lot of people I really respect have urged me to run [for Salt Lake County recorder]," Reberg said of the four-year position that is charged with overseeing property ownership and transactions. "This wasn't something that I was looking for, but it is an opportunity I want to pursue. And I felt that ethically I should step down while I'm a candidate."

Reberg was nominated to the post that pays between $70,000 and $80,000 a year by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., who was eager to replace Roger Ball, a fiery consumer advocate who held the director's job for nine years. During that time, Ball and the committee saved consumers millions of dollars on their gas and electric bills and made numerous enemies among Utah's power brokers - those who work for utilities and the lawmakers they lobby.

A long-time Democratic Party activist and former telephone company lobbyist, Reberg was criticized by Ball's supporters as being too politically connected for the job. And that criticism still is echoing even as Reberg prepares to leave her committee post March 31.

"This is what happens when you appoint someone political to what should be a nonpolitical position," said Claire Geddes, a longtime Utah consumer advocate and utility watchdog. "They turn around and pursue the next available political job."

Reberg joined the committee under difficult circumstances, said Francine Giani, director of the Utah Department of Commerce and Reberg's boss. "But she took the committee to a new level and has done a great service for the state."

Giani acknowledged that not all ratepayers share her admiration for Reberg's job performance. Many consumers, as expressed in letters to the editor and other public forums, see a direct correlation between Reberg's appointment and rising utility rates.

But Giani said it is "comical" for people to blame Reberg or the governor for rising gas and electricity bills.

"In the year prior to Leslie's appointment, gas prices went up considerably. So to say it's the fault of one person or one elected official is a farce. It's just not a fair argument. You have to look at the market, at the economy."

That said, Giani acknowledged that the controversy surrounding Reberg's appointment will have some effect on the process for choosing her replacement, which could take a month or more.

"I don't want to revisit the past, but I will say this: The future will include a little more dialogue with stakeholders," she said. "We probably won't have to solicit anyone's opinion. But the important thing is that we listen to everyone."

Including, apparently, Roger Ball.

Gov. Huntsman's deputy chief of staff and spokesman Mike Mower met Monday with Ball and Geddes, both of whom shared their views on the type of person who should succeed Reberg. Mower said the governor is looking for someone with knowledge of utility regulation and the laws that apply to it, as well as someone who has a consumer advocacy track record.

Giani acknowledged that the pending Utah Power rate case is a concern now that the committee is without a director.

But Dee Jay Hammon, chairman of the committee, said most of the preparation for rate cases are handled by the committee's staff. "And we [the committee members] have a lot of faith in their commitment and abilities. I don't believe there will be any problems going forward."

Hammon acknowledged that at first he wasn't a Reberg supporter and voted against her appointment as director. "After she got in there and demonstrated she had the moxie to do the job, then I became a supporter."

Mower said the governor felt Reberg was doing a good job representing Utah consumers.

"It was her choice to seek county elective office," he said, indicating the governor is eager to find someone to fill the void who also will be a good advocate for consumers.

Last week, Ball was appointed president of the Utah Healthcare Coalition, which works to support health care consumers in Utah by providing input to members of the Privately Owned Health Care Organization Task Force. The latter was established last year by the Utah Legislature to address Utahns' concerns about health care insurance and the health-care-delivery system.

steve@sltrib.com