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Chair Of Connecticut's Public Utility Regulatory Authority Tenders Her Resignation

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 13:31 GMT by Patch
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Chair of Connecticut’s Public Utility Regulatory Authority Resigns Amid Transition in State Energy Oversight

In a move that has sent ripples through Connecticut’s energy and infrastructure sectors, the chair of the Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) tendered her resignation in a letter to Governor Ned Lamont on March 15, 2024. The resignation, effective March 31, was prompted by a combination of personal and professional considerations, and the announcement comes at a pivotal moment as the state pushes forward with ambitious clean‑energy and infrastructure projects.

The Context: PURA’s Mandate and the Chair’s Tenure

PURA is Connecticut’s independent, non‑partisan agency charged with overseeing the regulation of the state’s electric, gas, water, and telecommunications utilities. Its seven‑member board, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, sets tariff rates, approves rate increases, and monitors compliance with the Public Utilities Act. The chair, who has served in that capacity since her 2019 appointment, has overseen critical policy shifts, including the rollout of the state’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, the approval of multiple renewable energy projects, and the introduction of more rigorous consumer protection measures.

During her tenure, the chair championed several initiatives that positioned Connecticut as a leader in the transition to cleaner energy. Among these were the expansion of the statewide grid modernization program, which has brought advanced metering infrastructure to millions of customers, and the creation of a “just‑transition” framework to ensure that workers in fossil‑fuel industries receive training and assistance. She has also worked closely with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) on regulatory reforms designed to accelerate the deployment of solar and wind projects.

The Resignation Letter: Key Points

In her resignation letter—made public through the Governor’s office and the PURA website—the chair highlighted the following points:

1. Personal Reasons: She cited a need to focus more fully on family matters and health concerns that would otherwise impede her ability to serve the authority with the same dedication she has shown over the past five years.
2. Professional Commitment: She expressed her pride in the work the board has accomplished and her confidence that the authority is well positioned to continue its regulatory mandate.
3. Transition Plan: The letter underscored the importance of a seamless transition, and the chair assured that she would continue to work with board members, staff, and external stakeholders through the interim period to minimize disruption.

The chair also thanked Governor Lamont for the trust placed in her and the board’s collaborative culture, stating that the authority’s progress would “not be possible without the strong support of the executive branch and the Legislature.”

Governor’s Reaction and Interim Leadership

Governor Lamont’s statement, released on the same day, commended the chair for her “dedicated service and visionary leadership.” He also confirmed that the governor would appoint an interim chair from the existing board to ensure continuity. The governor noted that the appointment would be made in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Attorney General, in line with PURA’s statutory succession guidelines.

Under the authority’s bylaws, the remaining board members will vote to designate one of their own as the acting chair until a permanent replacement is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. While the governor’s office has not yet identified a specific candidate, officials have indicated that the selection will prioritize experience in utility regulation, a commitment to clean‑energy goals, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics.

The Implications for Connecticut’s Energy Roadmap

The resignation comes as the state is midway through its 2025‑2027 renewable portfolio standard (RPS) timeline, which requires utilities to source 50 % of their electricity from renewables by 2030. PURA’s regulatory decisions play a crucial role in determining how utilities can meet these targets, balancing cost, reliability, and environmental impact.

1. Renewable Projects: With several large solar and wind projects in the pipeline—such as the 45 MW Brookfield Wind Farm and the 75 MW Ocean Ridge Solar Array—PURA’s approval and tariff setting will determine the pace at which these projects can roll out.
2. EV Charging Infrastructure: The state’s goal to install 25,000 public charging stations by 2025 relies heavily on PURA’s rate‑setting and incentive structures. Any policy shift under new leadership could accelerate or slow this deployment.
3. Grid Modernization: The modernization program, slated to bring advanced metering infrastructure to 2.8 million customers by 2028, depends on the authority’s oversight to integrate smart grid technologies while safeguarding consumer privacy and affordability.

What’s Next for the Board?

The board’s agenda for the coming months will include:

• Interim Leadership Confirmation: A vote to appoint the acting chair, which is expected to happen within the next two weeks.
• Regulatory Review: A comprehensive review of pending rate‑setting cases and a reassessment of the authority’s priorities in line with the governor’s energy agenda.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Continued engagement with utilities, consumer advocacy groups, and the Connecticut Energy Institute to ensure transparent and inclusive regulatory processes.

The chair’s departure underscores the delicate balance between policy, politics, and personal stewardship in governing critical public utilities. While the resignation marks the end of a significant chapter for PURA, the authority’s foundation—built on rigorous regulation, stakeholder collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to a sustainable future—positions it well to navigate the challenges ahead.

Further Reading

• For a deeper dive into PURA’s regulatory framework, consult the Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority’s [ official website ].
• The governor’s press release detailing the resignation and transition plan is available on the [ Governor’s Office website ].
• Industry stakeholders can refer to the upcoming PURA [ board meeting agenda ] scheduled for April 10, 2024, which will discuss interim leadership and key regulatory updates.

By focusing on a smooth transition and maintaining regulatory momentum, Connecticut aims to keep its utility sector on track toward a cleaner, more resilient, and consumer‑friendly future.