“What’s going on at PURA?”

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has been in the news almost daily over the past year. I’m often asked what’s happening at an agency that, until recently, most people had never heard of.

Much of today’s dialogue around energy policy in our country has become disturbingly adversarial. At the federal level, the Trump administration reversed course on nearly every renewable energy initiative, instead doubling down on fossil fuels and even expressing interest in reviving coal as a major energy source.  President Trump has taken particular umbrage with windmills, calling them  “a con job.”

In Connecticut, it’s no secret that the state’s utilities and their regulator have been at loggerheads for years, leaving consumers caught in the middle. Some see the utilities as self-serving and unaccountable, while others argue they can still help build a fairer, more affordable energy future. Without casting aspersions on any of the parties – I generally assume good intent on the part of the people involved – the constant conflict has distracted from what really matters: delivering reliable, affordable service to the people who pay the bills.

You can’t both bully and persuade. Yes, utilities deserve tough scrutiny when they seek rate hikes or cost recovery. But regulation works best when it protects the public interest and encourages cooperation toward shared goals. If we’re serious about confronting the challenges we face, we need a process that puts consumers first and invites every party to the table.

PURA is entering a period of transition just as a national crisis in energy affordability reaches a tipping point.  In New Jersey, for example, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill just won what has been dubbed the “Electricity Election,” pledging to declare a “state of emergency” on day one to curb utility costs.  Gov. Ned Lamont has appointed a strong slate of commissioners who bring renewed attention to consumers and costs, especially PURA’s new chair, Tom Wiehl.

Wiehl’s experience as Legal and Regulatory Director at the Office of Consumer Counsel ensures that compassion for everyday ratepayers will be central to PURA’s decision-making. His appointment reflects a broader regional shift toward consumer-focused leadership at state utility commissions. In Massachusetts, new Department of Public Utilities Commissioner Liz Anderson previously led ratepayer advocacy at the Attorney General’s Office. In New Hampshire, Commissioner Pradip Chattopadhyay also came from the Office of the Consumer Advocate.  And California Commissioner Matthew Baker previously led the Public Advocates Office.  It’s a worthy and growing trend.

Other appointments will expand the agency’s depth.  PURA Vice Chair David Arconti, appointed in August 2024, brings years of legislative experience as co-chair of the Energy & Technology Committee. New Commissioner Janice Beecher, longtime director of Michigan State University’s Institute of Public Utilities and editor of the Utilities Policy journal, literally wrote the book on regulation. New Commissioner Holly Cheeseman, another Energy & Technology alum, and incoming Commissioner Everett Smith, with expertise in finance, renewables, and telecom infrastructure, round out an impressive and diverse bench. It will be worth watching how they apply their individual strengths in shaping PURA’s future.