Gov. Lamont needs to fill the PURA roster
Connecticut, renowned for its excellence in education and college basketball, last year witnessed the triumph of the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team winning the National Championship and the continued success of the women’s basketball program. Under the strategic guidance of Coaches Dan Hurley and Geno Auriemma, these teams achieve remarkable success by carefully selecting the most qualified players to form a cohesive and winning team. This triumph on the court serves as a powerful metaphor for the importance of assembling a proficient and capable team in other areas, such as Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
PURA plays a vital role in overseeing and regulating the state’s essential utilities, operating with only three of five commissioners. It is imperative that the vacancies be filled promptly to ensure the optimal functioning of PURA and the continual provision of reliable and affordable services to the people of Connecticut.
The vacancies within PURA have not gone unnoticed. The Connecticut Business and Industry Association reported that PURA has been operating with only three out of five commissioners, severely limiting its ability to make informed decisions and effectively regulate the state’s utilities. This deficit in personnel undermines PURA’s ability to address the evolving energy landscape, ensure fair utility rates, and protect consumers’ interests.
Connecticut’s energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with advancements in renewable energy, grid modernization, and the increasing demand for affordable and sustainable solutions. To effectively address these challenges, we need a fully staffed and diverse PURA that can provide the expertise needed to balance the interests of consumers, utilities and the environment.
To solve this pressing issue, we call upon Gov. Ned Lamont to swiftly fill the two vacant spots within PURA and reappoint current Chairman Marissa Gillett. By selecting the most qualified individuals, Gov. Lamont can assemble a team of experts who possess the necessary knowledge and experience to navigate the complex energy sector and make informed decisions in the best interest of Connecticut’s residents and businesses.
In particular, it is essential to acknowledge the leadership and guidance of Chairman Gillett. Just as Coaches Hurley and Auriemma have brought a strategic vision to UConn’s basketball teams, Chairman Gillett has demonstrated her commitment to driving positive change in Connecticut’s energy sector. She recently observed that “there’s a real distinction between a regulator viewing themselves as someone who’s simply calling balls and strikes versus a regulator who says, ‘I need to be not just the umpire, but the first base coach.’ ”
With that sports analogy, Chairman Gillett summed up her role in thoroughly weighing the needs of consumers with the needs of Connecticut’s utilities. It’s a delicate, painstaking balancing act that has brought her blowback from utility executives and lawmakers alike. No one ever said the job was an easy one or a popularity contest.
From this lawmaker’s perspective — as someone who has served as vice chair on the Energy and Technology Committee and as a frequent critic of seemingly neverending rate hike proposals on water, gas and electricity — I would describe Chairman Gillett as a much-needed breath of fresh and independent air.
Chairman Gillett’s efforts to advance clean energy and promote a sustainable future are highlighted in an article published by the Yale Center for Business and the Environment. Her dedication and expertise make her a crucial player on the PURA team. However, to fully unlock the potential of Chairman Gillett’s leadership, it is imperative that the vacancies within PURA be filled promptly. With a complete team of qualified commissioners, Chairman Gillett can effectively lead PURA toward achieving its goals and ensuring the well-being of Connecticut’s residents.
Furthermore, the Connecticut Center for Business and the Environment at Yale University highlights the critical role PURA plays in advancing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting renewable energy adoption. However, without a complete team, PURA’s ability to achieve these goals is hindered, potentially impeding Connecticut’s progress towards a clean and sustainable energy future.
Just as Coaches Hurley and Auriemma meticulously select and manage their players to form National Championship teams, Gov. Lamont must exercise the same diligence in selecting the most qualified individuals to fill the vacancies within PURA. By doing so, we can ensure that the authority operates at its full potential, making informed decisions that benefit all Connecticut residents.
Connecticut deserves a PURA team that can navigate the complexities of the energy sector, protect consumers’ interests, and foster a sustainable and affordable energy future. We urge Gov. Lamont to act swiftly and prioritize filling the vacant spots within PURA. Let us not underestimate the power of a strong and capable team with a united vision toward excellence, both on the basketball court and in the realm of regulatory authority.
Together, we can ensure that Connecticut moves toward being at the forefront of progress and innovation, providing its residents with reliable and affordable utilities while advancing towards a sustainable energy future. The time to reappoint Chairman Gillett and fill the PURA vacancies is now.
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