Connecticut’s Top Utility Regulator Resigns

Marissa Gillett, the chair of Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, resigned Sept. 19 after six years in office.

In a letter to Gov. Ned Lamont, the state’s top utility regulator wrote she had “championed an approach that provides rigorous but fair scrutiny to utility rate increase requests and other matters.”

“While I have never shied away from principled disagreement, the escalation of disputes into a cycle of lawsuits and press statements pulls attention and resources away from what matters most: keeping rates just and reasonable, improving service, and planning a resilient, reliable energy future,” she wrote.

In a statement, Lamont called Gillett “one of the most experienced and qualified public utility regulators in the country.”

“Her breadth of knowledge, analytical skillset, and experience in energy policy, combined with her commitment to fairness and her ability to navigate complex cases, were beneficial to our state and ratepayers,” he said.

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said Gillett’s resignation—which is effective Oct. 10—”was undoubtedly a difficult decision.”

“However, it also presents an opportunity to find the path forward on energy policy and regulation to positively impact consumers, businesses, and the state’s economy,” he added.

“Now is the time for utilities, the business community, policymakers, and regulators to come together and collaborate on sustainable solutions that will lower the cost of energy and develop the infrastructure to meet our long-term economic needs.”