We are writing to express our strong support for Gov. Ned Lamont’s reappointment of Marissa Gillett as chair of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and urge the legislature to confirm her reappointment.

During her current tenure as chair, Gillett has demonstrated her leadership by following the letter of the law to support the rights of consumers and citizens and to protect the environment.  Moreover, she has improved the regulation of investor-owned utilities by clarifying the role of PURA and resisting powerful interests.

A Brown University Institute for Environment and Safety study (CSSN Research Report 2021:3 “Who’s Influencing Connecticut Climate and Clean Energy Politics? Five Questions) demonstrated that electric and gas utilities spent over $24 million to lobby against the position of key environmental organizations on climate legislation over the eight years of the study, four times that of renewable energy firms, and more than eight times that of environmental organizations.  Eversource and Avangrid primarily opposed certain solar expansion policies, natural gas regulation, testifying against bills to limit pipeline construction and reduce methane leaks in the state.

Thanks to Gillett’s leadership, Connecticut is a national leader in forward-looking utility regulation through ground-breaking initiatives that have lowered energy costs for Connecticut residents and constructed a more resilient energy grid. 

PURA opened dockets to research moving to performance-based regulations in accordance with legislation requiring this. It is a measure that compensates utility costs on the basis of how well a particular task is accomplished, e.g., storm damage repair, the speed of grid repair, and communication with customers.  PURA also implemented a low-income discount rate on electric bills. PURA 101 presentations were instituted to provide the public with information about the issues confronting PURA and how PURA operates.  Through the Stakeholder Compensation Plan, under-represented groups can participate in PURA hearings.

Marissa Gillett has demonstrated consistent support for the citizens of Connecticut despite powerful resistance to regulatory oversight from the utilities and demonstrated that effective regulation can occur to protect consumers while allowing the utilities to earn a fair return on their investments.  Her reappointment is critical to maintain the independence and integrity of PURA.CT Advocates for Trees,

Shirley McCarthy, MD, PhD and Molly LeVan are members of CT Advocates for Trees.