LePage nominates Tennessee economist to PUC
Gov. Paul LePage has nominated an economist at the University of Tennessee to replace former Gov. John Baldacci’s remaining appointee on the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
The governor’s office announced Monday that Bruce Williamson, who serves as a senior economist at the university’s Howard Baker Center for Public Policy, has been chosen to succeed Commissioner David Littell. Littell, whose term expired in March, has previously said he will stay on board until a replacement is confirmed.
Williamson also serves as a research professor at the university’s College of Business Administration and is a senior economist at the National Defense Business Institute.
The governor’s office said Williamson has worked in “various high level positions in technology, utility, telecommunications and economic modeling firms.” That includes Michigan-based research firm Market Strategies International and his own business research consulting firm, according to his LinkedIn profile. He also worked for global research firm Taylor Nelson Sofres, where he developed and managed business and consumer research programs for telecom providers.
“Maine is very fortunate to have such highly talented professionals working on the state’s complex energy issues,” LePage said in a prepared statement. “We are excited that Williamson is willing to come to Maine to help us address our unique energy challenges and high energy costs.”
If Williamson is confirmed by the Legislature, the PUC would be composed entirely of LePage-appointed members. Since LePage appointee Carlisle McLean was confirmed earlier this year, the PUC has voted 2-1 in two controversial decisions, including one to effectively cut $38 million from Efficiency Maine. The other decision involved reopening negotiations for two wind projects that had already received initial approval, when former Chairman Tom Welch was still serving.
LePage said he is asking the Legislature to move swiftly on Williamson’s nomination. Williamson is expected to appear before the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology in the coming weeks, though a date has not been scheduled.
Read more
PUC to reconsider two wind projects
Poland Spring deal faces court challenge
Groups ask PUC to reconsider Efficiency Maine cut
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments