In a move aimed at tackling high energy costs and ramping up the supply, Secretary Rebecca Tepper of the Energy and Environmental Affairs announced the appointment of two new members to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Jeremy McDiarmid is set to take the reins as Chair, and Liz Anderson will join as a Commissioner, stepping into the roles previously held by James Van Nostrand and Cecile Fraser, respectively.
At the heart of these appointments lies the state's strategy to navigate the challenges posed by an evolving energy landscape. Governor Maura Healey emphasized the urgency of bolstering energy supplies while keeping costs in check. "As the federal government tries to take energy sources off the table and hikes up customer bills, Massachusetts needs to focus on two things: more supply and lower costs," Governor Healey said, according to a press release from the Massachusetts government website.
The incoming Chair, Jeremy McDiarmid brings a rich background in energy policy and organizational management to the table. He's no stranger to the regional integration of clean energy resources and has actively participated in shaping state policies around energy efficiency and advanced transmission technologies. "The DPU is key to unlocking more energy to contain costs for customers. I'll be focused on cutting red tape to get energy infrastructure built, optimizing the grid, and accelerating interconnection," McDiarmid told the Massachusetts government.
Joining him, Liz Anderson, armed with a decade-long crusade for consumer rights and energy affordability, is anticipated to carve out significant savings for Massachusetts families. "I have spent my career in DPU dockets, fighting for Massachusetts ratepayers," Anderson stated, acknowledging her aim to further consumer protection within her new role at the DPU. Her track record includes extensive work on ratemaking and energy regulation advocacy at the Attorney General's Office.
Departing Chair Van Nostrand and Commissioner Fraser expressed gratitude for their experiences at the DPU. They praised the agency's achievements and the collective effort to promote consumer-oriented reforms and infrastructure enhancements. Commissioner Staci Rubin heralded the arrival of McDiarmid and Anderson, noting the ongoing work addressing important issues such as energy burden and promoting inclusive community engagement in environmental justice efforts.
These transitions in leadership at the DPU occur at a pivotal moment. Both incoming commissioners are poised to help implement Governor Healey's Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act. This act entrusts the DPU with additional responsibility—aimed at reforming charges on bills, capping billing increases, and catalyzing a more equitable energy sector. This ongoing evolution of the DPU's role is central to the state's mission to provide a stable, affordable, and clean energy supply to its residents and businesses.
