Rep. Scott Opposes Re-Nomination of PURA Chairwoman

Hartford, CT. – Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee Member Representative Tony Scott (R-112) voted in opposition to the appointment of Chairwoman Marissa Gillett as a Utility Commissioner of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. The committee held a public hearing and meeting Thursday, February 20, 2025, and voted along party lines for Gillett continuing in the role she’s held for five years.

“Connecticut has the second highest cost for electricity in the nation. The status quo isn’t working and something needs to change. We should start with the chairmanship of PURA, give the agency a fresh start. During her testimony, I didn’t hear about plans on how to lower electric rates and ease the burden on ratepayers,” said Rep. Scott.

Rep. Scott met one-on-one with Gillett ahead of the hearing on her nomination to ask her questions and voice constituent concerns over PURA’s recent decisions. His primary goal was to hear about the commission’s thought process on some of their recent rulings affecting electric rates.

“There’s plenty of blame to go around here on the rate shock Connecticut residents experienced over the summer and are still bearing the brunt of. We can point a finger at Gillett, PURA, Gov. Lamont, the utilities, and even the General Assembly,” said Rep. Scott.

The Public Benefits section includes federal and state mandated programs and includes ones around renewable energy, such as the 2017 Millstone deal, energy efficiency initiatives like rebates for solar and EV charger installation, and assistance programs to protect hardship customers from electric shutoff.

“Some of these programs haven’t been evaluated to determine if they’re achieving their stated goals. Gov. Lamont has also taken a backseat on solving the problem of high energy costs. PURA decided a huge rate recover could happen in 10 months rather than two or three years. Gillett was ineffective at convincing her colleagues to reduce that burden,” noted Scott.

The nomination next moves to a vote of the full legislature. The General Assembly session adjourns June 4.