1 What about your professional life qualifies you to serve as one of the top energy officials in the state?
What I hope to bring to this role is a really well-rounded perspective of all of the moving parts. … I have helped lead a company regulated by the R.I. Public Utilities Commission, several large users of energy and a renewable energy provider. I have actively experienced across the country the critical role of state leadership in forging innovation in the energy sector.
2 What value does the R.I. Office of Energy Resources provide taxpayers?
This office plays a crucial role in creating and achieving the state’s energy goals. We have a small, talented staff whose energy expertise is used to help craft policy and also to work with colleagues inside and outside of state government to ensure that quality programs are implemented.
3 How should businesses expect your experience to guide your policy directives?
My experience has taught me that both private and public sectors have critical roles to play, especially in a time of dramatic change such as the current transformation in energy. It has also convinced me there are no silver bullets to make that transition easy. It takes hard work. So people should expect me to be open to creative ideas. … With the first offshore wind farm in the nation and top national rankings in energy efficiency as a foundation, we can continue to grow the clean-energy economy.
4 How do you envision renewable energy fitting into the state’s future energy portfolio, which almost entirely comprises natural gas?
A diversified energy future for Rhode Island will include more wind, solar, hydro and other energy sources. The costs of most renewables have come down dramatically in the past few years, so those additions can bring not only reduced emissions and clean-energy jobs in Rhode Island, but competitively priced energy for all of us.
5 Do you support Invenergy Thermal Development LLC’s proposed natural gas power plant in Burrillville?
The R.I. Energy Facility Siting Board is conducting an independent review process of that proposal right now, and I know the governor is watching carefully to see what comes out of that process. As part of that review, my office will be submitting one of several advisory opinions that will help that board make the best decision for Rhode Islanders. •
