PROVIDENCE – Gov. Gina M. Raimondo has appointed renewable-energy advocate Abigail Anthony to the role of commissioner at the R.I. Public Utilities Commission.
Anthony – who must be confirmed by the state Senate – would succeed Herbert F. “Herb” DeSimone Jr., an appointee of former Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee. DeSimone’s term ended in March.
Anthony for the last decade has worked for the Acadia Center, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization focused on the advancement of clean energy. She served most recently as the director of the center’s Rhode Island office. In that capacity, she’s worked closely with the PUC as a stakeholder on various energy-related issues.
Anthony looks forward to continuing that work in the new role of regulator.
“I’m excited for the opportunity,” Anthony said. “I’m looking to empower consumers, give communities more control and improve environmental outcomes that ultimately serve Rhode Islanders well.”
The PUC is a quasi-judicial regulator of various rates and levies of energy, utilities and transportation. A lot of its duties involve working closely with National Grid PLC, the state’s largest utility, on a multitude of issues, including setting electricity and gas rates for individual and commercial customers.
Acadia Center, which operates in a handful of states, rejoiced at the prospect of Anthony joining the PUC, saying she will bring a “thoughtful, reasoned approach to challenging issues” in Rhode Island.
“In the decade that Abigail has been leading Acadia Center’s work in Rhode Island, the state has become a national leader in energy efficiency and adopting reforms to advance clean energy,” said Daniel Sosland, president of Acadia Center. “Abigail’s efforts have been instrumental in this progress and have helped build the foundation for a cleaner, more consumer-friendly and lower-cost energy system for Rhode Island’s businesses and residents.”
Anthony, if confirmed, would join the three-member body with sitting commissioners Margaret E. Curran – a Chafee appointee – and Marion Gold, a fellow Raimondo appointee. She would serve a six-year term.
The governor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
DeSimone, a lawyer by trade, plans to return to his private practice. In a statement, he lauded Raimondo’s choice in Anthony.
“I enjoyed my time at the PUC and am grateful to Governor Chafee for having appointed me back in 2013,” he said. “The state is getting an outstanding person in Abigail Anthony and I believe she will be an excellent commissioner. I look forward to returning the private practice of law.”
Anthony would join the commission in August.
Eli Sherman is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Sherman@PBN.com, or follow him on Twitter @Eli_Sherman.
