Connecticut committee approves David Arconti for PURA

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont's nominee, David Arconti, received a favorable vote from the Executive Nominations Committee for the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). His appointment, along with the reappointment of Chairman Marissa Gillett, will go to the full General Assembly next month. Arconti, a former state representative and lobbyist, has been serving as an interim commissioner. He faces challenges in mending relations with utilities amid ongoing disputes over rate decisions that have affected the industry’s financial stability. Recent rate decisions have drawn criticism from utilities, leading to credit downgrades and stock declines. Supporters of PURA, including Lamont, argue these decisions hold utilities accountable for prioritizing investor dividends over customer rates.