West Hartford Resident Appointed Director of PURA

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Thursday the interim appointment of Michael A. Caron to serve as a director of the state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), the entity charged with regulating rates and services of state electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications providers.

“Michael Caron has an extensive background in public policy and public service – his experience will be invaluable to PURA,” said Governor Malloy. “It is critical that we address Connecticut’s high energy costs in multiple ways – improving efficiency and conservation efforts, ensuring consumer advocacy during rate request reviews, and engaging a comprehensive policy development strategy for energy and utility providers. I am confident that Michael will serve the state well as a member of PURA.”

PURA is housed in the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and replaced the Department of Public Utility Control. Beyond its mandate to regulate rates and services, PURA also oversees Connecticut’s cable television companies.

“I am honored by the Governor’s nomination and the opportunity to once again serve the people of Connecticut,” Michael Caron said. “As we look toward our future—a cleaner energy economy and exponential growth in technology – PURA has an important role to play stabilizing and protecting our economy.  I thank the Governor for his confidence and look forward to working with Chairman House and Vice Chair Betkoski.”

Caron, a West Hartford resident, most recently served as an associate lobbyist for lobbying and business development firm Camilliere, Cloud & Kennedy. Prior to that, Caron was the Director of Public Affairs-Global Sites for Pfizer Inc. He also served nine terms as an Assistant Minority Leader in the House of Representatives from 1991-2009. While a member of the General Assembly, Mr. Caron served on the Energy and Technology Committee where he worked extensively on public policy matters relating to the areas with which PURA is concerned.

Pending confirmation by the General Assembly in the next regular session, Caron will serve as an interim appointee on the three-member authority with Chairman Arthur House and Vice Chairman Jack Betkoski III.

Press Release submitted by the Office of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.