Ian Bowles, Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary, has named W. Robert Keating a commissioner of the Commonwealth Utilities Commission (CUC) for a two-year term.
Created by Gov. Deval Patrick's, D-Mass., cabinet reorganization bill, the new three-member CUC oversees the Department of Public Utilities. Paul Hibbard has been named chairman of the CUC, and Timothy Woolf has also been named a commissioner.
"As we embark on a new era in utility regulation to drive forward the governor's goals of lower energy costs, greater energy efficiency and strong growth in renewable power, Bob will provide important continuity from the previous commission and added stability to the Commonwealth's regulatory environment for the energy sector," comments Bowles.
Keating is currently a commissioner of the Department of Telecommunications and Energy, which the CUC will replace. In addition, he is on the board of directors for the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, and is currently chairman of the board of directors for the National Regulatory Research Institute. Prior to his government service, Keating was a consultant on energy and environmental issues.
