Christopher Ellms Jr. confirmed to chair PUC

Christopher Ellms Jr. received a 4-1 vote from the executive council on Wednesday to become the next chair of the state’s Public Utilities Commission.

Governor Kelly Ayotte called him a “champion for lower energy prices.”

“I am confident that Chris will prioritize affordability and serve New Hampshire with fairness and integrity. With new leadership at the PUC, we’re taking an important first step toward lowering electricity costs for families.”

Ellms, of Webster, has served as the deputy commissioner at the Department of Energy since 2021, testified in front of the Council on Monday and fielded their concerns with his experience, impartiality, knowledge of the state’s energy landscape and matters of recusal.

He “brings experience in energy policy, regulatory matters that will serve the commission well, he understands the technical and financial complexity of utility regulation and appreciates that behind every docket number is a ratepayer at its core,” Executive Councilor Jospeh Kennedy said during the meeting. “I’m confident Mr. Ellms will approach this responsibility of independence, professionalism and a firm commitment to consumer protection.”

Councilor John Stephen told Ellms during the hearing that he had concerns about his comparatively limited experience compared to past chairs, but said in the vote he would recommend Ellms to the position.

“We deserve a PUC chairman who shares this commitment that ratepayer affordability is so important while maintaining the independence of an adjudicatory process, and that is what the law demands. Chris Ellms is that person,” he said. “Chris Ellms is a great nominee and will meet your agenda governor with great respect, in my opinion, the ratepayers of the state, and he’ll help us with controlling the rising cost of electricity.”

Councilor Karen Liot Hill said, although she appreciated Ellms’s service at the Department of Energy and his testimony on Monday, she wanted someone with more experience to lead the commission toward a path to affordable rates.

“In the PUC, I believe the Public Utilities Commission requires leadership with a strong legal background and a clearly non-partisan regulatory posture to ensure rigorous independent decision making,” Liot Hill said. “For these reasons, I will be voting against confirmation.”

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