AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced that Dr. Bruce Williamson, an economist at the University of Tennessee’s Howard Baker Center for Public Policy, has been nominated as Commissioner of the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). If approved by the Legislature, Williamson would join engineer and Commission Chairman Mark Vannoy, and attorney Carlisle McClean, at the Commission.

In addition to his role as senior economist at the Howard Baker Center, Williamson has served as a research professor at the University’s College of Business Administration; a lecturer in advanced data analytics; and as a senior economist at the National Defense Business Institute. Prior to 2009, Williamson held various positions in technology, utility, telecommunications, and economic modeling firms.

“Maine is fortunate to have such highly talented professionals working on the state’s complex energy issues,” said LePage, in a news release. “We are excited that Dr. Williamson is willing to come to Maine to help us address our unique energy challenges and high energy costs.”

Williamson earned his PhD in economics at the University of New Mexico; holds an M.A. in International Relations from the Korbel School of International Studies in Colorado; and has an undergraduate degree from Cornell University.

The PUC regulates electric, natural gas, telecommunications and water utilities to ensure that Maine consumers enjoy safe, adequate and reliable services at rates that are just and reasonable for both consumers and utilities. The Commission oversees emerging competitive markets for some of these services. The Commission also regulates water taxis and ferries in Casco Bay, and promotes safe digging through the Dig Safe underground utility damage prevention program.

Williamson would replace outgoing Commissioner David Littell. He will appear before the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology in the upcoming weeks. A date has not yet been scheduled.