Nelson named chairman of Mass. Department of Public Utilities
Matthew Nelson was named chairman of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU).
Nelson replaces Angela O’Connor, who is completing a four-year term.
“I am excited to take on this new role in the Baker-Polito Administration, and look forward to working with Secretary [Matthew] Beaton and my colleagues at the Department of Public Utilities executing energy policy, ensuring public safety, and ensuring that utility costs are as competitive as possible for ratepayers,” Nelson said.
Nelson has worked in the DPU for eight years, most recently as the director of electric power and regional and federal affairs. Nelson played an instrumental role in developing comprehensive energy legislation that requires state utilities to solicit long-term contracts for 1,200 megawatts of hydropower and 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind energy.
Before working at the DPU, Nelson spent four years at Eversource Energy as the supervisor of regulatory, policy, and planning. He is a graduate of Stonehill College and holds a Master’s degree in economics from Tufts University.
“I look forward to working with Matt who is not only well versed in the Department’s commitment to ensuring ratepayers receive the most reliable utility service at the lowest possible cost, but who also shares the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to continuing the Commonwealth’s leadership in energy efficiency, clean energy, and reducing carbon emission,” Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton said.
Beaton also thanked O’Connor for her service.
“Chairman O’Connor has been a valued member of our team, and under her leadership the Department of Public Utilities issued a landmark order approving a new solar compensation structure, implemented nation-leading measures to ensure the safety of rideshare users, and played a pivotal role in modernizing electric rate design in the Commonwealth,” Beaton said.
Under O’Connor’s leadership, the Department of Public Utilities modernized the electric grid and strengthened consumer protections for competitive electric supply sales.
“I want to thank Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, and Secretary Beaton for the wonderful opportunity to serve as chairman of the Department of Public Utilities,” O’Connor said. “The professionals at Department of Public Utilities have worked tirelessly towards a number of key initiatives including working with utilities to ensure that they continue to make investments in infrastructure and deploy cost-effective technology that benefit ratepayers and contribute to meeting our environmental goals. I am certain that Matt has the ability and drive to lead the Department, and I wish him all the best as he works to continue the Department’s goals of ensuring public safety and providing reliable and affordable energy for the Commonwealth.”
