Sens. Lawrence, Vitelli support new Public Advocate nominee

Posted: January 11, 2022 | Energy, Utilities and Technology, Senator Lawrence, Senator Vitelli

Democratic senators on Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee hope advocate will help protect consumers, keep rates low

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, and Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, voted to support a new nominee for the Office of the Public Advocate. William Harwood spoke before the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology (EUT) Committee, which then voted unanimously, of members present, to confirm him. 

Sen. Mark Lawrence

“The Office of the Public Advocate is an extremely important one in our state. The Public Advocate must have the legal expertise to fully understand complex energy regulations, and must appreciate the challenges everyday people face. William Hardwood meets these qualifications in spades,” said Sen. Lawrence, who serves as chair of the EUT Committee. “He has vowed to ensure utility rates remain fair and affordable, and that our energy infrastructure is safe and reliable. As we see utility bills continue to rise, I was proud to support this nominee, and I trust that he will do all he can to stand up for Maine people in this new role.”

Sen. Eloise Vitelli

“Now more than ever, we need a strong Public Advocate who will help address rising energy costs. With decades of experience advocating for low-income Mainers and supporting renewable energy projects, William Harwood is more than qualified for this position,” said Sen. Vitelli. “I believe his even-keeled demeanor and understanding of Maine’s energy market will serve the people of Maine well.”

The Office of the Public Advocate’s primary responsibility is to represent the interests of Maine utility consumers, especially for those who often are underrepresented, including Mainers who have low incomes. The office also intervenes in cases before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the federal agency that oversees wholesale electricity markets, interstate electricity transmission and interstate gas transportation, and the Federal Communications Commission, which regulates interstate communications by radio, TV, wire, satellite and cable. Additionally, the office is active as a consumer representative in the stakeholder process at ISO New England, the regional electric transmission grid operator.

Harwood’s nomination now faces a confirmation vote before the full Legislature.