The Maine Senate voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint attorney Patrick Scully’s to the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Patrick Scully
Scully was confirmed in a 35-0 vote four days after he received broad support from representatives of industry, energy and environmental organizations. The Naples resident worked for more than 30 years as an attorney at the firm Bernstein Shur, specializing in energy and utility regulatory issues.
During his career, Scully represented paper mills, wind and solar energy companies, water utilities and other clients before the commission that he now joins. The three-member commission is responsible for regulating Maine’s electricity, telecommunications, gas and water utilities as well as ferries and water taxies.
“I am proud and honored to begin service as a member of the Maine Public Utilities Commission,” Scully, 64, said in a statement. “The PUC plays a vital role in protecting the interests of Maine ratepayers, holding our utilities to high standards of service and affordability, and making progress on our state’s ambitious climate and clean energy targets. I look forward to helping create a better future for Maine.”
Gov. Janet Mills nominated Scully in May to fill the seat being vacated by Bruce Williamson. The governor quickly swore Scully in on Tuesday, meaning Mills has now appointed two of the PUC’s three commissioners.
“Patrick’s perspective and depth of experience will be a valuable asset to the Maine Public Utilities Commission,” Mills said in a statement.
Several Republican committee members had voted against Scully’s nomination, saying at the time they they were frustrated more generally with a “pattern” of political influence in the governor’s nominations. But Tuesday, Sen. Trey Stewart, R-Presque Isle, said those concerns had been heard and praised Scully’s nomination.
“To say that he is qualified would be an understatement,” Stewart said.
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