Governor Nominates McLean to Maine Public Utilities Commission

AUGUSTA, Maine – Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that Carlisle McLean has been nominated as Commissioner of the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). McLean, if approved, would join current Commissioners David Littell and Mark Vannoy.

Since 2013 Carlisle McLean has served as Chief Counsel and has previously served as General Counsel and Senior Natural Resources Policy Advisor in the Office of the Governor.

Prior to joining the Office of the Governor, McLean practiced law with Preti Flaherty law firm from 2005 to 2011 handling matters ranging from permitting and compliance of energy and development permits, to obtaining LURC rezoning and development permits, to handling negotiations and settlements at Superfund Sites throughout New England and nationally.

Previously, McLean worked with the Yale Center for Environmental Policy, Trustees for Alaska, the
New York State Office of Attorney General, the Pace Land Use Law Center and Freehills Law Firm in Sydney, Australia.

McLean has been an active member of the Maine and American Bar Associations since 2005 and has held leadership positions with both organizations. She earned her Juris Doctor/Master of Environmental Management from Pace University School of Law and Yale University School of Forestry. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Bates College.

Maine Public Utilities Commissioner Thomas Welch, who was also Chairman and Maine’s representative to the New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE), has chosen to resign from his post effectively opening a position for commissioner. Governor LePage announced on December 30, 2014 that he was appointing Commissioner Mark Vannoy as Chairman to replace Welch. Patrick Woodcock, the Director of the Governor’s Energy Office, will serve as Maine’s representative to NESCOE.

McLean will appear before the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology in the upcoming weeks. A date has not yet been scheduled.

The MPUC 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.