Ayotte Nominates Christopher J. Ellms, Jr. to Chair Public Utilities Commission

CONCORD, NH - Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte nominated Christopher J. Ellms, Jr. of Webster, to serve as the Chair of the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. Ellms is currently Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Energy, a position in which he was unanimously confirmed to by the Executive Council.

Governor Ayotte released the following statement on Ellms' nomination:

"Electric bills in New Hampshire are too high, and our Public Utilities Commission needs leadership that prioritizes lowering costs for families. I am proud to nominate Chris Ellms as our next PUC Chair to uphold that mission and protect ratepayers. I know he will serve New Hampshire with fairness and integrity."

State Rep. Michael Vose, Chairman of the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee, added the following statement in support of Ellms' nomination to the PUC:

"Chris Ellms is a steadfast advocate for commonsense, innovative energy solutions that lower costs for Granite Staters. He will be a champion for ratepayers, and I trust that he will put them at the forefront of every decision he makes. Chris has my full support to serve as our next PUC Chair."

Highlights on Chris Ellms:

• As Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Energy, Ellms executes the State's energy policy goals, with a focus on policy, regulatory affairs, and intergovernmental relations.
• Governor Ayotte is confident that Ellms is committed to protecting New Hampshire ratepayers and pursuing more responsible, reliable, and innovative energy solutions.
• Ellms is a respected leader with proven experience interfacing with industry stakeholders, members of the Legislature, and policy experts in the energy space.

About Chris Ellms:

Christopher J. "Chris" Ellms Jr., was appointed by former Governor Sununu in 2021 to serve as the Department of Energy's first deputy commissioner. Under Chris's leadership, the Department of Energy has taken a ratepayer-focused, all-of-the-above approach to energy policy that has contributed to New Hampshire's success.

A proven administrator and team-builder, Chris will bring effective leadership to the PUC to shepherd them into their next chapter. His sound judgment, ability to work across state government and with the legislature, and his fiscally-responsible philosophy will be an asset to the Commission and to New Hampshire's ratepayers.

Prior to his appointment to the Department of Energy, Chris served as Governor Sununu's Legislative Director. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Northeastern University.