Connecticut PURA Chair to Step Down in October

Connecticut’s energy and utility landscape is about to shift in a big way. Marissa Paslick Gillett, the well-regarded chair of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), plans to step down from her role on October 10, 2025.

Governor Ned Lamont broke the news, referencing her formal resignation letter. Gillett described the mounting emotional toll from disputes, lawsuits, and public criticism as the main reasons for her decision.

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Her departure will close a chapter defined by reform, strong consumer advocacy, and a determined push for cleaner, more reliable energy. Residents from Bridgeport to Hartford have seen the effects of her leadership.

The Impact of Marissa Gillett’s Leadership at PURA

Gillett came on board in 2019 and got reappointed by Lamont in June 2024. She drove efforts to hold utility providers accountable and demanded more transparency.

She dove into issues that hit close to home for families and businesses in New Haven, Stamford, Norwalk, Danbury, and beyond.

During her time at PURA, she pushed for:

Thorough reviews of utility distribution rates.
Rate reductions that put money back in the pockets of thousands across the state.
Long-term plans to move Connecticut toward cleaner energy.
Policies to make energy services more reliable and affordable.

A Commitment to Consumer Protection

People all over Connecticut, from Waterbury to New Britain, noticed these reforms. Gillett’s team worked to keep rate-setting fair and made sure utilities focused on performance, not just profit.

PURA, under her leadership, aimed to rebuild public trust in the regulatory system by holding major energy providers accountable.

Reasons Behind the Resignation

Despite her professional achievements, Gillett’s resignation highlights the personal cost of high-pressure public service. She pointed to rising legal fights, tough public scrutiny, and ongoing disputes that slowly pulled her away from PURA’s core mission.

The Emotional Toll of Public Service

The challenges for public officials in Connecticut—and everywhere—aren’t just political or administrative; they’re deeply personal. Gillett admitted that the constant battles sapped energy from proactive policymaking, something she felt Connecticut’s energy future needed.

Governor Lamont’s Response

Governor Ned Lamont thanked Gillett for her work, praising her sharp mind, balanced judgment, and steady commitment to fairness. He credited her for bringing new ideas and real reforms to Connecticut’s energy policy, which have made a difference for folks from Milford to Torrington.

Recognizing a Legacy of Progress

Lamont noted that since 2019, Gillett led the state through a period of big changes in energy regulation. The initiatives from her tenure should keep benefiting consumers and influencing policy after she steps down.

What Comes Next for PURA and Connecticut Energy Policy

With Gillett’s last day set for October 2025, there’s over a year for the state to figure out new leadership. Who’s next for the PURA chair? That’s still up in the air, but you can bet stakeholders from Greenwich to Norwich are paying close attention.

The chair’s seat is a big deal—it’s where business, environmental, and consumer interests all collide.

A Transitional Period

Gillett will stay on during the transition, guiding ongoing rate reviews and rolling out new policies. She’ll also help implement clean energy strategies, keeping projects like infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy incentives on track.

These efforts are crucial for Connecticut’s long-term climate goals, and her steady hand should help see them through the next year.

Final Reflections

In her resignation letter, Gillett called her time at PURA “the honor of my professional life.” That line really shows her deep commitment to public service, even when things got tough.

Her work changed energy oversight in Connecticut. Policies she helped shape still touch millions of residents every day.

As Connecticut’s energy sector heads into its next phase, communities from Fairfield to Middletown will keep feeling the impact of her reforms. There’s a lot of big decision-making ahead, and folks across the state know it.

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