DEEP Hires Procurement Manager

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has hired the state’s first-ever power procurement manager as part of its effort to bring cheaper and cleaner electricity to the residents and businesses of Connecticut.

The new power procurement manager, Jeffrey Gaudiosi, 39, of Windsor, currently serves as vice president of the Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut and a vice chairman of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board.  Gaudiosi will start work in his new position Feb. 10.

Gaudiosi is charged with developing plans for the efficient purchase of electric power for standard service customers by the state’s electric utility companies, which will contribute to lower electric rates in the state.  He will be responsible for devising annual plans that make a portfolio of power contracts available to the two main electric distribution companies – Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) and United Illuminating (UI).  The plans would be reviewed and approved by the state’s regulatory authority, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).

“With Jeff Gaudiosi coming on board we continue to ‘ramp up’ Connecticut’s leading edge approach to energy, which will drive down costs, improve our economy and help us capture environmental benefits,” said DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty.  “Accomplishing these goals will meet the priorities of the Malloy Administration and the requirements of last year’s comprehensive energy legislation, Public Act 11-80.”

One of the key provisions of Public Act 11-80, An Act Concerning the Establishment of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Planning for Connecticut’s Energy Future,” created the position of  power procurement manager within DEEP.  Responsibilities for developing the state’s electric procurement plans have previously rested with CL&P and UI.

Gaudiosi is a 1994 graduate of the University of Connecticut.  He also graduated from Quinnipiac College School of Law, 1997, and is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association.

He has served as vice president of the Waterbury-based Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut (MAC) since 1997 and in that position developed expertise on energy procurement issues.  At MAC he created and managed a power and natural gas purchasing pool for industrial facilities in Connecticut.

Gaudiosi has served on the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund since 1998 and has held the position of chairman or vice chairman for several years.  The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund is responsible for a variety of programs that provide financial incentives to help homeowners and businesses reduce energy costs.  The fund administers a web site, www.ctenergyinfo.com, which provides comprehensive information on efficiency programs available in this state.

He was also a vice chairman and then chairman of the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board (CEAB, which had been charged with creating energy plans for the state, representing the state in ISO New England’s regional energy system planning process and evaluating proposals related to energy projects in the state.   He served on that board from 2007 until this June, when it was reconstituted under Public Act 11-80 and given more of an advisory role.