MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont Gov. Phil Scott on Friday tapped Kerrick Johnson to lead the Vermont Department of Public Service.
The Middlesex resident comes from the Vermont Electric Power Company, where he has served in a number of top roles over the years, most recently as executive advisor.
“Kerrick has extensive experience as a leader in the energy sector which will be valuable as we help Vermonters make the switch to cleaner energy sources in ways they can afford,” Governor Scott said in a statement.
DPS represents the public interest when it comes to energy, telecommunications, water, and wastewater.
If confirmed, Johnson would join the department at a pivotal time, as lawmakers and the governor debate affordability and whether to put the brakes on the state’s ambitious climate agenda. A study by DPS this fall found that enacting a Clean Heat Standard to meet the requirements of the Global Warming Solutions Act would cost upwards of $10 billion over the next 25 years.
Kerrick replaces June Tierney, who has served in the role since 2017.