ORANGE — Avangrid, the parent company for United Illuminating, announced former chair of the Connecticut Siting Council Elin Swanson Katz as its first vice president of energy policy. In this role, Katz will lead the company’s public policy strategy across its electric and gas utilities and power generation businesses, overseeing engagement on energy policy, regulatory priorities, and stakeholder collaboration.
“Elin brings a depth of experience in energy policy, consumer protection, and utility regulation that will strengthen Avangrid’s ability to advance policies that support customers and the energy transition,” said Avangrid Deputy CEO Kim Harriman. “Her leadership will help ensure our approach remains grounded in affordability, reliability, and strong stakeholder engagement.”
Katz, who lives in Greater Hartford, brings decades of experience in energy policy and utility regulation, including serving as Connecticut’s consumer counsel, where she led the state’s independent consumer advocacy agency representing customers in regulatory proceedings. She later served as the founding director of the Office of Public Participation at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, where she established an office focused on expanding public engagement in federal energy decision-making, and as a consumer protection expert at the U.S. Department of Energy.
Most recently, Katz was founder and principal of Blue Swan Energy Strategies LLC, advising utilities and policymakers on regulatory strategy, energy affordability, and stakeholder engagement.
“I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring that energy policy decisions reflect the needs of customers,” Katz said. “I look forward to joining the Avangrid team to advance thoughtful policies that balance affordability, reliability, and the needs of the future.”
Early in her career, Katz held leadership roles in the private sector focused on utility strategy, grid modernization, and energy policy, as well as legal and academic positions in environmental and energy law. She has received numerous honors for her public service, including the U.S. Department of Energy Secretary’s Honor Award and FERC chairman’s Merit Award.
