(Hartford, CT – May 21, 2021) – The state Senate voted Friday to reappoint John W. "Jack" Betkoski III as one of three commissioners of Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The state House of Representatives also recently voted to reappoint Betkoski.

Friday’s unanimous reappointment will extend Betkoski’s term to March 1, 2023. Betkoski is the third longest serving utility commissioner in the U.S. as he’s set to begin his 25th year in the position on July 1.

“Jack’s lifelong dedication to public service is commendable, and I am pleased to continue serving the state alongside him,” said PURA Chairman Marissa P. Gillett. “His leadership, particularly in leading the adoption and implementation of the first-ever state water plan, is tremendous.”

“Vice Chairman Jack Betkoski has been a valuable member of Connecticut PURA throughout his almost 25 years in utility regulation,” said PURA Commissioner Michael Caron. “He is recognized throughout the U.S. and internationally as an expert in water utility regulation. He has been a great colleague and a great friend. Connecticut is better off with Jack Betkoski sitting on our bench.”

Betkoski’s experience in state and local government spans more than 40 years since he first served as a member of Beacon Falls’ boards of Selectmen and Finance.

From 1987 to 1997, he served as State Representative from the 105th District representing the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby and Seymour. He currently serves as chairman of Beacon Falls’ Economic Development Commission.

Betkoski joined Connecticut’s utility regulatory body after being named commissioner at the then Department of Public Utility Control in 1997. He was elected vice chairman of the agency in 2007, and again in 2011 when it reorganized as the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

Betkoski formerly served as president of the New England Conference of Public Utilities Commissioners (NECPUC) and president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC). He also previously held other full-time and board positions at several area nonprofits and regulatory organizations. 

He is currently chairman of the Connecticut Water Planning Council, which in recent years led the development of the state’s first comprehensive State Water Plan. Betkoski is also chairman of the Board of Directors for Derby-based Griffin Hospital, a board member of Waterbury Youth Services, and a member of the Advisory Board of The Salvation Army of Waterbury.

Betkoski, a lifelong resident of Beacon Falls, earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Sacred Heart University and a master’s degree and a sixth-year diploma in advanced studies in administration and supervision from Southern Connecticut State University.

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About the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority:

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is statutorily charged with regulating the rates and services of Connecticut's investor owned electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication companies and is the franchising authority for the state’s cable television companies. In the industries that are still wholly regulated, PURA balances the public’s right to safe, adequate and reliable utility service at reasonable rates with the provider’s right to a reasonable return on its investment. PURA also keeps watch over competitive utility services to promote equity among the competitors while customers reap the price and quality benefits of competition and are protected from unfair business practices. Visit PURA’s website at ct.gov/pura.

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