Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Hank Webster
Deputy Commissioner – Energy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hank Webster is the Deputy Commissioner of Energy at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).  He was appointed to this position in February, 2023.

As Deputy Commissioner, Hank is leading DEEP's Energy Branch as Connecticut transitions to a zero carbon electric grid. His responsibilities include developing Connecticut's Integrated Resources Plan and Comprehensive Energy Strategy, overseeing procurements of clean energy resources, and developing policies and programs in the areas of energy affordability, energy efficiency, and strategic electrification of the transportation and housing sectors to help Connecticut achieve its greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Hank joined DEEP from the non-profit Acadia Center where he served as the Rhode Island Director and Senior Policy Advocate advancing an equitable clean energy transition. Hank has served on the ISO-New England Consumer Liaison Group, Rhode Island’s Power Sector Transformation Advisory Group, Mobility Innovation Working Group, Transportation Advisory Committee, and Energy Efficiency Technical Working Group.

As an attorney at Acadia Center, Hank gained significant experience in utility dockets, climate and infrastructure planning, energy efficiency policy and program review, and consumer issues related to retail energy supply and distribution. 

Prior to Acadia Center, Hank held various senior leadership positions at non-profits and in the private sector, developing transportation and energy policy to improve personal mobility and goods movement. He holds dual BAs in Political Science and Public Communication as well as a JD from American University.