Neil Proudman

As a former New Hampshire utility president, I have had the opportunity to work closely with the Office of the Consumer Advocate on many occasions. Throughout my almost four-year tenure, the OCA and its staff have been unwavering in their duty to “appear or intervene in any proceeding…in which the interests of residential customers are involved” and they have exercised that duty with professionalism, respect and care for the ratepayers they represent. Unlike any other agency within state government, they uniquely maintain and preserve that direct line of sight from the ‘hearing room’ through to the customer bill and serve as the independent ‘check and balance’ to ensure that the energy industry and other key stakeholders, including government, make prudent decisions in the interest of the people of New Hampshire. It is this independence that gives comfort and confidence to ratepayers that their voice is being heard where important decisions affecting them are being made, providing increased transparency and both empowering and protecting consumers' interests. On many occasions the OCA helps to confer legitimacy on the decisions made by the Public Utilities Commission, even when those decisions are unpopular. In addition, the agency watches closely to ensure that utilities and others keep their promises and deliver on their commitments by holding the relevant parties accountable and often asking the difficult questions. Whilst there are those who would seek to abolish the Office of the Consumer Advocate, I believe that in a rapidly changing energy environment, it is vital that the Agency should be present whenever the future of energy is being discussed and where the difficult questions need to be asked. On a personal note, I would add that whilst at times challenging, I have found working with the agency to be mutually respectful and a consistent source of advice and counsel if required. For these reasons I oppose HB 610 and ask that consideration be given to retaining the Office of the Consumer Advocate in the interests of residential customers and those that serve them.