Former U.S. Attorney Curran Brings Extensive Legal, Governmental Experience to the Position
Providence, RI - Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today announced his nomination of former U.S. Attorney Margaret E. "Meg" Curran to Chair the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission. "Beyond her impressive resume and experience, I personally know Meg Curran to be an outstanding Rhode Islander and gifted attorney who is committed to serving the people of this state with integrity," Governor Chafee said. "The Public Utilities Commission is a vitally important institution, affecting the lives of Rhode Islanders in many, many ways. The intricate subject matter that comes before the Commissioners requires a great deal of intellect and ability. I am confident that Meg Curran is well equipped to meet those challenges." Meg Curran is the only woman to ever serve as United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island. Curran was appointed the state's top federal prosecutor by President Clinton and retained by President Bush, allowing her to continue to lead the Plunder Dome investigation and prosecution of corruption in Providence City Hall. As U.S. Attorney, Curran worked closely with state and municipal law enforcement, as well as all of the federal law enforcement agencies. After leaving the U.S. Attorney's office, Curran spent four years as a federal monitor, charged with overseeing establishment and maintenance of compliance and ethics programs, as well as adherence to applicable agreements with the Department of Justice; two years at the Roger Williams Medical Center, pursuant to its deferred prosecution agreement; and two years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, pursuant to its non-prosecution agreement. Curran currently serves as a member of the Rhode Island Parole Board and is Board Chair of the Rhode Island Health Benefits Exchange. Curran received her law degree, with high honors, from the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she was editor-in-chief of the law review. She also earned her M.S. from Purdue University and B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a graduate Warwick's Pilgrim High School.
About the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission comprises two distinct regulatory bodies: a three-member Commission (Commission) and the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (Division). Although two distinct regulatory bodies, the Commission and Division generally operate in concert.
The Public Utilities Commission serves as a quasi-judicial tribunal with jurisdiction, powers, and duties to implement and enforce the standards of conduct under §39-1-27.6 and to hold investigations and hearings involving the rates, tariffs, tolls, and charges, and the sufficiency and reasonableness of facilities and accommodations of railroad, ferry boats, gas, electric distribution, water, telephone, telegraph, and pipeline public utilities, the location of railroad depots and stations, and the control of grade crossings, the revocation, suspension or alteration of certificates issued pursuant to §39-19-4, appeals under §39-1-30, petitions under §39-1-31, and proceedings under §39-1-32. Through participation in the Energy Facility Siting Board, the Commission's chair also exercises jurisdiction over the siting of major energy facilities, pursuant to Chapter 42-98.