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Vermont Senate confirms Kerrick Johnson as Department of Public Service commissioner, 30-0
Summary
The Vermont Senate unanimously confirmed Kerrick Johnson as commissioner of the Department of Public Service after a committee review that found no financial conflict with his previous employer, Velco.
The Vermont Senate on Feb. 14, 2025, confirmed Kerrick Johnson as commissioner of the Department of Public Service by a 30-0 roll-call vote during its floor session at the Vermont State House in Montpelier.
The Senate’s Government Operations committee had reported Johnson’s nomination favorably to the floor after a vetting process. "The committee was very satisfied that he doesn't have any financial interest that would, in his former employers, that would influence his decisions," the senator from Washington said during the committee report. The committee also supplied Johnson's financial disclosures and consulted the ethics commission, the senator said.
The committee's report described Johnson’s background in utility transmission and related projects, noting work for Velco and roles involving transmission lines, statewide fiber and several connector projects. "He has a lot of experience in working in complex issues, finding agreement," the senator from Washington said. The committee vote to report the nomination was 7-0-0.
On the floor, the question to confirm Johnson drew a requested roll call. Several senators answered "yes" during the call; the secretary announced the final tally as "30 yes and 0 no," and the presiding officer declared Johnson appointed.
The Senate record shows the committee and senators discussed potential conflicts arising from Johnson's former work for Velco and said there is an agreement that he will not participate in matters that would pose a conflict. The committee also requested and received the governor's office review and Johnson’s executive-level financial disclosures.
The confirmation places Johnson in the role that represents the public in utility hearings and rate proceedings before the Public Service Board, a duty described during the committee report. No additional implementation steps or effective date for his start were specified in the floor proceedings.
Votes at a glance
- Confirmation of Kerrick Johnson as commissioner, Department of Public Service — Roll-call vote: 30 yes, 0 no (confirmed).
