Thomas Wiehl took an unconventional path to leading Connecticut’s utility regulator. After beginning his career as an art major and interning at Marvel Comics, he pivoted to law — drawn to the ambiguity and problem-solving inherent in legal work.
Now chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, Wiehl oversees regulation of Connecticut’s electric, gas and water utilities at a time of heightened scrutiny over high energy costs and regulatory stability. He began serving in October 2025 following leadership turmoil at the agency and its expansion from three to five commissioners.
Wiehl previously served as legal and regulatory director for the state Office of Consumer Counsel, where he managed litigation strategy and regulatory proceedings. He also worked as vice president of administration and general counsel for Consumers Petroleum of Connecticut and earlier served as a public defender in Massachusetts. He has been admitted to the bars of Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
At PURA, Wiehl said he will emphasize collective decision-making and institutional stability. As the state continues to debate electric rates, public benefits charges and regulatory reform, Wiehl has framed PURA’s role as balancing consumer protection with ensuring utilities remain financially viable.
He lives in Madison with his wife and two sons.