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HARTFORD, Conn. & BOSTON--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Northeast Utilities is pleased to announce the appointment of James W. Hunt as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Community Relations. He comes to NU after having most recently served as Chief of Environment and Energy for the city of Boston.

"Jim has a proven track record of advancing priorities that benefit energy security, environmental health and economic competitiveness"

In his new role, Hunt will lead all of NUas regulatory affairs and community relations activities in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. His duties will include guiding and overseeing the companyas day-to-day interactions with state utility regulators and local officials, as well as developing and implementing community relations and economic development strategies that foster NUas role as an active, visible and reliable corporate presence in every part of its service territory. Given his expertise in clean energy, sustainable development, and community engagement, Huntis expected to play a leadership role in advancing NU'sCorporate Social Responsibility strategy.

aJim has a proven track record of advancing priorities that benefit energy security, environmental health and economic competitiveness,a said Tom May, President and CEO of Northeast Utilities. aHis vast experience and a commitment to frank, open dialog fit perfectly with our philosophy of maintaining strong community and regulatory relationships.a

During his time as Bostonas Chief of Environment and Energy, Huntas numerous duties included overseeing several municipal agencies; advocating before state and federal officials and regulatory agencies to advance key energy priorities for the city; and directly managing high-profile issues such as citywide energy policy and planning, enactment of new green building and energy codes and regulations; and development of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. Prior to this most recent experience, Hunt served with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs as Assistant Secretary for Environmental Review; Assistant Secretary of Government Relations and Public Affairs; and Legislative Director.

Hunt holds a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He currently sits on several boards and task forces in the Greater Boston area. He will report directly to Joseph R. Nolan, Jr., NUas Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations.

About NU

Northeast Utilities (NU) operates New Englandas largest energy delivery company. NU and its companies are committed to safety, reliability, environmental leadership and stewardship, as well as expanding energy options for its more than 3 million electric and natural gas customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Headquartered in Boston, MA and Hartford, CT, NU is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NU. Learn more about NU and its family of companies at [ nu.com ].