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28 Hartford Business Journal • April 2, 2018 • www.HartfordBusiness.com Eversource's Morton helps shape CT's energy policies By Wendy Pierman Mitzel Special to the Hartford Business Journal V ery little can change at a public utility like Eversource without legislative approval. And that's where Peg Morton comes in. As vice president of legislative affairs, Morton is one of the state's leading en- ergy authorities involved in crafting ma- jor legislation pertaining to the delivery of electricity and natural gas services to New England consumers. "I'm probably one of the luckiest people alive," says Morton, with 26 years at Eversource. "I love what I do, and I feel fortunate to have my job and work with people I do." Morton, who says she thrives on cha- os, spends long hours with her small team in legislative sessions and office meetings lobbying for myriad causes. She has worked to champion and gain approval for numerous infra- structure improvements and, recently, her time has been spent fighting for funding for the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, known as Energize CT, which uses a small charge on customer bills to fund energy-efficiency efforts. It includes programs that allow for upgrades to LED lighting and provide rebates for switching to energy-effi- cient appliances. The state budget cut the program dramatically. "We're trying to find a balance mov- ing forward between utilizing renew- able energy and keeping the lights on with fossil fuels," she says. Morton's work at the state level also includes lobbying for legislation that allows for greater use of natural gas and wind and solar power. Because Eversource is a public util- ity, any new project, change in power generation or rate adjustment, requires legislative or regulatory approval. Not only does she work with the Connecticut legislature, but also leg- islatures in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Rodney Powell, Eversource's presi- dent of corporate citizenship, has worked with Morton for years. "From industry restructuring, major asset sales, mergers and acquisitions, major storm disruptions to operational impacts on customers, Peg has not just seen but has been an integral part of 'fixing' the concerns and getting to the right solution," Powell said. "Leading the group that interfaces with the three state legislatures, and the vast array of both customers and special interest constituents of three states, requires a unique ability to hear the other per- son's perspective, interpret their con- cerns and match all that with the best available outcome for our company. It's not an easy or enviable task." Longtime friend and lobbyist Paddi LeShane says people are also drawn to Morton's sense of humor and energy. "She takes what she does seriously, but not herself seriously," LeShane says. "She's a people person. She knows everyone comes to the Capitol with various opinions and Peg believes she can give them the information they need to see her side of things. She's a good educator." Morton is often asked how she comes back from a really rough day of lobbying. "You have to keep your wits about you, as my father used to say," she said. "People are people. They have opinions and you treat them with respect. Of course, there are times when you get in the car and bite the steering wheel and cry." Giving back Morton says going back to college when her children were in high school worked to her advantage. She attend- ed community college, then earned a scholarship to Wesleyan University. Although on track to become a teacher, she ended up working for the board of trustees of the Connecticut State Colleges, which later became the Connecticut State College and Univer- sities system. It was her first foray into policy- making. While she had many male mentors, Morton did find it difficult to connect with the few other women in leader- ship positions. "There was not an awful lot of wom- en to ask questions to or for advice," she says. "The women weren't always helpful, and I decided I would try to never do that to anybody. If somebody needed something, I should take the time to help them." To that end, Morton is a constant sup- porter of women's groups, such as the Aurora Women and Girls Foundation, which conducts research and encour- ages philanthropy for women's causes, the Association of Women in Energy and the Connecticut Women's Council. Morton serves on the board of the Bushnell Park Foundation, and sup- ports Journey Home, a nonprofit to end homelessness in Hartford. "Whenever there is a function or event, particularly one that supports women or girls, she is the first one to step up to buy a table or get other people to buy a table," says LeShane. "She goes beyond just being interested in a cause. She is always there for her friends and the folks she works with." Morton admits it's a lot, still, when it comes to a work/life balance. A Middletown resident, she has two daughters and six granddaughters. "If people feel like you really care about them and you will be there when they really need you, that's all you can do," she says. Peg Morton Vice President of Government Affairs Eversource Energy What legacy do you want to leave after your career is over? I know that I have had the privilege of working for the finest state institutions and, certainly, Eversource. My hope is that I leave with a reputation of being honest, loyal, respectful, knowl- edgeable and professional. I hope that my company feels that I have made a positive impact for our customers, my co-workers and Eversource in general. I'm hopeful that those for whom I've worked and those I've worked with feel that I brought value, worked hard and smart with a deep sense of responsibil- ity and integrity. And, that working as a team, we have had success and made a posi- tive difference. What are your keys to maintain- ing business success? In my area of business as in all others, trust, integrity and loyalty are essential. Yes, knowing my business and knowing where and to whom to turn for answers is also essential, but building trust- ing relations is vital. I have found that treating people fairly and with respect and really listening to what they say has helped me build long- lasting friendships and allies. "I'm probably one of the luckiest people alive. I love what I do, and I feel fortunate to have my job and work with people I do." WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS 2018