Avangrid’s Kimberly Harriman Appointed to NYSERDA Board, Bringing Decades of Energy Expertise to Support New York’s Clean Energy Vision
Avangrid, Inc., a prominent U.S. energy company and a member of the global Iberdrola Group, has announced that Kimberly Harriman, the company’s Senior Vice President of Public and Regulatory Affairs, has been officially appointed to the Board of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Her appointment follows a nomination by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and subsequent confirmation by the New York State Senate.
With over two decades of experience working in energy policy and regulation within New York State, Harriman brings a wealth of knowledge and a strategic understanding of the state’s evolving energy landscape to her new role at NYSERDA. Her appointment marks a significant development in the alignment of public policy and industry expertise to advance New York’s clean energy goals.
A Leader with Vision and Experience
“Kimberly’s extensive leadership experience, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to New York’s energy transition make her an exceptional choice for this important position,” said Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid. “Her appointment not only acknowledges her many contributions to the energy sector but also reinforces Avangrid’s broader commitment to supporting New York’s goals for a reliable, resilient, and decarbonized energy future.”
In her current capacity at Avangrid, Harriman leads public and regulatory affairs for both the company’s regulated utilities and its expansive renewable energy portfolio. Since joining Avangrid in late 2020, she has overseen engagement with state governments and stakeholders across a broad geography, spanning New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine, and covering renewable onshore and offshore wind and solar projects in more than 20 states.
Her responsibilities at Avangrid have centered on shaping and advocating for policies that support the clean energy transition while ensuring the continued reliability and affordability of energy systems. Her appointment to NYSERDA’s board brings that same advocacy and insight into the public policy arena, where strategic partnerships between state agencies and industry leaders are increasingly critical to realizing long-term energy goals.
A Deep Background in New York’s Energy Policy
Kimberly Harriman’s distinguished career in New York’s energy sector spans more than two decades and includes several senior roles within state government agencies and energy institutions. Prior to joining Avangrid, she served as Senior Vice President of Public and Regulatory Affairs at the New York Power Authority (NYPA), where she was a member of the Executive Management Committee. During her time at NYPA, she also served as Chairperson of the Canal Management Committee, playing a key role in the oversight and operational integration of the New York State Canal Corporation.
Earlier in her career, Harriman served at the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS), the staff arm of the New York Public Service Commission. There, she held numerous roles, ultimately serving as General Counsel. In that role, she led the department’s legal team in regulatory matters and civil litigation before state and federal courts. Her portfolio covered oversight and regulation of electric, gas, water, steam, telecommunications, and cable service providers across New York.
Harriman’s legal and regulatory background includes significant time spent as an Administrative Law Judge, presiding over critical utility rate cases and major policy proceedings. She was instrumental in helping to shape outcomes on matters ranging from infrastructure siting and rate structures to energy affordability and renewable energy incentives.
In addition, she served in the New York State Executive Chamber as Assistant Secretary for Energy, contributing directly to the formulation and advancement of state-level energy policy initiatives. This included support for key legislative priorities such as on-bill financing for energy efficiency upgrades and energy-based economic development programs designed to revitalize local economies while transitioning to cleaner sources of power.
Her combined private and public sector experience gives her a uniquely comprehensive perspective on the regulatory, operational, and political dimensions of energy development in New York State.
NYSERDA’s Mission and Governance
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) plays a pivotal role in advancing innovative energy solutions and clean energy deployment throughout the state. Its mission centers on accelerating the development and adoption of sustainable energy practices while fostering economic growth and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. NYSERDA is a critical implementing agency for New York’s nation-leading climate policies, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which mandates 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
The NYSERDA board consists of 13 members. Four serve ex officio, representing key state agencies: the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Chair of the Public Service Commission, and the President and CEO of the New York Power Authority. The remaining nine members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the State Senate. Harriman’s appointment fills one of these key gubernatorial slots, reinforcing the administration’s focus on bridging regulatory and operational expertise in implementing the state’s ambitious energy strategies.
In her statement accepting the appointment, Harriman expressed both humility and excitement. “It’s an honor to be appointed to serve on the board of NYSERDA, and I’m deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and the New York Senate for the opportunity,” she said. “I look forward to working alongside a uniquely talented group of fellow board members to advance innovative and responsible energy solutions for all New Yorkers.”
Commitment to a Resilient Energy Future
Harriman’s appointment comes at a time when New York is doubling down on its energy transition strategy, emphasizing renewable energy, grid modernization, climate resilience, and equitable access to clean technologies. Her expertise is expected to be invaluable in supporting NYSERDA’s efforts to develop scalable, inclusive solutions that meet the energy demands of today while preparing the state for tomorrow’s challenges.
At Avangrid, she continues to play a central role in helping shape the clean energy economy across the Northeast and beyond. The company, headquartered in Orange, Connecticut, operates several regulated utility subsidiaries in New York, including New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E), serving over 1 million customers in the state. It also leads several large-scale renewable energy initiatives, such as the Vineyard Wind offshore wind project and numerous solar and onshore wind developments nationwide.
Her dual position—as a senior leader in a major energy company and now as a board member of NYSERDA—puts her at the intersection of innovation, implementation, and policy execution, offering a rare vantage point from which to guide the future of New York’s energy system.
Educational Background
Harriman earned her Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School of Union University, an institution well-regarded for producing leaders in public service and regulatory law. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Economics from Siena College, reflecting a lifelong interest in the intersections of law, policy, and economic development.
A Catalyst for Clean Energy Progress
With her deep institutional knowledge, practical regulatory experience, and proven leadership in both government and industry, Kimberly Harriman is well-positioned to play a transformative role on the NYSERDA board. Her appointment represents more than just the filling of a board seat; it reflects a deliberate effort by state leadership to ensure that those at the helm of New York’s energy transition are equipped with the insight, skill, and passion necessary to deliver on one of the most ambitious climate and energy agendas in the United States.
As New York pushes forward with implementing decarbonization strategies, energy equity programs, and clean technology investments, voices like Harriman’s will be central in helping align public sector goals with private sector capabilities—ensuring the transition to a sustainable energy future is both achievable and inclusive.
