Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. Appoints Noel Black as Chief Regulatory and External Affairs Officer to Strengthen Utility-Focused Strategy
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (TSX/NYSE: AQN), a leading North American regulated utility and renewable energy company, announced today the appointment of Noel Black as its Chief Regulatory and External Affairs Officer, effective June 30, 2025. This new executive role was created to drive alignment between the company’s regulatory, government relations, stakeholder engagement, and communications efforts as it intensifies its focus on becoming a streamlined, customer-first, pure-play utility.
Noel Black, a seasoned utility executive with more than 30 years of experience, joins Algonquin at a pivotal moment in its strategic transformation. In his new role, Mr. Black will report directly to Rod West, the recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of AQN. He will be responsible for shaping and executing the company’s regulatory strategy, leading its engagement with policymakers and community leaders, and managing external communications to ensure consistent and effective messaging to stakeholders.
A New Role for a New Direction
The creation of this new executive position reflects Algonquin’s renewed emphasis on regulatory alignment, transparency, and community collaboration. The company has embarked on a “Back to Basics” strategy that focuses on core utility operations—providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy and water services to its customers across North America. Black’s role is seen as integral to executing this customer-centric plan, which places strong emphasis on building trust and delivering long-term value across all stakeholder groups, including regulators, investors, employees, and communities.
CEO Rod West on Black’s Appointment
“Noel brings a rare combination of regulatory fluency, public affairs acumen, and deep stakeholder engagement experience,” said CEO Rod West. “His appointment is a key milestone as we seek to realign our organization around a streamlined, customer-focused utility model. Noel has a proven history of delivering positive regulatory outcomes, building collaborative partnerships, and guiding major utilities through strategic transitions.”
West emphasized that Black’s skill set will be critical in helping Algonquin navigate an increasingly complex regulatory and policy landscape. “As we advance our ‘Back to Basics’ plan, Noel will help us sharpen our value proposition, ensuring our utility services remain responsive to customer needs while also achieving strong regulatory and financial performance,” he said.
A Distinguished Career in Utility Regulation and Public Affairs
Mr. Black joins Algonquin from Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the largest investor-owned utilities in the United States, where he built an impressive career spanning more than three decades. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Federal Regulatory Affairs. In that role, he was instrumental in managing Southern Company’s interactions with federal regulatory bodies and shaping policy initiatives related to utility infrastructure, energy markets, and customer service innovation.
Over the years, Mr. Black held numerous leadership positions within Southern Company and its subsidiaries, including roles in strategic planning, governmental affairs, and retail market development. He played a central role in shaping the utility’s regulatory policy agenda and in fostering constructive relationships with local and federal policymakers, industry partners, consumer advocacy groups, and community organizations.
His background includes successful negotiations on complex rate cases, regulatory settlements, and legislative initiatives that have had long-term impact on utility operations and customer engagement strategies. Colleagues and stakeholders have recognized his ability to bridge regulatory compliance with business innovation and to align internal teams with external demands.
Supporting the Work of AQN’s Operating Utilities
At Algonquin, Mr. Black’s experience will directly support the operations of the company’s regulated utility subsidiaries, which serve over one million customer connections across the U.S. and Canada. These operating utilities provide essential services, including electric distribution, water and wastewater management, and natural gas distribution, across diverse service territories.
His appointment is expected to enhance the company’s ability to work collaboratively with utility commissions, secure constructive rate cases, and gain timely regulatory approvals that will support the modernization of infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. This regulatory clarity will, in turn, enable Algonquin to better manage costs, improve customer outcomes, and meet long-term performance goals.
Mr. Black will also be instrumental in managing Algonquin’s relationships with local and national government agencies as energy and water providers increasingly find themselves at the nexus of policy priorities around decarbonization, grid resilience, and equitable service delivery.
Driving Stakeholder Alignment and Enterprise Strategy
In addition to regulatory affairs, Mr. Black will oversee the company’s external communications and stakeholder engagement activities. He will lead cross-functional efforts to ensure that messaging is aligned across all touchpoints—from regulators and investors to customers and communities.
His leadership is expected to be crucial in building alignment around the Algonquin company’s refreshed strategic identity as a pure-play utility. The organization has already begun taking steps to reduce its exposure to non-regulated businesses and simplify its asset base to better focus on regulated utility growth and operational excellence.
“Noel’s appointment allows us to accelerate our organizational alignment efforts,” said CEO Rod West. “His deep knowledge of utility regulation and public affairs will enhance our enterprise-wide execution and stakeholder engagement as we work to deliver on our commitments.”
A Proven Track Record of Public Service and Leadership
Beyond the corporate realm, Mr. Black is known for his contributions to public service and community development. He has served on advisory boards and industry councils dedicated to energy policy, environmental stewardship, and workforce development.
His leadership philosophy emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and long-term thinking. This approach, combined with his operational know-how and policy expertise, positions him to be a key strategic advisor to the executive leadership team and a valued partner to external stakeholders.
