Nicholas S. Ucci

  • B.A. '00, Economics and Political Science & M.A. '06, Political Science
  • State Energy Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources

Nicholas S. Ucci was nominated by Governor Gina M. Raimondo in January 2020 to serve as Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), the state’s lead agency on energy policy and programs. OER works closely with private and public stakeholders to foster clean, affordable, and reliable energy solutions for all consumers, while spurring economic and job growth opportunities across Rhode Island’s burgeoning clean energy economy.  

During his time at OER, Commissioner Ucci has helped expand the state’s clean energy portfolio nearly ten-fold, while supporting Rhode Island’s standing as a national leader in energy efficiency innovation. He has played a significant role in major renewable energy procurements, including selection of the 400 MW Revolution Wind (offshore) project, and is now leading efforts to ensure that 100% of the state’s electricity demand is met with renewables by 2030 – a nation-leading effort. Nick has also been instrumental in guiding the state’s Heating Sector Transformation (HST) initiative and doubling EV charging infrastructure across Rhode Island roadways.

Nick serves on the Board of Managers for the New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE); as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Energy Efficiency & Resource Management Council (EERMC) and Distributed Generation (DG) Board; and is Vice Chairman of the state’s Executive Climate Change Council (EC4). He is also a recipient of the Environmental Merit Award (Government) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

A lifelong resident of the Ocean State, Nick is a proud graduate of the University of Rhode Island (URI), where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Political Science, with a concentration in Public Policy and a Graduate Certificate in Labor Relations.  He also holds Bachelor of Arts degrees, with Highest Distinction, in Political Science and Economics from URI. A devoted father of two young children, Nick was elected by his peers to the Bishop’s Committee of St. Francis Episcopal Church (Coventry, RI) and coaches little league baseball.