AUGUSTA – Kenneth Fletcher today announced he will be retiring from state government as the Director of the Governor’s Energy Office. Fletcher advised Governor Paul R. LePage for two years focusing on initiatives that have both lowered energy costs and expanded options for Mainers in the energy market.
“I truly appreciate the opportunity to have worked with Governor LePage on lowering Maine people’s energy costs. Governor LePage has clearly articulated the importance of lowering electricity prices while creating options for residents and businesses to control their total energy costs,” Fletcher said.
Since 2010, the average price of electricity has decreased, reducing annual costs by more than $120 million. During this same period, energy options such as natural gas, biomass and high efficiency electrical technologies have become more available to consumers, thereby lowering total energy costs.
“Ken has been an asset not only to me, but all Mainers. He is an experienced professional who brought decades of managerial and technical knowledge to the table,” Governor LePage said. “I thank him for his additional service to the people of Maine in this office and wish him the best in retirement.”
Prior to his time in the Governor’s Energy Office, Fletcher worked in the pulp and paper industry for more than 30 years. He served as a consultant providing managerial and technical expertise to a variety of companies throughout the United States.
Fletcher, 67, will retire with his wife Mary-Ellen in Winslow.
To coincide with Fletcher’s announcement Wednesday, Governor LePage named the new Energy Office Director. Patrick Woodcock, of Hampden, will assume the position and advise the Governor on all energy related matters effective Monday, Jan. 7.
Since 2005, Woodcock, 31, worked for United States Senator Olympia Snowe. Most recently, Woodcock held the position as senior advisor to the Senator on energy and environmental issues, in which he was responsible for developing Senator Snowe’s legislative agenda including the “Cut Energy Bills at Home Act.”
Prior to his time in Washington, D.C., Woodcock advised the Maine Senate Republicans, developing and facilitating campaign plans for multiple candidates, conducting comprehensive voter analysis throughout Maine and managing campaign budgets.
Woodcock attended Bowdoin College and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and minored in Economics.
