Maria Bocanegra Takes the Helm at Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas

In a significant leadership transition, WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC) announced on December 9, 2024, that Maria Bocanegra has been appointed as the new president of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, effective January 2, 2025. Bocanegra comes with a robust background in utility regulation and governmental affairs, having previously served as the chief legal and government relations officer at the Port of Cleveland.

Scott Lauber, the president and chief executive officer of WEC Energy Group, expressed his confidence in Bocanegra's capabilities, emphasizing her extensive experience in creating effective engagement strategies across both governmental and private sectors. "Her broad experience and strong leadership will be instrumental in helping us achieve our goals in Illinois," Lauber stated. This affirmation sets a high expectation for Bocanegra as she steps into this vital role that oversees operations in an essential area of energy utility services.

Bocanegra’s primary responsibilities will include overseeing the daily operations, strategic initiatives, and administrative functions of the two Illinois utilities, which collectively provide safe and reliable natural gas services to nearly one million customers. These customers span the city of Chicago and its northern suburbs, making the role crucial in maintaining service quality and operational efficiency. She will report directly to Lauber, ensuring that her strategic vision aligns closely with the company’s overall objectives.

A well-educated leader, Bocanegra holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Quincy University and a Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law. Her academic credentials provide a strong foundation for her professional journey, which has been marked by various influential roles.

Before her tenure at the Port of Cleveland, Bocanegra served on the Illinois Commerce Commission. In this capacity, she played a vital role in regulating electric, gas, and water utilities while also engaging in vital outreach efforts concerning energy and water issues within Chicago. Moreover, she held the position of administrative law judge for the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission and was a fellow at the Leadership Academy of the City of Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation. Additionally, she has experience as an attorney with the law firm Katz Friedman, where she honed her legal expertise.

WEC Energy Group is an established leader in the energy sector, catering to approximately 4.7 million customers across Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. The company encompasses several principal utilities, including We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas among others, illustrating its significant presence in the region. Furthermore, WEC Infrastructure LLC is expanding its portfolio with renewable generation facilities located across a range of states.

Bocanegra's extensive background in utility regulatory practices, combined with her leadership acumen, positions her uniquely to take on this role at a time when the energy sector is increasingly focused on reliability and sustainability. As WEC Energy Group continues to expand and adapt to market needs, Bocanegra's insights and strategies will be critical in navigating the complexities of the energy landscape.

As she embarks on this new chapter, the energy sector and her team at Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas will be watching closely, eager to see how her leadership will steer the organizations toward achieving new milestones while upholding their commitments to customer service and innovative energy solutions.