AUGUSTA — Economist Bruce Williamson is the newest member of the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Williamson was sworn into office by Republican Gov. Paul LePage on Tuesday. The Republican-controlled Senate approved his nomination earlier this month.

Williamson is a senior economist at the Institute for Nuclear Security at the University of Tennessee’s Howard Baker Center for Public Policy.

He’s replacing David Littell, who was appointed to the three-member commission by former Democratic Gov. John Baldacci. He will join Chairman Mark Vannoy and Commissioner Carlie McLean.

LePage said in a statement that there’s much work to do to address the state’s complex energy issues and challenges. He says he’s confident that the three commissioners will “serve the best interest of the Maine people with integrity and professionalism.”