Anthony “Tony” Contrino, Westfield Gas + Electric’s new General Manager. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – “It’s quite an honor to be chosen for that position,” said Anthony “Tony” Contrino Monday on his selection as general manager of Westfield Gas + Electric. Contrino will replace Daniel Howard, who will be retiring on Nov. 9 after 34 years with the Municipal Light Plant.
Contrino, of Wilbraham, has been with WG+E 18 years this February. He previously worked for other utilities around the state, including Holyoke Power, Baystate Gas and Berkshire Gas & Electric on the electrical supply side. He has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Western New England University.
In his current position as energy supply manager, Contrino is involved in purchasing supplies on the electric and gas side, and setting up the rates for residential and different-sized commercial customers. “We’ve always been well below the state average for gas and electric (rates),” he said.
As GM, he will also oversee Whip City Fiber, which he referred to as a new business. “I’ve been involved in strategy for Whip City Fiber,” Contrino said, although admitting his focus has been on gas and electric supply. “I’ve got to tip my hat to Dan Howard. It took a lot of foresight and initiative to commit to Whip City Fiber,” he said, including reaching out to other MLPs outside of Westfield to help them get broadband. Contrino said he has reported to Howard since he started at WG+E.
“We’re one of the top MLPs in terms of being proactive,” Contrino said.
Before taking on the role of energy supply manager, Contrino was an operations supervisor on the field side of getting supply to customers. He also negotiated with four solar companies to purchase electricity. “I negotiated the agreements, and did a lot of the legwork,” he said, including the new Westfield Community Solar on Southampton Road, which is set to go online next month.
He has also been involved in customer events while at WG+E, adding that the company is ingrained in the local community.
Contrino said he learned about his selection as general manager the same night of the Municipal Light Board interviews on Oct. 9, which surprised him. He said he will meet with them again at the Nov. 7 board meeting to work out all of the details. “That was exciting,” Contrino said.
