Former EEI Chief Tom Kuhn Joins Anterix Board as Vice Chairman

Former EEI Chief Tom Kuhn to Join Anterix Board as Vice Chairman Thomas Kuhn, the former president and CEO of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) for over 30 years, is set to join Anterix, a private broadband network company, as a member of the board and its vice chairman. This move is expected to significantly elevate Anterix’s profile and expand its influence in the electric utility industry. Kuhn, a well-respected figure in the investor-owned utilities sector, is renowned for his strategic leadership and industry expertise.

During his tenure at EEI, Kuhn navigated the industry through significant transformations, adapting to technological advancements and regulatory changes. He was instrumental in maintaining a unified voice among utility chiefs, advocating for key industry issues such as the tax treatment of dividends. Kuhn’s efforts helped protect dividends from taxation, which was crucial for utilities and their investors.

Kuhn’s leadership extended beyond financial matters; he also guided the industry through environmental challenges and the transition from coal to renewables. His ability to steer the industry through these changes earned him widespread acclaim.

Morgan O’Brien, executive chairman of Anterix, praised Kuhn’s leadership, stating, “Throughout Tom’s tenure at EEI, he has exemplified visionary leadership and has achieved countless public policy and operational milestones.” Rob Schwartz, president and CEO of Anterix, highlighted Kuhn’s track record as an energy statesman and consensus-builder, noting that his perspective would be invaluable to the company and its partners.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Kuhn emphasized the importance of industry collaboration in addressing challenges such as wildfires, decarbonization, distributed energy, and cybersecurity. He sees Anterix’s broadband platform as a key solution for the sector, offering enhanced communication capabilities and technological resilience.

Prior to his role at EEI, Kuhn served as president of the American Nuclear Energy Council and had a stint on Wall Street. He also served in the Navy, a period of his life he recalls with pride. Kuhn’s diverse background and extensive experience make him a valuable addition to Anterix’s leadership team.

Anterix, headquartered in Woodland Park, N.J., is the largest holder of licensed 900 MHz spectrum, which forms the foundation of its private LTE broadband networks. These networks provide utilities with secure and reliable communication capabilities, offering cybersecurity, speed, and scalability for future technological advancements. Major utilities such as San Diego Gas & Electric, Ameren Corporation, Xcel Energy, and the Lower Colorado River Authority have already adopted the Anterix platform.

Anterix has also played a key role in the Utility Broadband Alliance and has established a robust ecosystem of over 100 suppliers to support utility communication needs. With Kuhn’s appointment, Anterix is poised to further strengthen its position as a leader in utility communications and technology.