In the past two days Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced plans to consolidate state agencies, in one case calling for creation of a new department with increased focus on energy policy and in the second proposing to streamline much of the state's higher-education bureaucracy.

While it is too soon to endorse either of these proposals, the governor's readiness to initiate substantive changes in the structure of government is a welcomed development, a big change from the recent past, and the only way to deal with the massive state deficit.

On Tuesday Gov. Malloy issued a news release calling for the legislature to combine the departments of Environmental Protection and Public Utility Control to create a Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The plan would also fold about a dozen other positions focused on energy planning into the new agency.

The Department of Public Utility Control is the much smaller unit, regulating rates charged by private utility companies and overseeing cable TV franchises. The DEP is a massive agency that enforces state environmental regulations and manages parks, waterways, wildlife, forests and other natural resources.

Most encouraging is the potential for an increased focus on energy. Connecticut has long suffered for its lack of an energy strategy. Reining in high energy costs is critical to Connecticut's economic recovery. And development of clean, alternative energy technologies can help drive economic growth. The proposed merger recognizes the link between energy conservation and environmental protection.

But there is the potential for conflicts; a new power plant might be good for the economy, but not necessarily good for the environment.

Gov. Malloy did not release details about potential staff reductions or expected savings, if any. The legislative review process can sort out the merits of the idea, but if done right, reducing the number of state agencies can only be a good thing.

As for higher education, the governor on Wednesday proposed eliminating the individual boards for the Connecticut State University System, its community colleges and the Board of Governors for Higher Education and forming a single Board of Regents for Higher Education. The administrations serving these institutions would also merge and answer to a single chief executive officer.

The University of Connecticut would remain independent.

Many have long criticized the state's higher-education system as top-heavy. Gov. Malloy appears ready to do something about it.

More proposed changes - with details - are likely when the governor unveils his budget plans next week. Meanwhile, this week's announcements are a reason to be encouraged.