EDUCATION
Ph.D., Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, 1977
M.S., Energy and Resources, University of California, Berkeley, 1977
B.S., Chemistry, Providence College, 1970
California Energy Commissioner
California Energy Commission
January 2010 – Feb 21, 2019
Policy Committees: Siting, Renewables, Transmission & Regional Planning, Electricity & Natural Gas; ten committees for proposed renewable and natural gas-fired power plants
Co-Founder and Principal
MRW & Associates, LLC
1986 - 2010
Was responsible for overall management of MRW activity until early 2008. Lead complex analyses of energy markets and regulation for various end-users, financial institutions, gas pipelines and producers, Qualified Facility (QF) developers, state governments and federal agencies. Provided due diligence analysis for major energy facilities in the western states and assessment of major policy issues at the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Public Utilities Commission. Advised judge in the Calpine bankruptcy proceeding concerning conflicting testimony on power and fuels markets. Provided expert witness testimony in over one hundred state and federal regulatory proceedings as well as civil litigation/arbitration proceedings on subjects including utility resource planning, natural gas markets and rates, power pricing for QF projects, need for power, marginal cost analysis, revenue allocation and rate design, implications of utility mergers, and California regulatory policies. Former member of California Independent System Operator Market Advisory Group.
Co-Founder and Executive Vice-President
Independent Power Corporation
1982 - 1986
Was responsible for all aspects of technical and financial analyses, including project assessments for cogeneration, geothermal, wind, and biomass facilities. Served as technical consultant to both state and federal agencies on issues related to utility resource planning and electric utility system simulation. Provided expert witness testimony in numerous California regulatory proceedings.
Multiple Positions
California Energy Commission
1977 - 1982
Director, Office of Policy and Program Evaluation: Responsible for policy review and coordination of all CEC documents, and for allocating staff resources according to Commission policies and priorities.
Special Projects Office: Developed comprehensive conservation and alternative energy policy. Responsible for initial CEC programs for cogeneration, small hydro, and Northwest power issues. Proposed avoided cost pricing for cogeneration and small hydro to the California Public Utilities Commission.
Assistant to Commissioner: Helped develop California's solar energy policy.
GROUPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Board on Energy and Environmental Systems, NASEM