Economist Hans Leonard joins BRG as director in energy and climate practice

Hans Leonard, PhD, a former economist at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), has joined consulting firm Berkeley Research Group (BRG) as a director in its energy and climate practice.

Based in Washington, DC, Leonard will focus on building an energy regulatory offering and advising clients on disputes in market design, anti-competitive behavior, pricing, tariff interpretation, cost allocation, and damages.

“Hans’ ability to provide expert analysis and testimony that translate the most complicated data into accessible insights will benefit both our clients and our firm,” said Christopher Goncalves, a managing director and chair of BRG’s energy and climate practice. “Amid substantial, impactful regulatory changes in the US, his extensive experience in competitive wholesale energy markets and regulated utilities makes him an ideal contributor to the buildout of our regulatory practice.”

Leonard spent the last six years at FERC’s office of administrative litigation, where he led case teams in analysis, modeling, preparation of expert testimony, and live cross-examination.

Leonard has expertise across industrial organization, applied microeconomics, econometric and statistical modeling, and causal inference in the electric, gas, and oil sectors. He has developed and implemented models for disputes relating to illicit bidding, pricing algorithm malfunctions, imprudent utility management, and tariff compliance, among other areas.

“At this dynamic time in US energy policy, I’m looking forward to taking this next step in my career and helping grow this group’s regulatory offering,” said Leonard.

He holds a PhD in political science from the University of Rochester and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of William & Mary.

BRG has 1,600+ employees across 40+ global offices providing expert and consulting services in disputes and investigations, corporate finance, and performance improvement.

The consultancy recently welcomed Mike St. Martin as a managing director in its commercial disputes and litigation practice group in Chicago.