Ben is a former Manager in RMI’s Carbon-Free Electricity Program. He provided analysis and advice on electricity resource planning policy and related financing mechanisms for public utility commissions, utilities, and other stakeholders in the regulatory arena.

Background

Ben joined RMI in 2021 from NorthWestern Energy, where he led the electricity supply planning team for three years. Before that, he was a Senior Economist at the Oregon Public Utility Commission; a consultant with ERG representing independent power producers, investor-owned utilities, and consumer advocates; and a professor in the environmental studies and economics departments at Oberlin College. Ben has a Ph.D. in economics with concentrations in econometrics, environmental economics, and economic development, and he has peer-reviewed publications on the distribution of development aid following climate-related disasters, as well as the effect of inclusive governance on subjective well-being.

Education

Ph.D., Economics, University of Oregon
M.A., Economics, University of Montana
B.A., Government, Claremont McKenna College