Prior to founding AESL Consulting in 2008, Edward was the Deputy Commissioner for Energy & Telecommunications at the Minnesota Department of Commerce (and Director of the MN Office of Energy Security) from Jan. 2003 to July 2008.
Edward also served on the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (1/1997-8/2002), three of those years as Chairman.
At the MN Department of Commerce Edward was point person for former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty on energy and telecommunications policy and regulatory issues. He led 80+ technical and professional staff that advocates before the MN Public Utilities Commission analyzing rate cases, power purchase agreements, and requests for new electricity generating facilities, transmission lines and pipelines. Edward also led the state’s energy information office, Minnesota’s low-income energy assistance program and the telecommunications regulatory and policy staff.
Edward has been an exceptional leader on energy issues for a number of years. We particularly appreciate his service as the first director of our new Office of Energy Security. His leadership has been one of the reasons Minnesota is a national leader in energy reform, said Governor Tim Pawlenty on July 15, 2008.
Edward helped enact nation-leading renewable energy policies, implement one of the nation’s most effective energy efficiency programs, craft Minnesota’s response to climate change and encouraged significant transmission, pipeline and other energy infrastructure development.
Other jobs Edward has held include:
- Director of the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (1/95 to 1/97);
- Legislative assistant for energy and the environment (and healthcare) for former US Senator Dave Durenberger (5/87-11/90 & 9/93 – 12/94); and
- Practiced law with the Gray, Plant Mooty law firm (12/90-9/93).
Edward’s education includes a BA and JD from the U. of MN in 1983 & 1986 respectively, and an MBA from the U. of St. Thomas (MN) in 1998.
Edward and his wife of over 27 years and their two daughters call St. Paul, Minnesota home.