Ron Binz

Ron Binz is a principal at Public Policy Consulting, specializing in energy economics and policy, with numerous domestic and international clients. Over a 37-year career, Ron has written, spoken and testified extensively on a broad range of topics in energy policy and regulation. Recently, Ron has been addressing “the utility of the future” and incentive based regulation, advocating changes in regulation needed to accelerate the transition to an advanced electric grid.

From 2007 to 2011 Ron chaired the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, appointed by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. He led the Colorado PUC in implementing the many policy changes championed by the Governor and Legislature to bring forward Colorado’s “New Energy Economy.” On behalf of the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation, Ron is currently working in Nepal and five sub-Saharan African countries on reforms to the electric markets, transmission system expansion, international power trading and reformed regulatory institutions. Working with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Ron is currently advising the Mexican Department of Energy on grid modernization.

Ron has a long history in working with utilities, regulators, large and small consumers in a wide range of issues in the energy and telecommunications industry. As Chairman of the Colorado PUC, Ron was seen as a strong and fair commissioner, working with the utility and all parties of interest to move the state’s energy policy forward. As Colorado’s Consumer Advocate, Ron was well-known for his thoughtful and pragmatic approach to regulation and advocacy. Under his leadership, Ron’s office negotiated and settled many very difficult matters with the Colorado regulated companies, achieving consensus results that were superior to the likely outcome of litigation.

Ron has testified before Congressional committees sixteen times. He has a B.A. in Philosophy from St. Louis University and an M.A. in Mathematics from the University of Colorado.