Dian Grueneich

Founder and Principal, Dian Grueneich Consulting

Dian Grueneich is a nationally and internationally recognized energy expert with 35 years of experience in energy efficiency, demand response, smart grid, renewable energy, transmission, and climate change. Her expertise spans energy policy and regulation, utility innovation, market development, and the key drivers of U.S. and global energy investments.

Career Highlights

As a Commissioner on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) from 2005 to 2010, Dian led transformative initiatives, including:

• Developing California’s Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan

• Overseeing a 40% expansion of energy efficiency funding, resulting in a three-year, $3.8 billion program, the largest in the U.S.

• Streamlining California’s transmission siting process and successfully permitting three major transmission lines to deliver renewable energy, representing $6 billion in new energy infrastructure

Dian also played a pivotal role in renewable energy initiatives, such as:

• Launching the California Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI)

• Helping to establish the Western Renewable Energy Zone Initiative (WREZ)

• Serving as the inaugural Chair of the Western Governors’ Association’s Demand Side Management Committee for Western transmission planning

Professional Recognitions

Dian’s contributions to the energy sector have earned her numerous awards, including:

• ACEEE 30th Anniversary Award for outstanding contributions to energy efficiency

• Clean Energy Award from the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners

• Visionary Award from the eeGlobal Forum for energy leadership

• National Champion of Energy Efficiency Award from ACEEE

Advisory Roles

Dian serves on several prestigious boards and advisory groups, including:

• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Electricity Advisory Committee

• DOE-EPA State Energy Efficiency Action Plan Leadership Group

• Leadership Council, China-U.S. Energy Efficiency Alliance

• Advisory Council, Stanford University’s Precourt Energy Institute

• Global Cool Cities Alliance

• Advanced Energy Economy Advisory Board

She is also a U.S. Ambassador for the Clean Energy Education & Empowerment Initiative.

Education

Dian is a graduate of Stanford University and holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Georgetown University.