Commissioner appoints new head of Energy Division

Commissioner appoints new head of Energy Division

For Immediate Release: Monday, January 24, 2011

William Grant, Izaak Walton League executive to lead state's energy unit

(ST. PAUL, MN) Commissioner Mike Rothman today announced the appointment of William Grant as Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Energy Division. Mr. Grant's first day at the department will be Monday, February 7.

Mr. Grant most recently served as Associate Executive Director of the Izaak Walton League of America, a position he's held since 2002.  The Izaak Walton League protects America's outdoors through education, community-based conservation, and promoting outdoor recreation. Before assuming the role of Associate Director of the League, Mr. Grant served as Director of the League's Midwest Office beginning in 1995 and has directed the League's advocacy of utility regulatory reform policies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in the Upper Midwest since January 1992.

"I am pleased that Bill Grant, one of Minnesota's strong leaders on energy policy, is joining our team," said Mike Rothman, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce. "Bill is recognized by consumers, the energy industry and policy makers as someone with terrific knowledge, ability and integrity. He will be charged with ensuring that Minnesota's energy needs are met while focusing on a green energy economy and jobs."

Mr. Grant has been instrumental in the development of several League publications, including Power to Spare in the Upper Midwest; Energy Efficiency and Minnesota Jobs: The Employment Impacts of Electric Utility Demand-Side Management Programs and The Landowner's Guide to Wind Energy in the Upper Midwest.

Before joining the League, Mr. Grant spent seven years with the Minnesota Department of Public Service, his responsibilities included the review of utility conservation plans, integrated resource plans, certificate of need filings, and interventions before federal regulatory agencies.  He also spent six months on special assignment to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Mr. Grant holds a B.A. in political science and history from Macalester College in St. Paul (1979), and his Masters in Public Administration from Hamline University, St. Paul (1995).