Economist Dr. Hans Leonard Joins BRG as Director in Energy & Climate Practice

BRG announced today that Dr. Hans Leonard, a former economist at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), has joined the firm as a director in its Energy & Climate practice. Based in Washington, DC, Dr. Leonard will help build the group’s energy regulatory practice and advise on complex disputes involving market design, anticompetitive behavior, pricing, tariff interpretation, cost allocation, and damages. 

“Hans’ ability to provide expert analysis and testimony that translate the most complicated data into accessible insights will benefit both our clients and our firm,” said Christopher Goncalves, a managing director and chair of BRG’s Energy & Climate practice. “Amid substantial, impactful regulatory changes in the US, his extensive experience in competitive wholesale energy markets and regulated utilities makes him an ideal contributor to the buildout of our regulatory practice.” 

Dr. Leonard served as an economist for six years in FERC’s Office of Administrative Litigation, where he directed interdisciplinary case teams through data analysis, economic modeling, preparation of written expert testimony, and live cross-examination. He has submitted expert testimony before FERC on issues ranging from cost allocation and customer termination fees to damages and price effects. He has provided expert support in numerous settlements among utilities, customers, and regulators. 

Dr. Leonard is an expert in industrial organization, applied microeconomics, econometric and statistical modeling, and causal inference across the electric, gas, and oil sectors. He has developed and implemented models to analyze market behavior, evaluate costs and benefits, and estimate damages in a wide range of disputes, including those involving alleged illicit bidding, dispatch and pricing algorithm malfunctions, early infrastructure retirements, imprudent utility management, transmission investment decisions, tariff compliance, and rate design. Before joining FERC, he worked as a data scientist. 

“I’m excited to be joining BRG’s team of industry leaders,” said Dr. Leonard. “At this dynamic time in US energy policy, I’m looking forward to taking this next step in my career and helping grow this group’s regulatory offering.” 

Dr. Leonard earned a PhD in political science from the University of Rochester and a BA in economics from the College of William & Mary.