With the end of summer, we have new leadership, who we will be profiling in the next couple of newsletters.  This month’s Feature Member is our new President, Natalie Kempkey.

Please note your affiliation and years of experience in the energy and/or environmental field.

As an Economist with the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) for almost 6 years, my area of expertise lies primarily in the international upstream oil and gas sectors. I conduct trend analysis, anticipate the impact these changes have on EIA data, and prepare short and mid-term supply forecasts with a focus on Western Hemisphere.

Prior to the EIA, I worked as a Policy Analyst at the U.S. Department of Energy evaluating policies and programs focusing on energy efficiency and end-use analysis in buildings, manufacturing and industrial facilities, appliance standards, and transportation. I have over 15 years of experience focusing on electricity, grid infrastructure and modernization and energy efficiency. My experience also includes international trade expertise, having worked for the U.S. Commercial Service and the U.S. Department of Commerce. I specialized in export counseling and conducted investigations to enforce U.S. antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) trade laws.

I have authored multiple publications in trade journals, ranging from international energy oil and gas analysis, energy productivity, the economics of international water disputes, to statistical analysis of annual trade flows. I hold a Masters of Arts in International Economics, Energy and Environmental Policy from the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies (SAIS). I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of California, Davis.

Any particular achievement/interest in energy/environment you would like to mention?

During my time in the Policy Office under Secretary Moniz, I helped develop the Quadrennial Energy Review (QERs). The QERs were a non-partisan report that provided policymakers, industry, investors, and other stakeholders with unbiased data and analysis on energy challenges, needs, requirements, and barriers that will inform a range of policy options, including legislation. It was very rewarding to engage with stakeholders across the country and to be involved in a unique sector by sector analysis to envision the future of energy in America.

In 2009 I worked on the Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG) program undertaken through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) aimed to accelerate the modernization of the nation’s electric transmission and distribution systems. I worked with 7 utility grant recipients to execute their projects, worth over $372 million. Through these projects, the SGIG program promoted investments in smart grid technologies, tools, and techniques that increase flexibility, functionality, interoperability, cybersecurity, situational awareness, and operational efficiency.

In your opinion, what are important issues facing the energy industry nowadays?

I believe an important issue that we are seeing a trend in states being “first movers” in implementing energy policies or technology, independent of government or national involvement. If we are not careful, it could lead to a patchwork of uncoordinated policies. Understanding how state policies vary, their market impacts, and what the federal role is in working with states to create national energy policy is an important but uncertain piece of the puzzle for the future of the energy sector.

How long have you been a member of NCAC? Any particular NCAC memory you would like to share with us?

I have been a member since 2009, and have enjoyed serving in various roles in NCAC leadership. My favorite memory was the roast NCAC held for Adam Sieminski when he left EIA. It was a blast hearing the all the NCAC member poems, jokes and songs Bob McNally and his band played all night dedicated to his service. Energy nerds can be fun also!