Elin Swanson Katz

About Me

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Welcome, and thank you for being here.

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I work at the intersection of utilities, public policy, and people. I bring decades of experience helping utilities, regulators, governments, and communities navigate complex energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure challenges with one consistent goal: solutions that are practical, fair, and built to last.

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I previously served as the inaugural Director of the Office of Public Participation at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, where I was appointed to build and lead a new office created by Congress to support public engagement in federal energy decision making. In that role, I worked closely with Commissioners, senior agency leadership, utilities, and stakeholders nationwide on transmission, generation, and major infrastructure issues.  I also served as a consumer protection expert at the US Department of Energy.

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At the state level, I was twice appointed by the Governor of Connecticut as Utility Consumer Counsel, leading the independent agency representing the public in utility rate cases and major proceedings. I also served as Chair of the Connecticut Siting Council, presiding over proceedings for significant energy and telecommunications infrastructure projects, and later advised utilities in the private sector on grid modernization, broadband deployment, and public private partnerships.

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What defines my work is perspective. I understand how utilities operate, how regulators evaluate risk and compliance, and how policies affect customers and communities on the ground. I have spent my career translating between those worlds, helping utilities meet regulatory and public expectations while advancing projects that are durable, defensible, and aligned with the public interest.

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Today, through Blue Swan Energy Strategies, I advise utilities, public agencies, and organizations seeking clear, experienced guidance on energy and infrastructure challenges. My approach is collaborative, grounded in real world experience, and focused on outcomes that allow clients and the communities they serve to truly sleep well at night.

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If you are looking for a trusted partner who brings deep sector knowledge, practical judgment, and a strong consumer lens to complex utility issues, I would welcome the conversation.