The electricity grid in the United States—and across the globe—has undergone significant changes to the way energy is delivered over the past decade. The model has transitioned from one based on central station power plants delivering electricity over a sprawling network of wires to a more decentralized model consisting of distributed energy resources (“DERs”) delivering power closer to where they are located.

The reasons for this transition are many, including rising energy costs from a traditional grid, decarbonization efforts by governments, and increased frequency of extreme weather events that require more on-site, backup power. The infamous ‘Texas freeze’ of February 2021, brought on by Winter Storm Uri, underlined the vulnerability of the traditional grid as natural gas plants and distribution systems froze up, leading to widespread blackouts and hundreds of deaths. Electric utilities are also increasingly implementing “public-safety power shut-offs” to keep transmission and distribution lines from causing wildfires during times of dryness and drought, particularly in the Western U.S. These factors are leading regulators, utilities, communities, and institutions to look into DERs such as microgrids more and more.

Concentric is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Kagan, Senior Vice President, to the Board of Directors.  

Mr. Kagan joined Concentric in 2013 and has more than 26 years of experience in management roles and consulting to utilities, independent power producers, large energy users, retail energy suppliers and infrastructure investors. His recent consulting work has included investment due diligence, litigation support, and regulatory and commercial strategy with a particularly focus on the renewables and electric vehicle space. 

“I am proud to welcome Michael to the Board of Directors,” said John J. Reed, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Concentric. “Michael brings diverse expertise and insight, and he has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to serving our clients. I look forward to his continued leadership.”  

Prior to joining Concentric, Michael served in a variety of leadership roles with Constellation, Exelon and AES Corp. including as president of Constellation NewEnergy. He has also been an adjunct professor at the George Washington School of Business. 

Mr. Kagan earned an M.A. in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an undergraduate degree in economics and business from Skidmore College.