Expert Fellowship Program

Purpose: GridLab provides funding, training, and advising to mid-career industry professionals who have recently (within the last 3 months) or are planning to imminently start an independent consultancy to serve the clean energy advocacy community.

Geographic Scope: United States

Focus Areas:

• Data Analysis
• Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)
• Economic Analysis (e.g., cost/benefit analysis)
• Capacity expansion modeling
• Natural Gas Planning/Engineering
• Energy Justice/Equitable Transition
• Distribution Grid Modernization
• Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)
• Technical education/communications
• Legal proceedings in the Power Industry (FERC, State Regulatory)
• Meteorology/renewables forecasting
• Transmission Planning/powerflow analysis
• Distribution system power flow analysis
• Load forecasting
• Inverter Based Resource (IBR) modeling and analysis
• Power System Project Management
• Regulatory analysis
• Resource Adequacy/Production Cost Modeling
• Renewable Energy or Transmission Siting and Permitting
• Experience with commercial/proprietary planning tools
• Experience with open source planning tools

Eligibility

• Mid-career industry professionals
• Must NOT have prior consulting experience as an independent consultant, OR have been an independent consultant for less than 3 months
• Must have demonstrated expertise relevant to GridLab's projects
• Must be able to articulate how consulting activities contribute to GridLab's mission
• Must be interested in working with GridLab partners and clients
• Must be legally eligible to enter contracted work within the United States
• NOT eligible if already well established as a consultant (6+ months operating)
• NOT eligible if current employee of companies already contracted with GridLab

What Fellows Receive

• Approximately 500-1,000 hours of guaranteed contract work spread over 1 year, paid at rate commensurate with experience
• Potential for additional contracting above base amount
• Direct engagement in GridLab supported projects
• Co-branding with GridLab and partners on public reports, blogs, presentations
• Professional development support (e.g., conference sponsorship)
• Access to GridLab expert and client networks

Program Design

• Confidential application and interview process
• Selection of Fellow(s)
• Negotiation of Fellowship Contract
• Expert induction
• One or more Fellows may be selected depending on funding and GridLab's goals

Application Requirements

The application process requires the following information:

1. Application Form with responses to:
   • Are you currently an independent contractor? If so, when did you incorporate your business?
   • Why are you interested in the Fellowship Program?
   • Why are you interested in becoming an independent consultant?
   • What expertise do you have that would be most valuable to clean energy advocates?
   • Please list specific training/education, experience, and projects related to GridLab's work
   • Have you ever participated as an expert witness, legislative advisor, regulatory staff, or similar role?
   • How are you planning to price your services? (hourly, project based, retainer?)
   • Would there be any states, regions, or areas where you could not provide technical assistance due to conflicts of interest or non-compete agreements?
   • Select which domains you have expertise in (see overview for full list)
2. Supporting Materials:
   • Copy of resume/CV
   • Work products demonstrating skills as a technical expert
3. Confidential Interview (for selected applicants):
   • Further details from application responses and resume/CV
   • Conducted by GridLab staff

Note: The application process will remain confidential even if applicants are not selected, as participants may still be employed.