Speakers

Brian Granahan is the Director of the Illinois Power Agency (IPA), an independent state agency tasked with developing energy procurement plans; conducting energy, capacity, and renewables procurement events; developing solar energy incentive programs; and providing financial incentives for the continued operation of at-risk nuclear plants. As the Director, Brian oversees the development and implementation of plans to procure electricity and clean energy resources for customers of Illinois electric utilities. This work includes development of the IPA's Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, which outlines the state's approach to supporting new distributed generation and community solar projects, as well as overseeing programs providing incentives to support those projects. Previously, Brian served as IPA's Chief Legal Counsel, beginning with the Agency in April 2014. In this role, he oversaw a variety of legal, policy, and strategic responsibilities for the IPA, including serving as the Agency's legislative liaison and representative in negotiations around the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (2021) and the Future Energy Jobs Act (2016). Brian began his career as an associate with Sidley Austin LLP and worked as clean energy advocate and staff attorney with Environment Illinois before shifting to the public sector and serving as a policy advisor to two Chairmen at the Illinois Commerce Commission. Prior to joining the IPA, Brian was a Vice President with the strategic consulting firm of Tur Partners LLC working to incubate a startup low-profit, limited liability company (L3C) focused on cleantech adoption by municipal governments. Brian is a former board member of the Illinois Environmental Council and Green Economy Chicago, and most recently served as the Vice Chairman of the Clean Energy States Alliance Board of Directors. Brian holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science with Honors from the University of Iowa and a juris doctor degree from New York University School of Law.