Pat O’Connell

Senior Clean Energy Policy Analyst

  Pat.OConnell@westernresources.org
 505-919-7741

Program/Department: Clean Energy

Office Location: New Mexico

Area of Focus

Pat helps develop energy policy goals and recommendations for Western Resource Advocates to advocate before regulators and other policy-makers in New Mexico to address climate change. Pat’s work is primarily focused on advancing clean energy resources, such as renewables and energy efficiency, moving the power sector through the transition away from fossil-fueled resources to more sustainable renewable energy supplies, energy storage systems and energy efficiency resources.

Background

Pat joined Western Resource Advocates in 2019.  Prior to joining WRA, Pat led resource planning activities for the Public Service Company of New Mexico.  This work included producing PNM’s Integrated Resource Plans and providing expert witness testimony at the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission resulting in more renewable energy, continued development of energy efficiency programs and an IRP that calls for the elimination of coal from PNM energy supply portfolio.  Prior to working on utility electric system planning, Pat produced natural gas supply plans and designed water, stormwater and sanitary sewage infrastructure projects.  The diversity of his background helps in the work to show how we can live together sustainably while addressing climate change.  Pat is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of New Mexico.

Education

Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Distinction and Magna cum Laude in General Honors from the University of New Mexico.

Favorite thing about the West

The mammoth scale and dry clarity make me small in the best possible way and I am a big guy.