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William Peter
Manager, Renewable Energy Policy at PG&E
Professional Background
Bill Peter is a highly respected energy professional with over 10 years of specialized experience in electricity markets, particularly in the renewable energy and energy storage sectors. His extensive career has encompassed crucial roles that reflect his expertise on both sides of the electricity business model. Bill has been integral in energy procurement for utilities and energy marketing for developers, significantly contributing to projects that have reshaped the renewable energy landscape.
His tenure includes assisting in the development of notable utility-scale solar power plants worldwide, underscoring his capability in navigating complex projects from concept to operation. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing a solar development team for E.ON, demonstrating both leadership and innovative vision in the energy sector. His career reflects a blend of technical acumen and strategic insight, making him a respected figure in energy procurement and solar development.
Education and Achievements
Bill's educational accomplishments are as impressive as his professional journey. He earned a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, which laid a solid technical foundation for his later work in renewable energy systems. Additionally, Bill holds an Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) from San Francisco State University, where he graduated with honors from Beta Gamma Sigma. His academic credentials also include a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering with Cum Laude recognition from Dartmouth College.
His continuous pursuit of knowledge is evident in his leadership and management roles. Bill has developed strong management and procurement techniques to ensure projects are delivered efficiently within budgetary constraints. With complete accountability for a portfolio of project assets exceeding 1GW, representing an $800M+ capital investment opportunity, he has proven to be a significant asset in driving renewable initiatives towards success.
Business Development Skills
In addition to his management capabilities, Bill has extensive experience in business development. His track record includes the origination, development, and successful sale of renewable energy projects, notably overseeing dozens of utility-scale projects that each exceeded $40M. His expertise extends to due diligence for project acquisition and sale, ensuring financial assessments align with regulatory and market demands, leading to successfully negotiated power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Bill focuses on innovating financial models and operational frameworks that empower renewable energy projects to thrive in competitive landscapes. His strategic input helps companies identify market opportunities, guiding them from conceptual stages through to operational success.
Electricity Markets Expertise
Bill’s proficiency in electricity markets spans crucial economic concepts such as settlements, locational marginal pricing, and capacity resource allocation, equipping him with the insight necessary to navigate the complexities of North American electricity markets including CAISO, ERCOT, WECC, and PJM.
As an experienced public speaker, Bill has represented companies before regulatory groups, corporate executives, and governmental bodies, sharing technical and business insights regarding the evolving electricity market. His ability to engage with external stakeholders further cements his position as a thought leader in the industry, enhancing collaboration between utilities, regulators, and industry organizations such as CPUC, PG&E, SCE, ONCOR, LSA, and SEIA.
Career Path and Organizations
Bill has held several prestigious positions throughout his career, each adding unique value and depth to his expertise. As the Manager of Energy Policy and Procurement at Pacific Gas and Electric Company, he leads efforts to align energy policies with sustainable practices, driving the utility’s commitment to renewable energy. Formerly, he served as Senior Manager of Solar Development & Origination at E.ON Climate & Renewables, where he was instrumental in both the development of projects and the strategic direction of the company’s solar initiatives.
His earlier role as the Business Development Manager at LR Senergy and as a Settlements and Metering Data Analyst at the Australian Energy Market Operator provided foundational experiences that enriched his understanding of energy markets globally. Bill has also contributed to research and technical project development as an Electrical Engineering Researcher at Stanford University and as a Research and Development Engineer at Applied Science and Technology, Inc. (ASTeX). This diverse background showcases Bill’s capacity to blend research, development, business strategy, and operational execution—all essential components in the renewable energy sector.
Achievements
- Oversaw a project portfolio exceeding 1GW in capacity, translating to over $800M in capital investment opportunities.
- Successfully helped develop some of the largest utility-scale solar power plants globally, showcasing his commitment to renewable energy.
- Played a key role in selling dozens of utility-scale projects, further solidifying his reputation in the business development sphere.
- Recognized for his contributions to establishing a solar development team at E.ON, highlighting his leadership and vision in clean energy initiatives.
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