Michael Rigney

Michael Rigney is the CEO and co-founder of Cala Systems, a company focused on developing intelligent heat pump water heaters aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimizing energy use in residential settings. With over 20 years of leadership experience in climate and energy startups, Rigney has a strong background in building products and thermal sciences.

Professional Background::

• Cala Systems: Under his leadership, the company raised $5.6 million in seed funding to enhance its innovative water heating technology, which leverages advanced sensors and predictive controls to improve efficiency and reduce costs for homeowners.12
• Previous Roles: Rigney has held significant positions at several notable companies:
  • EnerNOC: A leader in demand response, where he contributed before its IPO in 2007 and subsequent acquisition by Enel X in 2017.
  • EnergySavvy: A utility enterprise software company focused on energy efficiency.
  • Gridco Systems: A hardware company specializing in grid infrastructure.25

Education::

• He holds an MBA from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Engineering from Dartmouth College, with a specialization in heat transfer and fluid dynamics.23

Rigney's experience also includes co-founding BlueTarp Financial, which provided commercial trade credit services to contractors. His extensive background positions him as a knowledgeable leader in the energy sector, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainable technology.24