Neil Lessem

Neil Lessem is an energy and regulatory economist currently serving as the Head of Economics at the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) since November 2022.1 He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, with a strong academic background and diverse professional experience in the energy sector.

Education and Academic Background

Neil Lessem holds impressive academic credentials:

• Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), specializing in behavioral and environmental economics1
• M.A. in Economics from UCLA1
• B.Bus.Sc in Economics and History from the University of Cape Town, where he graduated with top honors1

During his time at UCLA, Lessem also gained valuable teaching experience as a lecturer and teaching assistant, instructing courses in behavioral economics, experimental economics, industrial organization, and environmental economics.1

Professional Experience

Prior to his current role at AEMC, Neil Lessem has held several notable positions:

• Principal at Econalytics (February 2020 - Present)1
• Principal at The Lantau Group (January 2021 - November 2022)1
• Researcher at UCLA (September 2006 - June 2012)1

In these roles, Lessem has consulted for utilities, policymakers, and technology firms across North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. His areas of expertise include rate design, energy policy, innovative pricing, experimental design, technology adoption, and policy impact measurement.1

Skills and Expertise

Neil Lessem describes himself as a quantitative thinker and creative problem solver.1 His work focuses on using economic theory and empirical data to help clients navigate the complex world of consumer behavior and regulation, particularly in essential service industries such as electricity, natural gas, and transportation.1

At AEMC, Lessem plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. He has been involved in discussions about the energy transition and how to address the unknowns or "dragons" in this process.2

Neil Lessem's LinkedIn profile can be found at https://au.linkedin.com/in/neil-lessem-12202241, where more details about his professional background and accomplishments are available.1