Experience
Joel Gordes has had long term involvement in energy, environmental affairs and energy security strategy. He has served in numerous technological and institutional capacities including:
Energy and Environmental Consultant 1995-Present
Formerly principal of Environmental Energy Solutions and then Center for Energy Security Solutions, both energy consultancies involved in multidisciplinary aspects of energy, environment, energy/environmental security and economic development.
Elected as Honorary Member of the Connecticut Academy of Science & Engineering (CASE) in May 2017. CASE noted, "Gordes has been instrumental in promoting energy policy change in the public sector with a focus on emerging electric grid vulnerabilities and developing strategies for greater energy safety, resilience and security." He served as the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board (CEAB) designee for the CASE Energy Assurance Planning project. Later, he was a Study Advisor for the CASE project on Shared Clean Energy Facilities (SCEFs) which includes shared solar.
Appointed in 2012 by the Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut to serve as their designee to the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board tasked with advising and assisting the utilities in the development of the plans for conservation and load management programs.
Appointed in 2012 by Governor Malloy to serve on the Fuel Oil Conservation Board.
Appointed by Speaker of the House James Amman in 2007 to the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board, the senior-most advisory board on energy, with responsibility for consulting on the biennial Integrated Resource Plan. Elected Board Vice-Chair in 2012. Presenter on energy security challenges and contributor to the 2011 energy security aspects of the plan's white paper and designee to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering's Energy Assurance Plan's project committee.
From 2000 to 2010 served as Technical Coordinator to the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. See Annual Legislative Reports.
Although a Connecticut resident, from June 2001 to January 2006 served as the Executive Vice President of the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA). Addressed issues of interconnection, certification of installers and accreditation of training institutions, membership growth and administration.
Served as consultant from 1999-2004 to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund on PV program design, fuel cells and overall strategies. Completed a comprehensive study outlining Biomass Strategies for Connecticut, Prepared for the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. July 27, 2000. Follow-on Paper in 2000.
Developed a private sector consumer credit to equalize the cost of “green” electricity with regular power.
Worked with a network of environmental and business groups to insure 1998 Connecticut restructuring legislation included favorable provisions related to energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Supplied technical support to the Conservation Law Foundation to implement renewable energy plans for RI’s first-in-the-nation (1996) restructuring legislation.
Devised Electrofinance described in a Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP) paper through which the insurance industry could lower greenhouse gas emissions by becoming a major player in utility competition while providing retirement savings for consumers.
From 1996 to 2001 worked with Dr. Jeremy Leggett of Oxford UK on insurance industry and climate change issues and organizing the Oxford Solar Investment Summit to promote market pull for photovoltaics. This lead to the formation of Dr. Leggett's Solar Century. Also prepared a study on the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Climate protocol to simply explain terms and issues.
Durational Project Manager (1993-1995)
Served as durational project manager at the State Energy Office overseeing activities concerned with renewable energy and gas turbines with defense diversification aspects. Responsible for policy initiatives, outreach & staff supervision.
Energy Consultant (1990-1993)
Consultant to the Conservation Law Foundation and others for conservation programs offered by the United Illuminating Company in the collaborative process of conflict resolution.
Legislator (1987-1990)
State Legislator. Vice Chair of Energy & Public Utilities Committee. Wrote and passed numerous pieces of legislation favorable to energy efficiency, renewable energy. One of five primary co-authors of Connecticut's first climate change law in 1990 and of legislation to relamp state buildings with efficient lighting to help pay down a large state deficit.
Solar Design Analyst (1981-1987)
Consultant to and then employee of the Connecticut Housing Investment Fund engaged in operation of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank. Performed heatloss and passive solar design engineering analyses for over 200 homes and distributed over $400,000 in mortgage subsidies to build them.
Admininistrator (1979-1981) Administrator of the Connecticut General Assembly's Energy and Public Utilities Committee.
Sales Engineer (1976-1979)
Sales engineer for Solar Industries, Inc. and then Solar Resource Division of L.R. Smith, Inc. Responsible for sales, marketing and engineering functions.
Military Experience (1968-1973)
Officer, United States Air Force. Flew 130 combat missions (300 hours) in the RF-4C Phantom II unarmed reconnaissance aircraft over Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (DD-214 available upon request.) Other duties included: Security Officer, Chief of Radar Training and Accident Board member. Last rank held was captain. Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross and nine Air Medals. US Army Airborne Parachutist rating.
Education:
United States Air Force Academy, Colorado
B.S. 1968.
Hartford Graduate Center of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Coursework on Solar Energy for Buildings, 1976.