Andrew Valainis joined RAP in 2023, contributing his specialization in renewable energy and energy conservation policy, regulation and education. He supports the U.S. team’s work to formulate solutions to energy, environmental and economic challenges.
Before joining RAP, Valainis worked as a subject matter expert in Missoula County's (Montana) climate action planning office where he was responsible for energy policy and regulatory analysis; climate action planning and carbon accounting; and distributed energy development. Before his work with the county Andrew served as the executive director of the Montana Renewable Energy Association. While at MREA, he actively engaged in three sessions of the Montana Legislature and participated in numerous proceedings before the Montana Public Service Commission addressing distributed generation interconnection, rate design and other topics. Andrew Valainis also completed two terms with the AmeriCorps EnergyCorps program designing and implementing community-based energy efficiency and conservation programs.
Andrew Valainis holds a master’s degree in energy regulation and law from Vermont Law School and graduated from the University of Rhode Island’s International Engineering Program with bachelor’s degrees in ocean engineering and Spanish.
How Andrew Valainis is Energizing Change
It’s 10 p.m. Do You Know Where Your Electric Vehicles Are?
This paper considers ways in which utilities and regulators can encourage electric vehicle owners’ participation in utility-managed… Read More +
Laws in Order: An Inventory of State Renewable Energy Siting Policies
Increasing the availability of renewable energy is key to reducing harmful carbon pollution. But before building a… Read More +
How did you catch the “energy” bug?
While I was in undergrad studying engineering I came to understand how impactful technology and mechanical systems are in our daily lives. I was excited by the opportunities that working in the energy space could afford on shaping the impact we have in today's world and the legacy we leave for future generations.
What’s your passion outside of RAP/clean energy?
Music. I love playing music, listening to music, talking about music... it fuels my every day.
My favorite dish/snack is sushi.