Case Studies

01 / CLIENT A

Data Center company seeking to shape policy and regulatory engagement in a priority market

Align Energy Advisors supported a data center client on regulatory and policy strategy across the legislative and executive branches, including Public Service Commission proceedings.

Prior to any docketed Commission proceedings, Align Energy Advisors educated policymakers and stakeholders on behalf of the client about best practices in regulatory action focused on the interconnection of large loads.

During Commission proceedings—which included technical conferences, rate cases, and integrated resource planning dockets—Align Energy Advisors provided advisory services to the client on regulatory strategy and engagement. Services included drafting regulatory comments, coordinating with the client’s internal and external experts on testimony, and assisting the client in preparing for litigation and settlement negotiations.

Through this engagement, Align Energy Advisors worked with the client to develop thoughtful solutions around cost allocation, load forecasting, interconnection, and resource procurement for communication to a wide range of audiences.

02 / CLIENT B

Software as a service provider seeking to secure utility contracts for advanced energy technologies

Align Energy Advisors partnered with the client’s market development team to refine an Eastern regulatory strategy and execution plan across Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York.

Together, we clarified the value proposition and regulatory fit, then built a five-state playbook that included a stakeholder map of commissions, utilities, consumer advocates, and industry groups, along with a sequenced engagement approach tailored to each jurisdiction. We surveyed active and emerging proceedings, prioritized venues, and synchronized outreach, all in support of the client’s business development goals.

Align prepared issue memos and briefing materials for specific cases, submitted regulatory filings and comments, and delivered targeted education for utilities and decision makers. Align’s engagement resulted in the client’s timely presence in the right dockets, stronger relationships with key stakeholders, and a deeper pipeline of high-impact utility opportunities.

03 / CLIENT C

Environmental nonprofit working to advance equitable and effective energy efficiency policy

Align Energy Advisors supported a nonprofit organization in a multi-month stakeholder process to modernize a state’s cost-effectiveness testing framework for demand-side management programs.

Align provided strategic guidance, technical analysis, and policy interpretation to ensure both core cost-effectiveness metrics and environmental, health, and equity metrics were reflected in the proposed cost-effectiveness framework. The work included attending Commission stakeholder convenings, synthesizing stakeholder input, evaluating cost-benefit methodologies, and advising the client on suggested regulatory language.

Align’s engagement resulted in a set of consensus recommendations on behalf of the client. The Commission ultimately adopted these consensus recommendations in a final rule, which transformed how demand-side management programs were evaluated in the state.

04 / CLIENT D

Trade association working to shape multi-state regulatory engagement and advocacy

Align Energy Advisors supported a multi-state business association focused on sharpening advocacy and engagement with regulators and other key decision-makers.

Align built a durable cross-market engine for strategy, coordination, and execution across three core focus areas. Our work included offering a clear political lens and practical insights on potential engagement pathways through venue analysis and political ground-truthing. In addition, we supported integrated technical and market assessments through insights gained from advocates and decision makers on the ground. We paired this with intelligence from partners, clients, and funders.

To further the efforts of the organization, we participated in weekly coordination calls with the client to maintain alignment and momentum, while tracking actions, owners, and timelines. Align’s engagement resulted in clear advocacy priorities, credible engagement in the right venues, and consistent follow-through across jurisdictions.