Dr. Arenchild is a Partner at Econic Partners with extensive experience in applied economics and regulatory matters in the energy sector, with a particular focus on issues facing the United States electric industry.
Dr. Arenchild has more than 25 years’ experience advising companies across the United States on energy and electric utility matters affecting both wholesale and retail markets. His work has addressed issues including electric industry restructuring, market power analysis at the state and federal levels, antitrust matters, litigation, transmission access and rate design, market manipulation, and regulatory compliance. He has provided testimony before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and has presented before industry organizations and state regulatory commissions.
Dr. Arenchild’s modeling experience includes analyses using production cost and utility planning models. He has led the development of proprietary models and associated databases used to evaluate market power in the electric utility industry. In addition, he has supported clients in a range of litigation matters, including providing expert testimony related to the California energy crisis and allegations of market manipulation. He has also advised on compliance with FERC’s Codes of Conduct and Standards of Conduct, as well as reporting requirements such as Electric Quarterly Reports (“EQRs”).
A significant portion of Dr. Arenchild’s recent work has focused on Western U.S. electricity markets, including analysis of new markets and broader wholesale market design issues in the context of expert testimony and strategic advisory engagements. He has also worked extensively with a transmission-owning entity on all aspects of participation in evolving wholesale markets, including transmission planning, operations, rate design, and regulatory compliance.
Dr. Arenchild previously taught economics courses at the University of California and Washington State University, including courses on regulation and antitrust. He holds an M.S. in Applied Economics and Finance from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Washington State University.