Concentric Taps Utility Veteran to Navigate Energy Regulation

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. – February 20, 2026 – Concentric Energy Advisors, a prominent management consulting firm for the North American energy and water sectors, has announced the strategic hiring of Erica Menard as an Assistant Vice President. The move, which brings a 25-year veteran of the utility industry into its regulatory consulting practice, is more than a simple personnel update; it signals a deliberate strategy to deepen expertise amid one of the most transformative periods in the history of utility regulation.

Ms. Menard joins the firm from a senior leadership position at an investor-owned utility, bringing with her a deep well of practical experience in regulatory strategy, utility finance, and rate case management. This appointment is seen by industry analysts as a significant enhancement of Concentric's capabilities, positioning the firm to better guide clients through an increasingly complex maze of state and federal mandates.

A Strategic Play in a Shifting Landscape

The decision to bring a seasoned utility insider like Menard onto the consulting side reflects a broader trend in the professional services industry. As the challenges facing electric, gas, and water utilities become more intricate, consulting firms are increasingly valuing hands-on, operational experience over purely theoretical expertise. The hiring is a strategic play to embed the client's perspective directly into the firm's advisory DNA.

Concentric, which reports annual revenues in the tens of millions and competes with both specialized boutiques and the energy practices of global giants like Deloitte and McKinsey & Company, reinforces its competitive edge with such hires. By acquiring talent that has directly managed the very issues its clients face, the firm can offer more nuanced and actionable advice. Menard's extensive background provides Concentric with a leader who has not only studied regulatory frameworks but has actively implemented and defended them in high-stakes proceedings.

"We are pleased to welcome Erica to the team," remarked Danielle Powers, Concentric's Chief Executive Officer. "She brings a wealth of experience in utility regulation and an expertise in ratemaking and regulatory strategy that will create even greater value for our clients." This sentiment underscores the firm's focus on translating deep industry experience into tangible client benefits.

The Value of an Insider's Perspective

Erica Menard's career is a case study in navigating the front lines of utility regulation. With over two decades of experience, she has specialized in the complex interplay between utility finance and regulatory policy. Her work has involved providing crucial testimony in base distribution rate cases and other proceedings before regulatory commissions in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York—three states with some of the nation's most active and progressive regulatory environments.

Before joining Concentric, she oversaw the entire spectrum of regulatory policy and ratemaking for electric, gas, and water operations at a major utility. This role required a mastery of not just traditional ratemaking but also the development of strategies for appropriate cost recovery and the execution of complex financial analyses, such as cash working capital and lead-lag studies. This practical, in-the-trenches experience is precisely what makes her a valuable asset in the consulting world. It represents a shift from advising on policy to having lived its consequences, a perspective that is difficult to replicate.

"Concentric is renowned for its commitment to helping clients navigate complex regulatory challenges in the energy industry," said Ms. Menard. "I look forward to sharing my experience in regulatory strategy and ratemaking to support our clients' success."

Meeting Tomorrow's Regulatory Hurdles

Menard's arrival is particularly timely given the monumental shifts reshaping the North American utility landscape. The industry is grappling with a confluence of powerful forces, each demanding sophisticated regulatory and financial strategies.

First is the push for grid modernization. Utilities are under pressure to invest billions in advanced technologies to create a more resilient, efficient, and flexible grid capable of handling distributed energy resources and rising electricity demand from sectors like data centers. Menard's expertise in rate case management is critical for helping clients secure regulatory approval for these massive capital investments.

Second is the imperative of decarbonization. As state and federal policies mandate a transition away from fossil fuels, utilities must navigate the complex process of retiring old assets, investing in renewables, and redesigning their business models. This requires innovative regulatory solutions to ensure financial stability during the transition.

This is where Menard's proficiency in alternative regulatory frameworks becomes paramount. Her knowledge of multi-year rate plans (MRPs) and revenue decoupling mechanisms—which are gaining traction as part of a broader move toward Performance-Based Ratemaking (PBR)—is directly applicable. These models shift the incentive structure away from simply building more infrastructure and toward achieving specific performance goals, such as improved reliability, customer service, or clean energy integration. For Concentric's clients, her ability to design and implement these frameworks could be the key to thriving in a carbon-constrained future.

Bolstering an Established Practice

The addition of Ms. Menard is not just about adding a new name to the leadership team; it's about fortifying the core of Concentric’s value proposition. The firm has built its reputation on delivering industry-leading insight, and this hire is a clear continuation of that commitment. Her expertise will directly enhance existing services in regulatory strategy, cost of capital analysis, and turn-key rate case preparation.

Daniel Dane, Concentric's President, noted the strategic fit, stating, "Erica brings the kind of leadership and regulatory experience that our clients have come to expect from Concentric. Her addition to the team strengthens our commitment to delivering industry-leading insight."

By bringing Ms. Menard on board, Concentric is better equipped to help its utility clients answer their most pressing questions: How do we fund critical infrastructure upgrades while keeping rates affordable? How can we adapt our business model for an electrified, decarbonized world? And how do we effectively communicate the value of these changes to both regulators and the public? With her deep-rooted experience in the utility world, Erica Menard is uniquely positioned to help Concentric and its clients find the answers.