David Kolata
Principal @ DK Strategies
About
I advise companies, investors, and organizations on energy policy, electricity markets, and regulatory strategy, with a focus on energy efficiency, virtual power plants, infrastructure development, and emerging technologies. My work sits at the intersection of policy, markets, and politics—developing frameworks that are economically durable, politically viable, and scalable across jurisdictions. I focus in particular on the challenges created by rapid demand growth—especially data centers and AI-driven load—and the policy and planning frameworks needed to support that growth while improving affordability and reliability. I help clients navigate complex regulatory environments, shape legislative and utility outcomes, and design market, tariff, and incentive structures that enable infrastructure to scale while protecting consumers.
United States
Chicago
Computer Software
Energy Policy, Public Policy, Legislative Strategy, Regulatory Strategy, Infrastructure Strategy, Stakeholder Engagement, Utility Regulation, Electricity Markets, Energy Efficiency , Business Strategy, Strategic Planning, Nonprofits, Community Outreach, Public Speaking, Program Development, Community Development, Public Relations, Grant Writing
Experience
Principal
DK Strategies
Chicago, IL
VP of Policy
Sealed
Lead policy and regulatory strategy advancing energy efficiency and virtual power plants as scalable system resources within utility planning and large-load growth frameworks. Work includes legislative strategy, regulatory engagement, and development of market and incentive structures that support demand-side resources. Since September 2025, this role has been performed on a consulting basis through DK Strategies.
Energy Advisor
Tusk Venture Partners
Advisor to Tusk Venture Partners on energy policy, electricity markets, and regulatory strategy, with a focus on AI-driven load growth, data center infrastructure, and next-generation compute.
Executive Director
Citizens Utility Board (Illinois)
Led the organization called the "gold standard of consumer groups nationwide" by the St.Louis Post-Dispatch for over 17 years. During my time at the org I was recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as 40 under 40 and played a key role in passing two historic pro-consumer and climate bills in Illinois, the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Because of those bills: IL once had among the highest average bills and rates in the country. Now IL has the 5th lowest average energy bills in the country and the lowest bills and rates in the Midwest. Plus IL was the highest rated state in energy democracy and community power in a recent study. CUB was one of the first consumer advocates to recognize that, properly understood, the consumer and environmental arguments for policy change in the utility space are synergistic and complementary - not opposites.
Education
University of Notre Dame
Government
Vanderbilt University
Political Science
University of Toronto
Political Science and Government
David Kolata's Contact Information
Phone
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