Martin R. Cohen

2633 W. Sunnyside, Chicago, Il 60625
773-343-5369
Martin.Roth.Cohen@gmail.com

(1/08 – present)

• Independent consultant specializing in energy regulatory policy; clients include government agencies, consumer advocacy organizations, utility companies and environmental protection groups; was appointed founding member of Illinois Smart Grid Advisory Council and elected chairman of Illinois Science and Energy Innovation Fund;

• Expert witness in regulatory proceedings; author of renewable electricity cost/benefit and economic development studies; authority on smart grid technology initiatives; leader of statewide smart grid policy collaborative with 300 participating stakeholders; lead author of six reports on electric vehicle policy in four states; facilitator of Illinois Commerce Commission NextGrid project;

• Advisor to state energy procurement agency;

• Author of papers on state economic development opportunities of renewable resources, consumer costs of increased renewable energy standards, and integration of distributed energy resources;

State of Illinois, Office of the Governor -- Director of Consumer Affairs (1/06 – 1/08)
• State policy leader on energy, telecommunications, and consumer protection issues
• Coordinator of public policy initiatives among government, business, and public interest groups;

Illinois Commerce Commission -- Chairman (9/05 – 11/05)
• First consumer advocate appointed to head state utility regulatory agency (denied confirmation ostensibly due to previous position as head of consumer advocacy agency);

Citizens Utility Board (1985 – 2005); Executive Director (1991-2005),
• Leader of consumer advocacy organization created by the Illinois General Assembly; key achievements included negotiation of $1.3 billion rate refund (1993), landmark utility restructuring legislation (1997), 9-year statewide rate reduction and freeze (through 2005)
• Directed 25-person staff in executing outreach, media, legal and legislative strategy. Served as National Secretary of the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA);

Washington for Mayor, Simon for U.S. Senate (1982 – 1984)
Political Campaign Organizer
• Directed field operations for successful campaign of Senator Paul Simon in four Cook County townships and seven Chicago wards; regional events and outreach coordinator for successful primary and general election campaigns of Harold Washington for Mayor of Chicago.

LillStreet Art Center (1975 – present)
Small Business Founder, Owner, Manager
• With a partner, founded and managed Chicago’s largest art center, including galleries, studios, supply company, and school; remains co-owner.

Bachelor of Arts
(1973), Washington University, St. Louis, MO