WASHINGTON DC (10/28/2026) – The Institute for Energy Research (IER) today announced that Daniel Simmons has rejoined the organization as a Senior Fellow. Simmons will contribute research and analysis on a range of federal and state energy issues, with an emphasis on electricity markets, grid reliability, and energy affordability.
Simmons returns to IER with a distinguished career in public service, energy policy, and legal analysis. From 2017 to 2021, he led the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, first as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and then as Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary.
Before joining the Department of Energy, Simmons served as IER’s Vice President of Policy. His earlier career includes work at the Mercatus Center, as professional staff on the House Committee on Resources, and the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Simmons earned his undergraduate degree from Utah State University and his Juris Doctor from the George Mason University School of Law.
Tom Pyle, President of the Institute for Energy Research, issued the following statement:
“We are delighted to welcome Daniel back to the Institute for Energy Research. Daniel’s comprehensive understanding of federal energy policy, grid mechanics, and regulatory frameworks makes him uniquely suited to lead our work on electricity policy. As the nation debates grid reliability, capacity, and energy affordability, his insights will be invaluable to policymakers, industry leaders, and the public.”
Daniel Simmons issued the following statement:
“I am excited to rejoin the team at the Institute for Energy Research at a critical time for American energy policy. With so much discussion of energy affordability, this is a time to focus on what actually works: policies that lower electricity rates, strengthen grid reliability, and bring down the cost of energy for American families.”
IER Experts Available For Interview On This Topic:
- Tom J. Pyle, President
- Kenny Stein, Vice President of Policy
- Alexander Stevens, Manager of Policy and Communications
- Daniel Simmons, Senior Fellow
Additional Background Resources From IER:
- The Pacific Premium: Why Gasoline Costs More In Democratic-Controlled States
- Have Data Centers Driven Up Electricity Prices? The State-Level Data Don’t Support the Narrative
