Michael W. Howard; Chair -

Dr Michael W. Howard

Chair

World Energy Council

  • Dr. Michael W. Howard is passionate about creating a sustainable and equitable energy future. He combines business insight with deep technical expertise and in-depth electric utility experience. He has over forty years of results-driven global executive experience with a bias toward collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation in organizations ranging from start-ups to large public companies. Most recently, Dr. Howard served for ten years as the CEO of EPRI, a $460 million company headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with several U.S. and international offices. EPRI develops technology innovations encompassing the production, delivery, and use of electricity, including nuclear power, renewable energy, energy storage, and electric vehicles, with a mission to ensure reliable, affordable, and cleaner electricity for society. Dr. Howard served in several EPRI leadership roles before EPRI's Board of Directors selected him as its President and CEO in 2010. He retired as CEO at the end of 2020, and the Board of Directors appointed Dr. Howard as its CEO Emeritus. Dr. Howard serves on the Board of Directors of three technology-based companies who provide products and services to the energy sector. He also serves on the Carnegie Mellon University's Scott Institute advisory council and is Chair of the World Energy Council headquartered in London. Dr. Howard recently served on a technical committee of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences. Dr. Howard was awarded the Distinguished Energy Award in Washington, D.C., for lifetime contributions to providing technical innovations and leadership to global energy issues. Dr. Howard is an active IEEE and National Association of Corporate Directors member. Dr. Howard started his career with Westinghouse after receiving his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from The University of Tennessee. While working at Westinghouse, he received his M.S. in Business and Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, and his Ph.D. from The University of Tennessee, College of Engineering.