By James Fink  |  Buffalo Business First  |  May 9, 2017

Energy and utility industry veteran Dennis Elsenbeck has been hired by Phillips Lytle LLP to head its newly-formed energy and sustainability arm.

Elsenbeck comes to Phillips Lytle from National Grid where he was director of stakeholder and policy for its U.S. operations. He brings more than 30 years experience within the energy industry to the law firm.

Elsenbeck was recruited because of his experience in various aspects of the energy industry including supply, delivery and demand — all key issues for some of the firm’s clients.

“Any time we can add new, valuable perspectives from a veteran industry insider, it is to the benefit of our clients,” said David Flynn, Phillips Lytle partner and practice team leader for the firm’s Energy and Environment Practice Teams. “Dennis has unparalleled energy industry knowledge and contacts, and will be a tremendous asset for our wide range of sophisticated clients.”

Elsenback was National Grid’s pointman for much of its local operations and served on a number of boards including Buffalo Urban Development Corp. and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.

“Energy is a rapidly changing industry,” Elsenbeck said. “I look forward to working with the firm’s attorneys on a number of initiatives, and to being a resource for clients as they navigate the complex policies and regulations surrounding the energy industry.”

Phillips Lytle Energy Consulting will provide resources in a variety of areas including:

  • Project Development and Transactional Support
  • Regulatory Counseling and Advocacy
  • Municipal Consulting
  • Procurement Consulting
  • Litigation Support

“We have an opportunity to develop the market’s voice in the policy conversation,” Elsenbeck said. “The market stakeholders, technology innovators and policy makers need to be working in lock step to achieve synergy in the creation of a well-organized, cohesive energy plan that makes sense for all stakeholders.”

Elsenbeck received his master’s in Engineering from University at Buffalo, as well as his master’s in Business Administration from University of Rochester. He received a Bachelor’s of Technology from SUNY Institute of Technology