Dr. Sean Smillie focuses on developing efficient and technically sound energy policy at the intersection of the natural gas and electric systems. He supports E3’s future of gas projects by assessing the opportunities and challenges associated with low carbon gases and building electrification. He also draws on his professional background and academic research in assessing gas and electric interdependencies on the bulk system and their reliability implications.

Sean holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University which he received a Fulbright scholarship to complete. His research focused on the role of hybrid heating in decarbonizing residential building heat, the reliability implications of the dependence of the gas transmission system on electricity, and greenhouse gas emission estimates from liquefied natural gas exports. He is a professional engineer and worked in the gas transmission industry in project management and mechanical engineering roles prior to his graduate studies.

Outside of work, Sean likes to get lost in foreign countries, explore the mountains of British Columbia by ski and foot, scuba dive, and support local breweries.

Education: PhD, Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University; MSc, Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia; BSc, Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta