Michael Lee has worked in the renewable energy industry for more than a decade and currently serves as CEO of Octopus Energy U.S. Michael’s extensive career experience began after he earned his MBA from Harvard, where he quickly unlocked his passion for cleaner and cheaper electricity. He went on to work on some of the first battery storage projects and developed solar solutions for global Fortune 500’s. Michael co-founded Pacific New Energy in 2016, leading the charge in establishing international partnerships to deliver solutions in collaboration with local utilities. Michael spent nearly a decade in the IPP industry helping finance some of the earliest batteries, wind and solar projects.
In 2018, Michael launched an energy retailer in Texas called Evolve Energy. Michael’s innovative product focused on real-time index pricing paired with load shaping automation software to support optimal energy usage and ease grid tensions while saving customers money. During his time with Evolve Energy, Michael led negotiations with ERCOT electric supply agreements (EMSA, ISDA), optimizing liquidity needs and risk exposures. Michael recognized the importance and value of helping customers reduce energy bills by using technology and consumer-friendly demand response products to balance the grid.
In 2020, Michael aligned with Greg Jackson, CEO and founder of Octopus Energy, when they realized the power of their shared mission to decarbonize energy through technology and smart rates. Just two years after its launch, Evolve Energy was acquired by Octopus Energy, an energy technology company leading the global-scale effort to build a more reliable grid and push toward the goal of decarbonizing energy. Michael and his team have tackled Texas' power industry problems head-on through innovative, tech-driven solutions and products. He is an entrepreneur who believes in using technology to create demand-centric solutions to enforce a more resilient energy grid. Octopus Energy is currently valued at more than $5 billion in 2023 and is backed by some of the largest global energy players such as Al Gore's Generation Investment Management, Origin Energy, Tokyo Gas and CPP.
For further information on Michael's accomplishments, please click here to see the press release announcing Michael as the recipient of the 2023 emPOWERing Young Professionals Award.