Joel Firestone
About Joel Firestone
Joel Firestone serves as the Vice President of Regulatory and Market Compliance at LCRA, where he has worked since 2015. He has extensive experience in the energy sector, having held various roles that emphasize compliance and operational excellence.
Work at LCRA
Joel Firestone has served as the Vice President of Regulatory and Market Compliance at the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) since 2015. In this role, he has been instrumental in establishing long-term working relationships with key regulatory bodies, including the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). His leadership focuses on enhancing electric system security and reliability, and he leads a diverse program that aims to set new standards for operational compliance excellence.
Previous Experience in Market Operations
Prior to his current position, Joel Firestone held various roles in the energy sector. He worked at ERCOT as Supervisor of Market Operations Support from 2004 to 2007. Following this, he served as Head of Reliability Assurance at Direct Energy from 2007 to 2013. He then transitioned to Topaz Power as Director of NERC Compliance from 2013 to 2015. His extensive experience in market operations and compliance has contributed to his current role at LCRA.
Background in Energy Sector
Joel Firestone began his career in the energy sector at Reliant Energy, where he worked as a Generation Control Supervisor from 1998 to 2001. His foundational experiences in this role provided him with insights into generation operations and compliance requirements. He later expanded his expertise in compliance and market operations through various positions at ERCOT, Direct Energy, and Topaz Power.
Education and Expertise
Joel Firestone studied at the US Naval Nuclear Power School, where he focused on Nuclear Power and achieved recognition as part of the Nuclear Navy from 1987 to 1989. This educational background has equipped him with a strong technical foundation that supports his work in regulatory compliance and operational excellence in the energy sector.
Focus on Compliance Practices
In his current role, Joel Firestone emphasizes smart and pragmatic compliance practices. His approach aims to achieve compliance success while maintaining operational efficiency. This focus on practical solutions has been a key aspect of his leadership at LCRA, influencing the organization's compliance strategies and initiatives.