MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Xcel Energy today named Rob Berntsen as the company’s executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer. Berntsen takes over the role from Amanda Rome, who held the position on an interim basis while also serving in her role as executive vice president, group president – utilities and chief customer officer.
“With two decades’ experience working in the energy sector, Rob is well suited to guide us forward as we lead the nation’s transition to a clean energy economy,” said Bob Frenzel, Xcel Energy’s chairman, president, and CEO. “Rob’s sound legal counsel and commercial acumen will be key as we strive to deliver safe, reliable and affordable service to our customers.”
Berntsen will oversee Xcel Energy’s legal, compliance and corporate secretary and securities teams.
“The landscape of the energy sector is shifting rapidly,” Berntsen said. “In joining Xcel Energy, I am excited to help the company navigate a host of legal and compliance considerations as it continues to lead the clean energy transition.”
Most recently, Berntsen served as senior vice president, chief of staff and general counsel at BHE Renewables, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy business that develops, owns, and operates solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric power plants. Prior to that, Berntsen worked for MidAmerican Energy Company, where he led the utility’s legal, regulatory, rates, government affairs, compliance, and energy efficiency groups. In addition, Berntsen has held leadership roles with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator Inc. (MISO) and the Iowa Utilities Board.
A veteran, Berntsen served as a captain in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, the legal arm of the U.S. Army and deployed to Iraq in 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Berntsen earned his juris doctor degree from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University.
About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Facebook.
