← Stephen Nittler

Consulting

Energy policy · Government affairs · Strategic advisory

Research-Backed Approach

My Duke University research examined why energy projects fail due to community opposition—and what separates successful developers from failed ones.

Only 13%

of projects stopped by organized opposition are ever completed

Common Failure Patterns

  1. Late engagement — Communities hear from opponents first
  2. Benefits disconnect — Local costs, distant benefits
  3. Trust deficit — Developer credibility not established early
  4. Information vacuum — Opponents control the narrative
  5. Process blindness — Underestimating regulatory complexity
  6. Coalition gaps — No local champions to counter opposition
  7. Escalation failures — Problems fester until they become crises

This research informs every engagement—identifying risks before they become project-ending problems.

Services

Transmission Development Strategy

Navigate interstate transmission projects from siting through regulatory approval.

Government Affairs

Legislative and regulatory strategy from someone who's worked both sides.

Stakeholder Engagement

Community relations for contentious infrastructure projects.

Strategic Advisory

Market analysis, regulatory risk assessment, and competitive intelligence.

Experience

4+
States
10+
Years
$1M+
Budget oversight
4+
Sectors

Three years at Invenergy as Senior Associate of Transmission Public Affairs, leading government affairs and stakeholder engagement for multi-state transmission projects including Grain Belt Express.

Previously served as Chief of Staff in the Missouri Senate, worked at a Jefferson City government affairs firm, and managed political campaigns.

Master of Environmental Management from Duke University. BA in Political Science from the University of Missouri.

Get in Touch

Available for project-based or retainer engagements.

stephen.nittler@gmail.com