Associate Director

Alex Whittaker

Alex Whittaker

Alex advises on energy market issues with a focus on quantitative modelling and the transition to a zero-carbon system

Alex has more than a decade of experience applying economic thinking to answer questions from suppliers, networks, regulators and governments. He has a particular interest in how data science and quantitative modelling can be applied to the sector. Alex’s recent projects include the development of an agent-based model of the market for heating system; using Frontier’s power market model to simulate the decisions of plant owners and investors in Eastern Europe; and carrying out clustering analysis to make sense of the vast quantity of consumption data available from smart meters.

Many of Alex’s projects have focussed on the technologies that are transforming the power system. He has advised energy suppliers and trade associations on the UK’s smart meter rollout, helped develop the first framework for the evaluation of smart grids for Ofgem and the Smart Grid Forum, and has worked on a number of projects examining the barriers to take-up of low-carbon heating technologies. These projects have often involved understanding the drivers behind consumer decision-making, and Alex works in close partnership with Frontier’s behavioural economics practice.

Prior to specialising in the energy markets, Alex provided economic advice on competition and policy issues to a wide range of clients. He holds a BSc and MSc in Economics from the University of Warwick.