Katie Jereza
The Honorable Catherine (Katie) Jereza was sworn in as Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity (OE) on October 14, 2025. She leads the Department's research, development and demonstration programs to strengthen and modernize our nation’s power grid.
Learn more about Katie Jereza.
Gilbert Bindewald III, OE-1
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Electricity
Gil Bindewald leads activities to help transform the system that powers our homes and businesses, and increasingly, even fuels our cars. His responsibilities include oversight of the Department's long-term strategic and foundational R&D efforts related to the resilience and reliability of our Nation’s electricity delivery system. He is co-chair of the Grid Modernization Initiative, and has been involved in several broader Departmental efforts, including the Quadrennial Technology Review and the “Grid Tech Team,” working to improve coordination and communication on the grid topic across DOE's programs.
Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Business Operations
Terri T. Lee, OE-1.1
Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Business Operations
In the capacity as OE's Chief Operating Officer at DOE, Ms. Lee provides executive direction for program-wide financial management, enterprise architecture, communications, and human capital and contract management.
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Grid Systems and Components
Michael Pesin, OE-10
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Grid Systems and Components
Michael Pesin has 30 years of experience in the electric utility industry, much of it directing development and execution of advanced technology programs. His most recent assignment was with Seattle City Light where he developed the technology strategy, managed research and development projects and directed strategic programs to management demonstration projects.
Nat Horner, OE-20
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Grid Controls and Communications (Acting)
Dr. Nat Horner is the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Grid Controls and Communications. He oversees research and development on information and decision systems to enable a modern, dynamic, digitized grid. He serves concurrently as Director for Grid Cybersecurity and Communications, leading efforts to ensure the grid’s next-generation operational technology systems are securely designed. In addition, he coordinates OE’s artificial intelligence and data center portfolios and previously spent time as Director of Grid Modeling.
Read more about Nat Horner.
Eric Hsieh, OE-30
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Storage
Eric Hsieh leads efforts to accelerate the next generation of energy storage technologies that deliver reliability, resilience, economic, and efficiency benefits. Mr. Hsieh also co-chairs the crosscutting Energy Storage Grand Challenge, which coordinates departmental priorities such as the Long-Duration Storage Energy Earthshot.
James Briones
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Grid Deployment Division (Acting)
James Briones is the acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Grid Deployment Division in OE. Mr. Briones is recognized for his leadership and deep expertise in enhancing the reliability and resilience of the nation’s energy systems. He leads strategic initiatives that strengthen U.S. energy affordability, reliability, and security through innovative investments and grid modernization.
Learn more about James Briones.