Michele Slater
Senior Project Engineer | Orlando, FL
Michele joined GDS Associates in August of 2016 at the Orlando office in Rates and Regulatory as a Senior Project Engineer. She has over two decades of experience in the electric utility industry. Michele has a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Georgia Tech with a certificate in Energy Engineering. She also earned an MBA with honors from Tulane University. After graduating from Georgia Tech, she went to work for the Georgia Power Company at Plant E.I. Hatch as a plant engineer. Michele then worked for Ebasco Services, Inc. where she worked on plant system design projects. She later joined her family business, Slater Consulting, where she gained substantial experience with economic and operation system analysis and litigation support for utility and non-utility clientele, ultimately serving as both a Principal and Senior Consultant. Her work with Slater Consulting provided Michele with experience in both regulated and de-regulated utility environments assisting clientele with their regulatory process, market participation, and planning.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROJECTS THAT YOU HAVE WORKED ON at GDS?
Some of the projects I’ve worked on since joining GDS Associates include annual transmission rate updates, ancillary service rate development, and several reactive power revenue filings. Recently, I provided testimony in support of a 206 filing on behalf of a small city in Louisiana.
What are your interests in your field of work?
The utility industry is in a very dynamic state now. Understandably, regulators are cautious in their response. With the move toward more and more renewable energy resources placing pressure on the flexibility of the industry, I’m interested to see how current norms will shift and precedents will be challenged.
RAPID FIRE:
What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
I really enjoy cooking, often on the weekends I like to take the time to prepare meals that the weekday schedule doesn’t permit. Given the chance, I’ll take the weekend to go to the beach and visit my parents or one of my sons.
What are your favorite places to visit?
Just prior to joining GDS, I was able to take a few months to visit my home country of Australia. In addition to spending precious time with my extended family, I went on several side trips. One of the most enjoyable was a week in South Australia where I visited the beautiful Barossa Valley wine region.
ANY FAVORITE MOVIES, BOOKS, OR T.V. SHOWS?
I love crime dramas. Two recent favorites are UK programs Broadchurch and Happy Valley. My favorite podcasts include Snap Judgement and reruns of Car Talk. One of my all-time favorite films is Apollo 13. Even though you know exactly how it’s going to turnout, the storytelling is riveting. Other favorites include Ben Hur (who doesn’t love a good chariot race) and just about anything James Bond.
DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN ANY EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES?
I began working with the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Family Selection Committee in 2014. It’s a humbling experience to work with families that are on their way to achieving a lifetime goal that many of us view as par for the course. Since I am spending more time in Atlanta again, I’ve been able to rejoin the committee.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
I’m married, and the mother of three adult sons and two daughters-in-law who are the source of immense pride. I count my closest friends on the fingers of one hand. I’m very close to my family despite us being scattered around the country.