GARY FERNSTROM

GFernstrom@msn.com

Gary is a long-time Cal TF member, having been selected to participate in its second year of operation.  He’s an Industrial Engineering graduate from Cal Poly and served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Vietnam, where he received the Army Commendation and Bronze Star medals.

During his 40 year career at PG&E, Gary worked as an Engineering Sales Representative, Illumination Engineer, Industrial Power Engineer, Director of Load Management Operations, Assistant to the VP for Rate Case Planning (responsible for $300 million in funding in PG&E’s General Rate Case), Supervisor of Residential Program Development & Evaluation, Director of Residential Programs, and Senior Program Engineer. 

During his career Gary initiated the Smart Thermostat, Smart Duty Cycler, “Golden Carrot” Super-Efficient Refrigerator, Codes & Standards, Time-Dependent-Valuation, and Swimming Pool Pump & Motor programs.  Gary also authored and co-authored numerous technical papers and articles. 

Throughout his career, Gary has been acknowledged for his many contributions to the industry and has served on numerous boards and committees. Notably, Gary received PG&E’s Trailblazer, Chairman’s, Corporate Environmental (both as a team semi-finalist & individual finalist), ACEEE’s Champion of Energy Efficiency, and the Association of Energy Service Professionals (AESP) Merit Award for Innovation in Marketing awards.  Gary served as Chairman of EPRI’s Residential Commercial Task Force, Chairman of the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, Chairman of California DSM Collaborative Measurement and Evaluation Sub-Committee, Chairman of Home Energy Magazine, CFO for the Super-Efficient Refrigerator Program, CFO for the California Compact, CFO for the Cool Roof Rating Council, and was key in the formulation of the National Fenestration Rating Council and the New Buildings Institute.  

In the 10 years after retiring, he worked in various consulting capacities for utility and industry clients, including leading the appliance standards improvement work with the CEC and DOE for the California IOU’s.