Dunsky Welcomes Former Utility Executives Chris O’Riley and Mark Sidebottom

Dunsky is pleased to welcome Chris O’Riley and Mark Sidebottom as Executive Advisors, adding decades of first-hand utility leadership experience to our team of clean energy experts.

Chris O’Riley recently retired as President and CEO of BC Hydro, one of Canada’s largest utilities and one of North America’s cleanest. His 35-year career spanned a range of senior executive roles during periods of significant growth for the utility. He brings deep experience in integrated resource planning (IRP), renewable power procurement, interregional trade, and utility governance, and has served in a variety of board leadership roles with Powertech Labs (innovation), Powerex Corp. (trading), and as an advisor to Yukon Energy.

Mark Sidebottom brings more than 30 years of experience at Nova Scotia Power, where over the course of his career he managed nearly every function involved in generating and delivering electricity to customers. Mark served as VP of Generation as well as Chief Operating Officer and most recently served as Chief Clean Energy Officer where he focused on the transition off coal and reaching Nova Scotia’s 80% renewable electricity by 2030 target. Mark has also held numerous board and sector leadership roles, including Chair of the Generation Council for Electricity Canada.

Working alongside Dunsky’s project teams, Executive Advisors provide seasoned executive perspective, help pressure-test assumptions, identify implementation and institutional risks early, and strengthen alignment with boards, regulators, governments, and senior utility leadership. This combination of Dunsky’s rigorous analysis, strategic advice and lived leadership experience enables faster, more robust, and de-risked decision-making at this critical period in the sector.

Quotes

“After the privilege of leading BC Hydro, I am excited to work alongside the passionate team at Dunsky to help their clients unlock the benefits of the energy transition – economic prosperity, meaningful Indigenous reconciliation, and a healthier planet.”

— Chris O’Riley, former President and CEO, BC Hydro, and Executive Advisor, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors

“After a rewarding career at Nova Scotia Power I am excited to join Dunsky and continue supporting utilities as they tackle key resource planning questions including decarbonizing the power supply, integrating renewables and DERs and revitalizing aging generation infrastructure.”

— Mark Sidebottom, former Chief Clean Energy Officer, Nova Scotia Power, and Executive Advisor, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors

“In this era of unprecedented change, utilities are rethinking everything: from the technology stacks they’ve long relied on to the business and regulatory models that underpinned their success. By adding their wealth of knowledge and experience to our growing team of 65+ professionals, Chris and Mark will help our clients navigate complex challenges with confidence.”

— Philippe Dunsky, Founder and President of Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors

About Dunsky

Founded in 2004, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors works with governments, utilities, corporations and others in their efforts to accelerate and scale the transition to clean, resilient, and affordable energy. Our seasoned team of 65+ professionals has deep expertise across Buildings, Mobility, Industry, and Energy Systems, and supports leading clean energy initiatives across North America.  

As a unique, hybrid firm – half engineering, half management consulting – we create value for clients in two distinct ways: by providing rigorous analysis of data, and by providing ambitious yet practical strategy support. As a mission-driven B-Corp, Dunsky is deeply committed to getting it right – for consumers, the economy and for our shared climate.