ESS Inc. announced that long-time utility executive and former San Diego Gas & Electric President, Chief Operating Officer and Board Member, Michael R. Niggli, has joined its board of directors.

Mr. Niggli brings to the ESS board more than 40 years of senior executive experience in the utility industry and a strong commitment to energy storage. Since beginning his career at SDG&E in 1971, he has held many positions within the electricity and gas operations, fuels acquisition, project management and customer service operations of SDG&E. During his leadership tenure at SDG&E, the company was named "Most Intelligent Utility in the United States" by IDC Energy Insights and Intelligent Utility Magazine for three consecutive years.

"We're pleased to welcome Mike to our Board," said Craig Evans, ESS CEO. "He shares our belief that long-duration energy storage solutions like ours are poised to take off in the coming years. His decades of experience at SDG&E and other forward-thinking utilities, as well as a commitment to innovation and excellence, will be invaluable assets as we commercialize our safe, low Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) flow battery systems. 

"ESS is a company on the forefront of true long-duration energy storage with its flow battery technology," commented Mr. Niggli. "I have long taken the position that different types of energy storage are essential to modern grid operations. This company's all-iron flow batteries offer a compelling combination of utility-grade performance with key safety and environmental advantages, the ability to support the integration of renewables, with a low LCOS. It's an honor to serve on the ESS board." 

Prior to rejoining SDG&E in 2006, Mr. Niggli held the positions of President of Sempra Generation; Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of Sierra Pacific Power Resources and Nevada Power Company; and Senior Vice President of Entergy Corporation. He holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University, a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from San Diego State University, and participated in the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

ESS Inc. | www.essinc.com