Frank Wolak

Frank Wolak is the Holbrook Working Professor of Commodity Price Studies in the Department of Economics at Stanford University. He holds senior fellowships at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, and the Precourt Institute for Energy. As Director of the Program on Energy and Sustainable Development (PESD), his work focuses on energy market design, regulatory policy, and transitioning to low-carbon systems. He served as Chair of the Market Surveillance Committee (MSC) for California's Independent System Operator (2011) and on the Emissions Market Advisory Committee (EMAC) for California's greenhouse gas market (2012–2013).

• Education: Ph.D. and M.S. in Economics from Harvard University; B.A. from Rice University
• Research: Energy economics, regulatory economics, econometric theory, and infrastructure market competition

His research addresses electricity market design, renewable integration, and policy impacts on consumer welfare. Recent studies include analyzing forward contracting for resource adequacy and designing markets for high renewable penetration. Wolak’s work also explores cross-border electricity trade and financing mechanisms for energy transitions.

Notable contributions include co-authoring The Future of Electricity Retailing and How We Get There and advising on California’s emissions trading systems. He is a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).

• Key Roles: Director of PESD, Co-Director of Stanford Natural Gas Initiative
• Grants/Advising: Extensive policy engagement with regulators and international institutions

Labs/Teams: Leads the PESD, collaborating with global energy policymakers and researchers to advance sustainable development goals.