In August of 2007, Kevin Kolevar was confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability at the United States Department of Energy. Assistant Secretary Kolevar led the Office as its Director since its creation in February of 2005.

Kevin M. Kolevar, Assistant Secretary

The Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability leads the Department of Energy's (DOE) efforts to modernize the electric grid through the development and implementation of national policy pertaining to electric grid reliability and the management of research, development, and demonstration activities for "next generation" electric grid infrastructure technologies. Assistant Secretary Kolevar is the Department lead for implementation of the Electricity Title of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. His responsibilities have included analysis of electricity congestion, the designation of draft National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, the coordination of energy corridors across federal lands, and workforce issues related to the electricity utility industry.

The Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability also works with the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies to enhance the security and resiliency of the nation's critical energy infrastructure, and facilitate the reconstruction and recovery of damaged or disrupted energy systems. On behalf of the Secretary of Energy, Assistant Secretary Kolevar coordinated energy response efforts with the energy industry and other federal agencies after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma ravaged the Gulf Coast. His office collected, analyzed, and disseminated vital information to all involved in the response and restoration efforts and served an essential coordinating role for the energy sector. His office also assists energy sector asset owners in the development and implementation of infrastructure protection strategies and methodologies.

Before assuming his current position, Assistant Secretary Kolevar served as chief of staff to Deputy Secretary of Energy Kyle McSlarrow from January, 2003 to January, 2005. In this position, he supported and advised the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on policy, regulatory, and legislative matters as well as Departmental program management. In addition to serving as chief of staff to the Deputy Secretary, Kolevar worked as a senior policy advisor to the Secretary of Energy on security and technology issues.

His accomplishments while serving at the Department of Energy include chairing the Department of Energy National Security Working Group and serving as an advisor to the US-Canada Task Force investigating the 2003 blackout. Before joining the Department of Energy, Assistant Secretary Kolevar spent over ten years serving as US Senate staff in the offices of Senators Spencer Abraham (R-Mich.) and Connie Mack (R-Fla.). He is a graduate of the University of Michigan.