E Source Expands Its Energy Consulting Presence by Acquiring ILLUME Advising

In a strategic move to bolster its consulting capabilities in the energy sector, E Source, a consulting and research company centered on utilities, has announced the acquisition of ILLUME Advising, LLC. This alliance marks a significant advancement in E Source’s commitment to delivering expert insights and tailored solutions for its utility clients.

Founded in 2013 by Anne Dougherty and Sara Conzemius, ILLUME Advising has developed a strong reputation for its people-centered research and consulting services in the energy landscape. The company prides itself on offering nuanced solutions grounded in social sciences, data analysis, engineering, strategic planning, and policy implementation, through a dedicated team of over 45 experts.

E Source has served as a solution partner to the utility industry for more than 35 years. Following its acquisition by Align Capital Partners in 2019, the company has expanded significantly through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, positioning itself as a comprehensive partner in the utility market.

Joe Eazor, CEO of E Source, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “The integration of ILLUME's talented team into our operations allows us to enhance our service offerings significantly. By combining our strengths, we aim to create a more interconnected client experience.” He pointed out that ILLUME's array of trusted solutions will complement E Source's established capabilities, ultimately benefiting clients in the sector.

ILLUME distinguishes itself with its multidisciplinary expertise, enabling E Source to further strengthen its capabilities in understanding industry trends and technical knowledge across various utility verticals. The integration promises to bring innovative methodologies in behavioral economics and human-centered design, reinforcing E Source's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the utility sector.

Both founders of ILLUME—Anne Dougherty and Sara Conzemius—recognize the synergy between the two companies. Dougherty remarked, “We believe in the potential of rigorous research and strong client partnerships. Joining forces with E Source aligns perfectly with our mission and will undoubtedly amplify our impact in the industry.” Conzemius added, “E Source’s focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions resonates deeply with our values at ILLUME.”

As these two companies merge, there will be a systematic integration process, during which ILLUME will operate semi-independently as a subsidiary of E Source, ensuring continuity in service while integrating best practices and resources from both entities.

Align Capital Partners facilitated the acquisition with advice from McGuireWoods, while ILLUME was guided by the Environmental Financial Consulting Group and Murphy Desmond S.C. Together, these companies aim to create a transformative experience for utilities navigating the complexities of the energy transition.

With E Source headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, and ILLUME operating out of locations including Madison, Wisconsin, and Tucson, Arizona, this acquisition highlights a shared vision to enhance the ability of utilities to make informed, impactful decisions. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the collaboration between E Source and ILLUME stands as a testament to the commitment toward innovation, environmental responsibility, and comprehensive client solutions in the utilities landscape.

For more information about E Source and its offerings, you can visit their official website at www.esource.com, and to learn more about ILLUME Advising, visit www.illumeadvising.com.