Rao Konidena has nearly two decades of experience in manufacturing, consulting, and grid operator environments. Most recently Konidena was with Midcontinent ISO (MISO) as Principal Advisor for Policy Studies working on energy storage and distributed energy resources. Konidena has worked in several roles in core transmission planning areas of resource adequacy, economic planning, business management, and policy functions.

Konidena holds a BS in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from Bangalore University, an MSEE in Electrical Engineering from University of Texas at Arlington with a thesis on economic analysis of photovoltaics and fuel cells. Konidena also holds an MBA from Carlson School of Management, with minor in International Business.

Konidena volunteers as engineering mentor for middle school students participating in the Future City Competition, which focuses on improving students’ STEM skills. Konidena is Co-President of the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce – Minnesota and on the board of Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA).