As a Research Analyst & Senior Consultant within Navigant's Energy Practice, Michael leads the firm's Advanced T&D Technologies research service, specializing in emerging energy infrastructure technologies and innovations. Michael also contributes to Navigant's Energy Connectivity, IT and Cybersecurity research services, as part of the Navigant's Digital Energy research solution. Michael’s work includes global market analysis and competitive assessments to evaluate new technologies, company strategy, policy/regulatory changes, and forecast market growth to help industry players capitalize on these rapidly evolving technology markets.

Prior to joining Navigant Research, Hartnack worked on the Colorado electric and gas regulatory teams at Xcel Energy. His responsibilities included managing project proposals and dockets for grid modernization, advanced metering infrastructure, and cost recovery strategy. He also contributed to initiatives to promote customer and stakeholder engagement, and supported rate cases, renewable energy and grid infrastructure projects, and the 2017 Electric Resource Plan. He holds an MS in global energy management from the University of Colorado Denver Business School and a BA from Union College in New York, where he wrote his senior thesis on energy policy and strategy.