NIKHIL BALAKUMAR
Founder & CEO
Nikhil is a seasoned energy strategist and the Founder & CEO of Eclipse. With a dynamic background in grid modernization, policy innovation and advocacy, Nikhil brings a powerful blend of technical insight and collaborative leadership to every engagement.
With deep expertise across a broad set of grid modernization issues including distribution system planning, DER interconnection and data access, Nikhil has guided state regulators, state energy offices, NGOs and trade associations in driving near-term action today while establishing a comprehensive roadmap to meet State clean energy goals.
Before founding Eclipse, Nikhil worked across the energy sector including for both DER and utility technology companies as well as multiple consulting firms. Previously, Nikhil led Strategen’s grid modernization consulting practice and served as Head of Market Development, East at Utilidata. At the Greentel Group, he advanced key legislation and regulatory reforms to accelerate grid modernization in across New York and Washington D.C. He also led the research and development team at Incentive Technology Group (ITG), where he helped design an innovative residential energy management platform.
Grounded in a B.S. in Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Nikhil combines business acumen with a deep commitment to systems-level transformation. His work continues to shape the future of energy—making it smarter, more equitable, and built to last.
MEET
THE MINDS
BEHIND THE MISSION
Progress
Through Purpose and Partnership.
We don’t just consult—
we co-create.
At Eclipse Energy, our strength lies in the people who power our work. We’re a team of strategists, analysts, engineers, and facilitators—each bringing deep expertise and a shared commitment to shaping a more sustainable, equitable energy future. From policy design to technical implementation, we combine data-driven insight with human-centered collaboration to help our partners navigate complexity and drive meaningful change. We’re proud to work alongside some of the brightest, boldest thinkers in the field.
CAITLIN ODOM
Co-Founder & Director
Caitlin Odom is the Co-Founder and Director of Eclipse, where she leads the CHARGED initiative—an ambitious effort to accelerate distribution electrification through strategic planning, data-driven analysis, and stakeholder collaboration.
With deep expertise in load forecasting and electrification planning, Caitlin has guided government agencies and private-sector clients in designing grid modernization strategies that prioritize equity and long-term impact. Her work bridges technical insight and policy innovation to advance decarbonization efforts that are both actionable and inclusive.
Before co-founding Eclipse, Caitlin held influential roles at the U.S. Department of Energy, RMI, and Synapse Energy Economics. Across these positions, she contributed to high-impact projects spanning energy policy reform, grid enhancement, and the public health implications of fossil fuel infrastructure.
Caitlin brings a sharp analytical mind, a systems-thinking approach, and a passion for building a cleaner, more just energy future.
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