James Darke
London
Summary
Strategic economist with deep experience shaping major UK energy policies, markets and regulatory frameworks.
I specialise in translating complex economic and system issues into clear, evidence‑driven positions that enable senior decision‑making. My career spans retail, heat, system transformation and critical national infrastructure, giving me a cross‑market understanding of incentives, investment signals and consumer impacts. I bring a first‑principles approach to market design, disciplined analytical leadership, and extensive experience influencing government, Ofgem and industry stakeholders.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
2020
2020
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head of Economic Appraisal
Smart DCC
London
10 2023 - Current
Delivered strategic investment appraisals and impact assessments, leading to informed decision-making. Achieved alignment with executive board, Ofgem, and energy industry, enhancing value-for-money outcomes. Facilitated major projects, notably transition to 4G and establishment of £1 billion financing facility, ensuring project success.
Head of Retail Energy Market Analysis
DESNZ
London
09 2022 - 09 2023
Facilitated comprehensive understanding of energy retail policies, enhancing stakeholder engagement. Delivered impactful contributions to energy price cap, bulb special administration regime, and household support policy development. Achieved successful collaboration with Ofgem and HM Treasury on strategic policy development and retail energy price forecasting.
Lead analyst – Energy Bill Support Scheme
BEIS
London
02 2022 - 09 2022
Personally selected to lead the analysis for the design, development, and delivery of the Energy Bill Support Scheme (EBSS), which provided £12 billion of support to households during winter 2022–23.
Head of Heat Networks Analysis
BEIS
London
01 2020 - 02 2022
Built the deparments heat netowrk analytical team, oversight on regulation, capital support schemes, and long-term strategy. This included establishing a new regulator and supporting the delivery of the £288 million Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) and the £320 million Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP).
Transport Analyst
The Climate Change Committee
London
10 2018 - 10 2019
Led transport analysis for the CCC’s Net Zero report, which underpinned the UK’s 2050 commitment. Established an EV supply chain industry group and advised HMT on Vehicle Excise Duty reform.
Energy Innovation Economist
BEIS
London
09 2017 - 10 2018
Led analyst for BEIS's £505m Energy innovation portfolio of over 200 projects.
Education
Master of Science - Economics for policy making
Queen Mary University of London
London 2021.01 - 2023.07
Master of Arts - Economics
University of Glasgow
Glasgow 09/2013 - 2017.07
Skills
- Energy Market Design & Regulation
- Strategic Policy & Economic Analysis
- Senior Stakeholder Influence
- Executive‑Level Communication & Decision Support
- Cross‑Functional Leadership & Alignment
Timeline
Master of Science - Economics for policy making
Queen Mary University of London
2021.01 - 2023.07
Head of Economic Appraisal
Smart DCC
10 2023 - Current
Head of Retail Energy Market Analysis
DESNZ
09 2022 - 09 2023
Lead analyst – Energy Bill Support Scheme
BEIS
02 2022 - 09 2022
Head of Heat Networks Analysis
BEIS
01 2020 - 02 2022
Transport Analyst
The Climate Change Committee
10 2018 - 10 2019
Energy Innovation Economist
BEIS
09 2017 - 10 2018
Master of Arts - Economics
University of Glasgow
09/2013 - 2017.07