Bridget Sparks

About Bridget Sparks

Bridget is a Senior Strategic Advisor at MISO, focused on large load additions. She was previously the Regulatory Affairs Manager (MISO/SPP) at AES Clean Energy, where she engaged with RTO staff and stakeholders to ensure markets continue to evolve to facilitate the Clean Energy Transition. She was also the Interconnection Policy Manager at AES Clean Energy focused on interconnection queue and transmission planning reforms at FERC, PJM, CAISO, MISO, and NYISO. She was also a Policy Specialist at the California ISO focused on resource adequacy, integration of new technologies, such as energy storage, and interconnection and transmission planning process enhancements. She received her B.S in Sociology at Texas A&M University in 2012 and her PhD in Sociology at UC Davis in 2020. Her research focused on innovation, economic sociology, and sustainable energy transitions. Her dissertation used a comparative case study of controversial energy transport infrastructure projects in the US to understand the shifting public discourses around energy, how various stakeholders evaluate the of risk and benefits of such projects and articulate their ideal energy future, and how differing regulatory and institutional contexts mediate these disputes and shape infrastructure investment decisions. She received a NSF Dissertation Improvement Grant, Mellon Public Scholar Fellowship, and is a Leaders for the Future Alumni.

Experience

1. Senior Strategic Advisor

   Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)

   Jun 2025 — Present · Carmel, IN, US

   Conduct in-depth research and analysis on industry trends and business activities.• Develop and refine a thesis on external drivers affecting MISO\'s strategy and value to members.• Collaborate with senior leaders to assess business implications of strategic developments.• Analyze policy indications and frame discussions on regulatory, technology, and market dynamics.• Create and deliver persuasive reports and presentations to senior executives.• Lead internal debates on research findings and strategic direction.