Investment bolsters West Monroe’s demand-side management and regulatory capabilities to help utilities manage rising load and meet decarbonization goals
Press Release
West Monroe Acquires 2050 Partners to Strengthen Position on AI-Driven Energy Demand and Clean Energy Transition
CHICAGO, September 17 — West Monroe, a global business and technology consulting firm, announced today it has acquired 2050 Partners, a consulting firm that helps utilities and clients across the energy sector manage rising demand through customer-focused energy efficiency programs and navigate clean energy regulations. The acquisition strengthens West Monroe’s capabilities in helping utilities address one of the most pressing challenges of the decade: rising energy demand from AI, data centers, EVs, and home electrification—while balancing affordability, reliability, and sustainability.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in the Bay Area, 2050 Partners brings deep expertise in decarbonization strategy, energy efficiency, and clean energy regulatory guidance. 2050 Partners works with clients to reduce energy usage, lower customer bills, relieve grid stress, and meet sustainability mandates. Alex Chase, CEO of 2050 Partners, and the entire team will join West Monroe’s Energy & Utilities practice.
This acquisition reinforces West Monroe’s commitment to helping utilities thrive in a dynamic energy economy—delivering end-to-end solutions that span both infrastructure and policy, supply and demand. West Monroe already works with the largest utilities in the United States, advising on grid modernization, operational strategy, emerging technology, and more.
“As AI and electrification accelerate energy demand, utilities must modernize infrastructure while also curbing usage on the customer side of the meter,” said Gil Mermelstein, CEO of West Monroe.
2050 Partners brings the energy efficiency and regulatory depth that complements our strengths in grid modernization, technology, and utility operations—allowing us to deliver even more integrated solutions that utilities need to act on today.
Gil Mermelstein
CEO of West Monroe
West Monroe’s acquisition of 2050 Partners comes at a time when utilities are balancing two converging pressures: the need to decarbonize and the reality of rising electricity demand. Recent West Monroe research shows that while 78% of utilities face regulatory pressure to decarbonize, only 18% feel very prepared to meet their state’s targets. At the same time, growth in data centers, electric vehicles, and home electrification is driving significant increases in electricity usage, requiring new approaches to managing demand and modernizing infrastructure.
Together, the combined teams—led by West Monroe’s Energy & Utilities Industry Lead Dan Belmont—will help utilities address rising energy costs, manage load growth from AI and electrification, and meet aggressive decarbonization goals.
This transaction follows West Monroe's recent acquisition of Inspired Health, as the firm continues to deepen its industry expertise to better partner with clients on the distinct challenges facing their sectors.
Advisors on the transaction for 2050 Partners included DelMorgan & Co. as exclusive financial advisor and Donahue Fitzgerald as legal counsel to 2050 Partners. For West Monroe, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP advised as outside legal counsel, and West Monroe advised on Al and technology diligence and change management.
About West Monroe
West Monroe is a global business and technology consulting firm passionate about creating value for our clients. We co-create solutions that accelerate results now and prepare industries to tackle what’s next. We’re excited by the possibilities that technology creates. We work with our clients to deliver on the possible, building on their goals, generating fresh insights and creating inspiring outcomes.
We excel at the intersection of industry, strategy, people and technology—always driving rapid impact. Our all-in approach comes from our unique employee ownership structure. Our clients’ success is our success. From the beginning, our growth has come from putting people at the center. Fortune and USA Today consistently celebrate West Monroe as a top workplace, and we’re recognized as a leading consultancy by Forbes and Forrester. Let’s find more value for your business.
Share our passion at westmonroe.com
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