Get to Know the Team at GDO: Eric Britton

Eric Britton is a Senior Project Manager with the Territory and Recovery Assistance Programs team at the Grid Deployment Office (GDO), which also includes the Department of Energy’s Puerto Rico Grid Recovery and Modernization Team. Eric is currently leading the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF), a $1 billion effort to enhance energy resilience for the island’s most vulnerable communities and households. Eric also manages several technical assistance projects focused on driving informed investment decisions with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recovery funding.   
Eric has a Master of Science in International Business and Finance from the Georgetown School of Foreign Service. He previously worked in the nonprofit and multilateral sectors in Central and South America.   

What’s one word you would use to describe GDO?

Dynamic 

What inspired you to work in the energy and grid realm?  

There have been lots of small things throughout my life that inspired me to pursue a career in energy. One of the most memorable experiences was piloting a rooftop solar project in Central America where we provided power to low-income homes that were totally off the grid. Witnessing the impact of energy access will always be an experience I take with me through my career. 

What excites you about your work at GDO?

GDO is a fast-moving organization within DOE. We’re growing fast. We’re deploying funding fast. And we’ll see results fast (with “fast” being a relative term when we’re talking about infrastructure projects). 

Do you have any tips for someone looking to enter your field of work? 

There’s no formula for entering this field of work. Our mission requires all types of skillsets, so don’t be dissuaded from this type of work just because you may think you’re lacking a particular degree or certification.