Meet Shannon McGriff | Energy Consultant & TEPA Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon McGriff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Early in my career, I had the opportunity to help start a new energy consulting group with colleagues. I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed the challenges of building something from the ground up, and the experience taught me valuable lessons in leadership and entrepreneurship.

After that company was sold, I knew I wanted to start my own business. Around the same time, I was offered the role of Executive Director for The Energy Professionals Association (TEPA), where I could advocate for the retail energy industry, influence legislative policies, and advance competitive energy markets on a national level. Founding McGriff Energy Consulting gave me the flexibility to pursue both roles. Being my own boss allowed me to build a successful consulting firm while dedicating time to TEPA’s mission of supporting and advocating for the energy industry.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As the Executive Director of TEPA, I lead efforts to support and advocate for the competitive energy industry nationwide. TEPA is a membership-driven association with around 200 member companies, representing approximately 12,000 individuals. I’m incredibly proud of the work we do to bring together the industry to protect and advance competitive energy markets, which ultimately lead to lower energy rates for end users. In addition to my role with TEPA, I founded McGriff Energy Consulting, a full-service energy management firm where I help clients across the country reduce costs and optimize their energy strategies. Recently, I also launched The Power Summit, an exclusive invite only event for executives in the industry designed to foster impactful connections and meaningful conversations about the future of energy.

What sets me apart is my ability to take an idea and bring it to life—whether it’s organizing a national conference, founding initiatives like Power Women to support women in a male-dominated industry, or building a business from the ground up.

Has it been easy? Not always. Our industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, from Winter Storm Uri to derechos and hurricane responses—and that’s just in Texas. With each state having its own set of rules—and only 14 states currently offering competitive energy options—staying informed and educated is essential.

We’re also navigating an unprecedented period of population growth, combined with the rapidly increasing electricity demand from data centers and AI, which is putting tremendous pressure on the grid. When you add the complexities of the political landscape, it’s clear that this industry is not only constantly evolving but also highly competitive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely encourage them to plan their trip during rodeo season to experience the Rodeo Cookoff! Each year, I host a TEPA networking event in the Black Label Suite at Hotel ZaZa and then head to the Cookoff—it’s one of my favorite events, as long as the weather cooperates.

Of course, we’d eat plenty of queso and Tex-Mex, starting with my current favorite, Goode Co. Cantina in the Heights. We’d explore my neighborhood, the Heights. Walking through Memorial Park, playing some pickleball, and squeeze in a round of golf since I’ve recently taken up the sport. For dinner, my go-to is Vic & Anthony’s, where sitting at the bar and ordering the quail and an espresso martini is a must.

We’d also check out Ben Jackson’s magic show at The Four Seasons, which is always a great experience, and hunt for the best breakfast tacos in town—my current favorites are from Sunrise Taquitos or The Taco Stand!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible bosses, mentors and colleagues throughout my career who have taught me so much. Many of them now serve on the TEPA board, and their guidance and support have been instrumental in helping me grow as a leader and shaping my career.

My mom is the one person who truly deserves special recognition for instilling in me the value of hard work. Her tenacity showed in how she managed a full-time job while raising three kids, all while driving me to 5 a.m swim practices every morning. She has always been the biggest supporter of me and while she may not love it now, she raised me to be independent and self-reliant. Those lessons have shaped the person I am today, empowering me never settle, and continually strive for more.

Website: https://www.tepausa.org

Instagram: shannonmcgriff

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-n-mcgriff06/

Twitter: @mcgriffshan

Image Credits
Nate Messarra Photo
Dana Fernandez Photography
Daniel Meadows Photography