Res-Intel – a National Leader in Energy Justice

An innovator in applying domain expertise and advanced technology for mass-scale benchmarking of residential buildings.

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Res-Intel has been helping to define tools and solutions for improving energy justice since 2011 when it received its first California Energy Commission grant to develop mass-scale building energy benchmarking software. Our solutions combine advanced analytics using artificial intelligence, remote sensing, geospatial modeling, and multivariate statistics to greatly lower the cost and time for planning and executing energy efficiency (EE) programs.

We are committed to providing best-in-class software to improve demand side management programs, reduce the burden of energy bills for underserved households, and protect the environment. We believe all this is possible through advanced analytics. We are dedicated to putting our customers and employees first

Disciplines: Res-Intel staff bring a unique combination of experience from domains of academic research, consulting, data science, and information technology.

Market leadership: We are the premier vendor for residential equity analytics and business intelligence in the low-income, multifamily residential sector.

Advanced technology: We layer 21st century analytics and marketing automation over existing and new residential programs to drive demand side management (DSM) savings.

Custom database: We have the industry’s most complete and specialized data and algorithms for multifamily program design and evaluation A/B testing.

Meet the Res-Intel Team

Our Team

Hal T. Nelson headshot

Hal Nelson, PhD

Chief Executive Officer | Founder

Dr. Nelson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Administration at Portland State University. In addition, Dr. Nelson worked as a Research Associate Professor at Claremont Graduate University for 10 years prior to his appointment to PSU. As Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nelson develops practical solutions to complex social, environmental, political, and economic problems. He has developed three decision support tools to help optimize energy sector outcomes. Dr. Nelson has publications appearing in Energy Policy, The Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Land Use Policy, Journal of Public Policy, The Journal of Policy Studies, The Journal of Environment and Development, The Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, and other peer-reviewed journals.

Hunter Johnson headshot

Hunter Johnson, PhD

Chief Technology Officer

Dr. Hunter Johnson develops Res-Intel’s data pipelines for aggregating multi-family residential properties and performing mass-scale energy benchmarking. He is experienced in using econometric and machine learning methods to gain insights into important research and program questions. Hunter received his Ph.D. in Economics from Claremont Graduate University.

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Krutik Soni

Business Development and Operations

Krutik assists the team with project management, client success, analytical tool development, and information security. He also writes and edits Res-Intel’s advertising campaigns, press releases, infographics, and media posts, among other duties. He is currently a Research Assistant and has a background in Finance. Krutik graduated from University of Oklahoma with a degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Rohan Khanvilkar

Data Scientist

Rohan Khanvilkar is a Ph.D. student in Public Affairs and Policy at Portland State University, specializing in energy policy, natural resource management, and organizational dynamics. He excels in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, translating complex research into actionable strategies. His work focuses on community engagement and data-driven projects addressing equity and affordability in energy transitions. Rohan is proficient in Microsoft Office, STATA, R, Python, GIS, and web technologies, with strong writing and public speaking abilities.

William Wyatt

Data Scientist

William Wyatt is a Ph.D. student in Mathematics and Economics who leverages technology to address real-world challenges. His experience spans IoT and signal processing, including developing data acquisition systems for Argonne National Laboratory and winning an international hackathon. Proficient in multiple programming languages and machine learning tools, William specializes in distributed ledger technology. His research focuses on the economics of automation and its impact on marginalized communities.

Melita Rayford

Project Manager

Melita Rayford is an IT and Business Project Manager with over 13 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure, software development, and cybersecurity projects on time and within budget. She brings expertise in Agile, Waterfall, and Lean methodologies, collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to define scope, manage risks, and ensure successful outcomes across web and mobile applications.

Nicolas Ranicar

GIS Analyst

Nicolas Ranicar specializes in developing ETL solutions for diverse data environments. With over 20 years of experience in FME and GIS/spatial data, he applies extensive technical knowledge to solve complex data challenges. As an independent consultant focused on the North American energy industry for the past decade, he excels at translating client requirements into practical solutions that exceed expectations.

John Osterman

Web Developer

John Osterman is a Front-End Developer who led development and CMS migration at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, focusing on accessibility and performance. As Principal Associate at Pew Charitable Trusts, he developed interactive data visualizations. As Proprietor of John Osterman Communications, he serves diverse clients including power companies and the World Bank..

Founding & Alumni Leadership

We are grateful to those who helped build Res-Intel’s foundation and continue to inspire our mission.

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Sean Bjurstrom

Co-Founder

Mr. Bjurstrom develops analytical solutions and oversees technological implementation. Prior to joining Res-Intel, Sean worked on the analytical teams at COF Training Services, S. Goner Associates, and Esri. With over five years of experience in analytics, Mr. Bjurstrom has developed various analytical frameworks using spatial techniques and traditional econometrics to blend data from a multitude of sources. Mr. Bjurstrom holds a Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology as well as a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Business Information Systems, and International Business Administration.

Andrew Royal headshot

Andrew Royal, PhD

Data Guru

As Res-Intel’s data guru, Dr. Royal applies insights from psychology and behavioral economics to topics in environmental and energy policy. He has published some of his work in the Journal of Risk and Uncertainty and Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics. He received his PhD in Economics from Claremont Graduate University.

Recent News and Updates

  • Res-Intel Wins CleanTech Alliance’s 2025 Emerging Company Award for Leadership in Cleantech Innovation
    Elevate solar energy assessment with Res-Intel’s Rooftop Solar PV Tool. Our innovative methodology considers building code compliance, tree shading, and rooftop features, revolutionizing the path to net-zero properties. Discover how we’re shaping a greener, more equitable energy future.
  • How to Get Landlords to Say Yes to Affordability Covenants for EE Retrofit Programs
    Energy efficiency programs are a unique win-win service from utilities: residents get a better insulated house that saves them money, and the demand on the grid (and GHG emissions) goes down. But what happens when it’s time to evaluate exactly how much everyone benefits? That’s where Normalized Metered Energy Consumption (NMEC) comes in. It’s a method of filtering anomalies out of data and delivering timely and accurate information on energy efficiency measures’ savings.
  • See the impact of EE programs in real time with NMEC
    Energy efficiency programs are a unique win-win service from utilities: residents get a better insulated house that saves them money, and the demand on the grid (and GHG emissions) goes down. But what happens when it’s time to evaluate exactly how much everyone benefits? That’s where Normalized Metered Energy Consumption (NMEC) comes in. It’s a method of filtering anomalies out of data and delivering timely and accurate information on energy efficiency measures’ savings.

Subscribe to email updates on our latest technology and programs

Please join our mailing list to stay up to date with the mass-scale residential characterization and EE programs Res-Intel and our partners are pursuing. Your information will not be shared with others, and you will receive on average one email per month. Thank you for your interest.

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