Tarun Reddy Arasu is a PhD student in Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers University’s Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, having previously completed a dual Master’s (MPP/MPI) at the same school. His academic journey is underscored by a transition from electronics and instrumentation engineering at BITS Pilani, India, to public policy, driven by a desire to impact society positively through evidence-based policymaking.

As a BPU Energy Fellow at the Rutgers Center for Urban Policy Research, Tarun focuses on energy economics, analytics, and energy systems and building energy modeling, showcasing his commitment to addressing energy challenges through innovative solutions. He currently works on a multitude of BPU projects that are pivotal in advancing New Jersey’s energy sustainability goals, such as infrastructure needs assessment and estimation of health damages using Generation Expansion Planning (GEP) models; quantifying commercial building demand flexibility across New Jersey’s commercial stock; and applying AI to government regulatory filings; evaluation of the Local Government Energy Audit Program; the LED Street Lights Conversion project.

Tarun’s current research deepens his understanding of energy economics and sustainable energy systems. His ambition is to influence policy and drive innovation in the energy sector, blending analytics with actionable insights to promote sustainable and equitable energy practices.