Mr Agresta comes to Enexus from the energy group at Alston & Bird of Washington DC, where he was the group leader. There he represented foreign and domestic utility companies on a variety of issues, including the financial consequences of nuclear construction and operation, deregulation of electric markets, power marketing and generation, mergers and acquisition, and other matters.

Previously, Mr Agresta was a founding partner of the Washington DC law firm, Swidler Berlin.

Richard Smith, who will serve as CEO of Enexus, said: Clearly, Steven has an impressive background that will round out an outstanding leadership team at the new company. His contributions will be vital as we get this groundbreaking business model underway.