Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast

The U.S. electric grid is under historic pressure. Record-breaking demand from electrification, AI, and data centers is colliding with extreme weather and aging infrastructure, while policy fights and project cancellations stall the very transmission projects needed to strengthen reliability. For utility leaders, the question isn't if these stresses will hit home — it's how quickly and how prepared they'll be when they do. In this episode of Power Perspectives Podcast, host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester sit down with Christina Hayes, Executive Director of Americans for a Clean Energy Grid, to unpack why transmission is the backbone of the energy transition — and why utilities can't afford to ignore it. Christina shares insights from ACEG's latest research and publications, breaks down the permitting roadblocks, and offers practical guidance on what CEOs and decision-makers must know to navigate this make-or-break moment for the grid. Key Links Sign up for the Energy Central Daily Newsletter: energycentral.beehiiv.com/subscribe Energy Central Post for this episode: https://www.energycentral.com/podcasts/post/why-transmission-could-save-or-sink-the-energy-transition-91bMwgXGfiaqbmF Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XUCjBs16qNI Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast Fewer New Miles: Strategic Industries Held Back by Slow Pace of Transmission: https://cleanenergygrid.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ACEG_Grid-Strategies_Fewer-New-Miles-2025_Rev-1.pdf Large-Scale Transmission Deployment Saves Consumers Money: https://cleanenergygrid.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/GS_Transmission-Deployment-Saves-Consumers-Money_vf.pdf Resource Adequacy Value Of Interregional Transmission: https://cleanenergygrid.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/250610_RAValueInterregionalTx_Corrections.pdf

When we look to the future of the electric utility industry, what do we see? Better data. More efficiencies. Smarter grids. Simpler asset management. At least—that's what we're all hoping for. To make it happen? It's all about location, location, location. And that's where GIS comes in: Moving into the future of power, GIS will be instrumental in challenging the status quo, improving utilities' understanding of where things are (from outages to assets to customers), leveling up what regulatory compliance really means, and breaking down siloes across the power org. Today on our finale of The GISt, we hear from Dr. Comfort Manyame, director of geospatial R&D at EMPACT Engineering and an expert in GIS for nearly 30 years. Dr. Manyame covers it all, from the intersection of GIS and AI to the skillset of the next generation of remarkable power professionals. Accessible GIS is the key to bringing this industry into its next era. Today, we're talking about how that happens, who stands to benefit the most, and where we're headed next.

Being a leader is about more than just knowing electrons. It's about showing up every day ready to set the pace and tone for your team—this episode is the playbook for doing just that. Today on Piloting the Future, Kim & Lee tackle the idea of influence beyond authority—how energy leaders are becoming change champions, no matter their titles, budgets, or team sizes. We've got two experts leading the charge: Jody Allison (VP of Customer Transformation at Xcel Energy) & Brandy Bolden (Chief Customer Officer at SMUD). Jody and Brandy are serving up an insightful look at how they drive change in their orgs—managing ambiguity, driving strategic efforts, leveraging AI as a teammate, finding the value prop in customer expectations, winning community support, getting comfortable with risk, navigating authenticity vs. reality…and so much more. This conversation is a great listen for anyone eager to learn how to navigate the non-technical aspects of their jobs (because those matter, a lot). Want to know what leadership in the modern utility world looks like? Hit play. Learn more about Utility2030 here: https://www.utility2030.org/leadership

The conversation around AI in energy often centers on what it consumes. But what about what it can contribute? Nowhere is that question more relevant than in nuclear power — a resource that is both critical to decarbonization and too often slow to adopt new tools. In this episode of Power Perspectives, podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester sit down with Trey Lauderdale, Founder & CEO of Atomic Canyon, a startup pioneering the first on-premise AI platform designed for nuclear power plants. Trey shares his unconventional journey from healthcare startups to energy innovation, and how his company is already helping modernize operations at Diablo Canyon, one of the country's most critical nuclear facilities. He highlights the challenges (and surprising wins) of bringing AI to conservative utility environments, while laying out the playbook for how AI can cut reactor engineering timelines by years. If you've been watching the parallel hype cycles around AI and nuclear and wondering where they truly intersect, then buckle up and enjoy this conversation that cuts through the noise with a vision from inside the control room. Key Links Sign up for the Energy Central Daily Newsletter: energycentral.beehiiv.com/subscribe Energy Central Post for this episode: https://www.energycentral.com/podcasts/post/can-ai-modernize-nuclear-this-ceo-thinks-so-HXAZ6xmDCb3561h Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yyMuQkEluA8 Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast Atomic Canyon: http://www.atomic-canyon.com/

The Esri Utility Network is more than a technology upgrade. It's a strategic leap forward that helps utilities transform asset modeling, improve data security, and enhance operational decision-making…while enabling real-time visibility and better data sharing across departments to solve problems with less friction and greater interconnection. Making the jump to the Utility Network isn't easy, though. That's where today's episode comes in—a detailed guide to the why, how, and when of making the leap to this new framework for mapping and planning. David Miller, Executive Consultant at SSP Innovations, leverages 20 years of expertise to help utilities migrate to the UN—and establish priorities, game plans, ambitions, and systems needs. Today on The GISt, he's breaking down his process for utilities of all shapes and sizes. This episode is brought to you by SSP Innovations. SSP Innovations is a leading Esri Platinum Partner serving the electric and gas utility industries. Electric and gas utilities across North America trust SSP for strategic consulting, GIS and data managed services, Utility Network migrations, system integration, and long-term support. From the introduction of the Utility Network platform, SSP has led the way with strategic consulting, data preparation, and implementation services. Many of the largest utility companies in North America have chosen SSP for their Utility Network migration projects and celebrated their successful completion. Want to learn more about SSP Innovations? Right this way: https://www2.sspinnovations.com/utility-network-podcast

When a tech giant comes knocking, how does a utility say make room for them in a way that ensures the best outcomes for its existing customers? That's the question at the heart of Mississippi's leap into the global spotlight, as Amazon Web Services chose the state for one of its largest-ever data center investments. And for Entergy Mississippi, this wasn't just about plugging in servers — it was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize the grid, replace retiring generation, invest in community infrastructure, and keep rates affordable for customers, including the 20% living below the poverty line. In this episode of Power Perspectives, podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester are joined by Haley Fisackerly, President and CEO of Entergy Mississippi. In this conversation, Haley outlines how this deal came together after years of effort, what it means for clean energy and resiliency in the region, and how his team manages to balance the demands of hyperscale data centers with the realities of local communities. From navigating regulatory hurdles to ensuring affordability and equity, Haley shares lessons every utility leader should hear before the next big tech partnership lands on their doorstep. Key Links: Sign up for the Energy Central Daily Newsletter: https://energycentral.beehiiv.com/subscribe Energy Central Post for this episode: https://www.energycentral.com/podcasts/post/how-this-utility-ceo-helped-land-amazon-s-16-billion-power-investment-HPe8T88l2ugWwIg Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RLEYYpco_ws Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Wildfires, hurricanes, cyberattacks—utilities are under siege from extreme events. But what if there were a better, calmer, and smarter way to handle them? In this episode of Power Perspectives, host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester are joined by Matt Schnugg, Chief Product Officer at Schneider Electric's Digital Grid business to talk about a transformative new framework called Holistic Event Management. It's an approach that moves beyond siloed solutions and reactive decision-making—toward unified, proactive digital platforms that support operators in both blue-sky and black-sky conditions. Drawing from his experience leading the rollout of Schneider Electric's One Digital Grid Platform, Matt shares how utilities can reduce the **c**ognitive burden on their teams during moments of chaos and build a response strategy that's not just reactive—but anticipatory. From wildfire preparation to grid restoration, we explore how digital transformation is becoming a lifeline for resilience. Listen in to learn how today's utility event management got so fragmented and reactive, and how culture, alignment, and digital integration are key to successfully addressing emergencies moving forward. Key Links: Energy Central Post: https://www.energycentral.com/podcasts/post/the-utility-emergency-playbook-gets-a-makeover-2NtReLZGxsmg5zb Schneider Electric on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/SchneiderElectric Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lg_1xxFAai8 Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

So you've got a lot of data…now what do you do with it? How do we turn a patchwork of energy technologies into a single cohesive model—one that's scalable, reliable, and ready to deploy? That's what we're talking about today: filling in digital gaps with GIS technology. Because doing so doesn't just mean improving workflows—it can also mean optimizing gains for utilities across the board. Our guest today is Matt Zimmerman, UDC Vice President of Systems Integration. Matt is giving an expert POV on the current state of digitalization, including an impactful case study showing how one utility is pulling off an end-to-end retirement of their paper asset construction—with UDC's help. This episode is packed with intel on how the design fabric of high-tech utility workflows operates in the real world. This episode is brought to you by UDC. As a GIS-centric systems integrator, UDC specializes in supporting its clients' projects and programs throughout the entire lifecycle—from conception to implementation. UDC's services are tailored to utilities and infrastructure companies worldwide, offering geospatial technology solutions designed to maximize the return on enterprise digital investments. Celebrating 20 years, UDC is proud to have achieved Platinum status in the Esri Partner Network program and has served over 75 utility organizations on projects related to Digital Design and Construction; Data Readiness and Maintenance; Data Acquisition; Enterprise Architecture; GIS Technology Stack Implementation; Utility Network Transformation; Utility Compliance Management; and Grid Modernization, including ADMS planning and implementation. You can connect with Matt Zimmerman and his UDC team on Energy Central or at udcus.com to explore how to unlock the full potential of your organization's enterprise digital investments. Read more about UDC's work mapping the last frontier of the digital utility right here: https://www.energycentral.com/home/post/last-frontier-digital-utility-r-O6rqeouzuP16R9X

How can you build the grid of the future when your field crews are still relying on paper and clipboards? For utilities across the country, that question has become urgent—especially as extreme weather events become more frequent and the demand for accurate, real-time data skyrockets. To help podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester dive into that topic on this episode of Power Perspectives, the podcast welcomes Bob Schultz, a veteran utility data expert and Electric Utility Industry Specialist at Locusview. Drawing from decades of experience—from the era of 90-day GIS lag times to today's near-instant data capture—Bob shares how utilities can modernize field operations, embrace barcode scanning and mobile apps, and meet the expectations of a new generation of digital-native lineworkers. If you're still managing your assets with manila folders, it's time to hear what's next. Key Links: Energy Central Post: https://www.energycentral.com/podcasts/post/field-crews-of-the-future-are-here-PruvhWxaRKcgJuV Robert Schultz on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/member/CBdPIxdafG Locusview on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/LocusView Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1XWnk3w-4gU Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

The biggest threat to grid modernization? It might be hiding in your GIS. Utilities are racing toward smarter, more dynamic grid systems—layering on DERs, EVs, ADMS, and DERMS. But there's a hidden bottleneck holding everything back: the massive disconnect between field data and back-office systems. In this episode of Power Perspectives, Adrian McNulty, Vice President of Utility Solutions at IQGeo, joins to dig into why real-time, mobile-first GIS systems are the unsung heroes of the modern grid. Adrian draws from more than two decades of experience in utility software to explain why outdated systems and poor field connectivity are dragging down the potential of advanced grid technologies—and how forward-thinking utilities are fixing it. Tune in to learn why traditional GIS platforms are falling short in the DER era, what it means to truly unify the field and the office around a single source of truth, and how utilities can streamline tools into one spatial solution. Key Links: Energy Central Post: TBD Adrian McNulty on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/member/Hij9uuGDVf IQGeo on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/IQGeo Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Mr-52iczOUc Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

“As long as we have the data, the sky is the limit.” The transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy reality is a massive undertaking—and we all know by now that massive undertakings require a LOT of data. So today on The GISt, we're exploring how utilities and energy innovators are leveraging GIS to help integrate renewables into the existing grid to make it more diverse and more reliable. We want to get the most out of our renewables investments…and GIS could be the key to doing so. About our guest: Anthony Saylor is GIS Manager for The Ray, a company that aims to transform the transportation infrastructure of the future by building net-zero highways. They're utilizing solar-powered EV charging, right-of-way solar, climate modeling, a vehicle-to-everything data ecosystem, and more—tons of cool tech powering the future, and much of it brought to life by GIS.

As utilities race to modernize the grid, too often the communication systems needed to communicate with the grid are overlooked. From DER integration and wildfire mitigation to smart meters and real-time situational awareness, none of it functions without robust telecom infrastructure. That reality is why the power utility and telecom nexus is being brought more into the spotlight with each passing year. In this episode, we're joined by Rusty Williams, President & CEO of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC), a global trade association advocating for the telecom needs of critical infrastructure providers. Rusty brings 30+ years of experience in utility telecom and IT—and he's here to pull back the curtain on why communications infrastructure is no longer a side topic for utility executives, but instead it must be a a central pillar of the energy transition. From battles over wireless spectrum to debates on pole attachments, this Power Perspectives conversation unpacks the regulatory, policy, and operational issues utilities must navigate to ensure secure, real-time communication across their systems. Key Links: Energy Central Post: https://www.energycentral.com/podcasts/post/this-ceo-wants-you-to-talk-to-the-grid-GBOIxbnT56McnIc Rusty Williams on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/member/3I8Ryirutc Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y5L05dJZtGM Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

How are utilities supposed to balance 1) strategic grid planning with 2) strong stewardship of the tree canopy we all rely on? It requires a new approach to vegetation management—one rooted in global information sharing that transcends competitive bounds. That's what today's guests—Dennis Fallon, Executive Director of the Utility Arborist Association, and Justin McQuistan, Corporate Partnerships Manager at the Arbor Day Foundation—are building. And this week, Kim & Lee getting the inside scoop on how they're doing it. Because trees and vegetation certainly can work in favor of utilities…it's just about the right tree in the right place. This episode serves as a roadmap for utility leaders who want to redefine their vegetation management approach to go from reactive to proactive. PLUS: The Arbor Day Foundation is giving away free trees. They'll plant one free tree for the first 200 Piloting the Future listeners who go to this link: https://get.arborday.org/innovationforce Thanks for listening, and go claim your tree now. See you soon.

We're building the grid of the future today, but how can we do so without fully knowing what's already underground? That's the uncomfortable truth facing utilities, city planners, and infrastructure developers as they charge ahead with clean energy, broadband, EV charging, and transmission upgrades. In today's episode of Power Perspectives, we confront the chaos beneath our feet, and introduce one leader's bold vision to fix it. This episode's guest is Itzik Malka, CEO of 4M Analytics, the company currently using AI, satellite imagery, and geospatial analytics to create the first scalable, dynamic map of underground infrastructure. Think “Google Maps” for what's buried underground—built without boots on the ground, at global scale. In this conversation, we dive into the risks of outdated or missing subsurface data and the cascading costs of uncertainty in construction. And we explore how AI is not just a shiny new tool—but a necessary lens for utilities and contractors to see clearly, collaborate better, and avoid catastrophe. Key Links: Energy Central Post: https://www.energycentral.com/podcasts/post/how-ai-is-mapping-the-invisible-grid-underground-84vRiBufx5Kyby9 Iztik Malka on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/member/u5ABP7pagw Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MDtkoKef1c4 Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

At the core of running an efficient, resilient power system, there's one singular need: interoperability. Do you have one place where everyone, across teams and structures, can go to get the real-time information they need when they need it? Without that, utility leaders are setting themselves up for failure to meet the rising expectations from consumers. But the good news? Maps make interoperability like second nature. And this week on The GISt, we have a step-by-step how-to for utilities that want to strengthen their collaboration. In the last of three top-notch episodes of The GISt with our partners at Esri, we're joined again by Director of Electric Utility Solutions Bill Meehan & Director of Electric Industry Solutions Pat Hohl. And these two? They're breaking down some of the coolest ways utilities are sharing information in real time—as it's happening—to avoid redundancy, become more effective across teams, and nail the three Cs of power: collaboration, coordination, and communication. This episode is brought to you by Esri. Esri is the global market leader in GIS software, location intelligence, and mapping. With Esri software you can add the power of location to modernize how you work. Esri helps to digitally transform utilities by enabling users to create, discover, share, and use maps anywhere, anytime, on any device. The Esri ArcGIS system is a comprehensive GIS allowing organizations to analyze and share their data across the organization. Operators and managers access ArcGIS for improved operational awareness and decision making. Field and office staff use ArcGIS to manage, update, and analyze information about customers, network assets, and work orders. To find out how to digitally transform your utility visit [www.esri.com/electric] to learn more.

Artificial Intelligence promises to revolutionize the utility industry, from predicting outages to integrating distributed energy resources. But between headlines and hype, a dangerous pattern is emerging: AI fatigue. Too many pilots, too many proof-of-concepts, and not enough actual results. Utilities risk getting lost chasing the “next shiny object” instead of tackling the biggest, most urgent operational challenges staring them in the face. In this episode, we're joined by Kim Getgen, Founder & CEO of InnovationForce, who has made it her mission to cut through the noise and help utilities focus. Kim's team has analyzed more than 600 grid modernization plans to identify critical challenges hidden in plain sight — and she's on a mission to help utilities match those challenges with real, utility-grade solutions. If you care about real progress — not just buzzwords — this is an episode you won't want to miss. And if you're pulled in by Kim's inspired perspective on innovation, you can catch more on the ‘Piloting the Future' podcast she hosts, part of the Energy Central podcast network. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: TBD Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8EZkaTqC3d0 Kim Getgen on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/member/7aue97w7Ti Latest Episode of Piloting the Future, Co-Hosted by Kim Getgen: https://www.energycentral.com/podcasts/post/piloting-the-future-how-to-scale-with-simplicity-ft-it-s-electric-9uYSJNa0LuJgRoR Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

The first step to creating widespread change in energy? Know the problem you need to solve. For Tiya Gordon, cofounder & COO of It's Electric, that problem was this: More people would get EVs if they were easier to charge in big cities. So? She got to work creating a solution in the first curbside EV charging system built for metro areas. This week on Piloting the Future, Tiya and Mike Lake, President & CEO of Leading Cities, join Kim and Lee to share the nitty gritty on building their partnership and the first behind-the-meter public curbside charger solution. The episode is packed with insights on building ideas into startups and startups into scalable businesses. Tiya explains how It's Electric avoided the logjams of direct utility connection for charging infrastructure. Mike explains how he evaluates startups for investment and backing, from innovation to leadership. And Kim and Lee lead us through tons more. This conversation is loaded with real-world insights into the process of creating change, one city and one idea at a time. Learn more about It's Electric here: https://www.itselectric.us/ And learn more about Leading Cities here: https://leadingcities.org/home

Behind the energy transition's headlines about megawatts and microgrids lurks a quiet but critical crisis: a severe shortage of skilled trade workers. These electricians, technicians, lineworkers, and other trade professionals keep the power flowing, yet they're retiring faster than they're being replaced — leaving an enormous talent gap just as the grid needs to expand and modernize. In this episode of Power Perspectives, Ruchir Shah, Founder and CEO of SkillCat, joins the conversation to break down how we can rescue the skilled trades pipeline, attract new talent, and modernize training for a rapidly evolving energy industry. Whether you're a utility executive, HR leader, regulator, or simply someone concerned about energy's future, this episode will give you a fresh look at why skilled trades matter more than ever, what you can do to help keep this essential workforce strong, and how to attract new, young talent to our sector. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: TBD Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DWhYps7-Wto Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

When you see relationships and patterns, you don't just take a peek at opportunities—you get a preview of risks…and a chance to get out in front of changes that need to be made. That's the power of GIS as a tool for discovery. Why? Because looking at your reality in a spatial context opens up a new world of discoverability—and that can quite literally take utilities from “I hope so” to “now I know what to do.” Creating that tapestry of high-value information can change everything for power pros. In the second of three top-notch episodes of The GISt with our partners at Esri, we're joined again by Director of Electric Utility Solutions Bill Meehan & Director of Electric Industry Solutions Pat Hohl. And these two? They're breaking down some of the coolest ways utilities are leveraging GIS and mapping to do better business—including how one Esri client quadrupled their asset renewal program effectiveness in just one year. This episode is brought to you by Esri. Esri is the global market leader in GIS software, location intelligence, and mapping. With Esri software you can add the power of location to modernize how you work. Esri helps to digitally transform utilities by enabling users to create, discover, share, and use maps anywhere, anytime, on any device. The Esri ArcGIS system is a comprehensive GIS allowing organizations to analyze and share their data across the organization. Operators and managers access ArcGIS for improved operational awareness and decision making. Field and office staff use ArcGIS to manage, update, and analyze information about customers, network assets, and work orders. To find out how to digitally transform your utility visit [www.esri.com/electric] to learn more. Don't miss the next episode of The GISt ft. Esri—covering GIS for utility collaboration. See you next time.

For decades, utility performance has been judged by how well companies met regulatory requirements—but is that enough for the energy transition ahead? In this episode of Power Perspectives, we look at what it means for a utility to evolve beyond compliance, as we're joined by Guy Chalkley, CEO of Endeavour Energy in Australia, and Richard McIndoe, Executive Chairman of Edge Zero. Together, they're helping utilities shift from a risk-averse, regulation-driven mindset to one rooted in customer outcomes, DER integration, and future-focused innovation. Australia has faced a rapid influx of distributed energy resources (DERs) and customer-driven change, forcing utilities to respond years ahead of their global peers. U.S. utilities now have an opportunity to learn from that experience—before the disruption lands at their doorstep. That need for transformation means this episode is essential listening for utility executives, regulators, planners, and customer engagement teams alike. It's not just about the technology—it's about rethinking the entire framework of utility success. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: https://www.energycentral.com/podcasts/post/redefining-utility-success-w-australia-s-biggest-power-pros-uYOsBQ94fRvllO9 Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M7M8w3QfGmA Richard McIndoe on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/member/BBML0B8KoT Edge Zero on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/edgezero Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Tackling energy's biggest problems requires true innovators to start somewhere—small solutions turn into enormous ones, faster than you might think. This week on Piloting the Future, hosts Kim Getgen and Lee Krevat hear from David Burchfield, Cofounder of BuildingLens, and Katherine Juengel, Green Cities Industry Liaison at Prosper Portland, about the way Portland is supporting energy innovation—and making community a cornerstone of power programs—one step at a time. We cover distributed energy (the lowest hanging fruit for innovators, as our guests put it), the role of risk taking for utilities that truly want to think for the future, and how to work backwards from the customer to create solutions worth adopting—along with so much more. Listen in for an up-close look at how Portland and the innovators who call it home are proving that transformation is just one relationship away.

U.S. utilities have invested tens of billions of dollars in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) over the last two decades. As those first-generation deployments approach end-of-life, utilities are facing difficult questions: Did AMI deliver on its promises? Was the investment justified? And what comes next? To get to the bottom of that and look ahead to what comes next in AMI 2.0, Power Perspectives is joined by Steven Lupo, Managing Director for North America at Trilliant. As a seasoned utility and smart grid expert, he's primed to explain how utility leaders can make smarter, more future-proof investments in the next wave of grid modernization. From balancing risk with innovation, to understanding the real-world performance of next-gen smart meters, this conversation digs into both the strategic and technical sides of AMI 2.0. Whether you're an exec weighing your next major capital deployment or a regulator reviewing grid plans, this episode will sharpen your understanding of where the AMI conversation is headed next. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: https://www.energycentral.com/podcasts/post/is-ami-worth-the-hype-DZTSUYfFCUlfc7D Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/r5NckcpesYU Steven Lupo on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/member/tXQtRCMm57 Trilliant on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/Trilliant Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

What do two GIS experts say when you ask them about the importance of data management for utilities? “You can't manage what you can't see.” “If the data is wrong, bad things happen.” “Without data, you have no control.” This week on The GISt, we're diving deep into GIS as a tool to address latency, remove siloes, and help utilities do less on-prem…so they can do more overall. The root of all this innovation? GIS technology. It's what pulls disparate data together so power teams can make better decisions, bridge more gaps, and find—as this week's experts put it—their “aha moment.” In the first of three top-notch episodes of The GISt with our partners at Esri, we're joined by Director of Electric Utility Solutions Bill Meehan & Director of Electric Industry Solutions Pat Hohl. This episode is brought to you by Esri. Esri is the global market leader in GIS software, location intelligence, and mapping. With Esri software you can add the power of location to modernize how you work. Esri helps to digitally transform utilities by enabling users to create, discover, share, and use maps anywhere, anytime, on any device. The Esri ArcGIS system is a comprehensive GIS allowing organizations to analyze and share their data across the organization. Operators and managers access ArcGIS for improved operational awareness and decision making. Field and office staff use ArcGIS to manage, update, and analyze information about customers, network assets, and work orders. To find out how to digitally transform your utility visit [www.esri.com/electric] to learn more. Don't miss the next two episodes of The GISt ft. Esri—covering GIS for discovery and for collaboration…two key components of scaling reliable, resilient power systems. See you next time.

The U.S. just became the world's largest exporter of LNG—but is that a blessing or a burden? In this global-scale episode of *Power Perspectives*, we step away from local grid topics to dive into the international dynamics shaping the global energy markets. To do so, we are joined by Anne-Sophie Corbeau of Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy. In this conversation, she breaks down how America's LNG surge is reshaping alliances, inflaming tensions, and creating unexpected risks for utilities back home. From backchannel Russian gas flows into Europe to the breakdown of U.S.-China LNG deals, Corbeau offers insight on what's *really* driving the gas market—and what utility executives, regulators, and investors need to be watching closely in the months ahead during the Trump 2.0 Administration. From the status of LNG as a strategic asset and a geopolitical wildcard to the specifics of U.S. interactions with China and Russia, Anne-Sophie highlights the right signals for utility leaders to keep an eye on in these international markets, as well as advice for how to plan around political and policy volatility in Washington. This episode is a must-listen for utility professionals trying to navigate an energy landscape that is increasingly global, volatile, and politically charged. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: TBD Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KtVrDZcTIKY Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

What if your next utility crew didn't drive, but flew? Autonomous drones are no longer experimental toys, they're rapidly become indispensable tools for utilities facing today's most pressing challenges: extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and reliability amid rising demand. In this episode of *Power Perspectives*, we explore how autonomous drones are becoming essential tools for modern utilities—helping detect failures before they happen, reducing field crew risks, and speeding up outage response. To highlight this topic, our guest is Christina Park, Senior Director of Energy Strategy at Skydio, an industry leader at the forefront of AI-powered drone technology. Christina shares lessons from her years leading digital transformation at NYPA and explains how utilities can successfully scale drone programs from one-off pilots to enterprise-wide deployments. From the role of autonomy and AI to tackling inertia within large utility organizations, Christina offers a clear-eyed look at the real-world challenges—and massive opportunities—that drones bring to energy infrastructure. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: https://www.energycentral.com/podcasts/post/why-every-utility-will-have-a-drone-fleet-sooner-than-you-think-OwiMdjzaSz1cLgt Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MV7aGqwfIDA Christina Park on Energy Central: https://www.energycentral.com/member/ahfqLnthAM Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

“The value has been proven.” That's what Ryan Ciesielski, Group Head of Geospatial at National Grid, told us about the return on investment for utilities deploying GIS tech in asset management. This week on The GISt, we explore: 1) GIS applications for regulation, documentation, and reporting 2) real world use cases of GIS for asset management 3) the realities of partnering with the right entities to make GIS organic and scalable…and so much more. Listen in for an expert's POV on how geospatial tech is changing the game for smarter asset management, faster outage response, and more efficient field operations.

With electricity demand in the U.S. surging—driven by data centers, electrification, manufacturing, and population growth—utilities are under pressure to deliver clean, reliable power at scale. In this episode of Power Perspectives, we explore how Duke Energy, which operates the largest regulated nuclear fleet in the nation, is answering that call. Joining for the conversation is Rounette Nader, Vice President of New Nuclear Generation and License Renewal at Duke Energy. Rounette walks listeners through the company's multi-faceted strategy to meet rising demand through power uprates, long-term relicensing efforts, and laying the groundwork for deploying advanced nuclear tech like small modular reactors (SMRs). Beyond the technical needs, we also dive into strategies related to community perceptions of nuclear, the ever-evolving regulatory landscape, and what the next few years are expected to look like for Duke Energy's nuclear fleet. This episode is essential listening for utility leaders, policymakers, and clean energy advocates looking to understand how nuclear fits into the future of the grid. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/duke-energys-nuclear-renaissance Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LMEQJKJGQsM Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

The leaders at Portland General Electric knew they had a choice: Embrace innovative ideas…or get left behind. They chose the former—and now, PGE is charting a new path for scaled utilities to embrace technology, welcome innovation, and ask hard questions to ensure their customers get energy that's reliable, efficient, and clean, day in and day out. Today on Piloting the Future, hosts Kim Getgen and Lee Krevat get the full rundown on PGE's recent Innovation Impact Report from Larry Bekkedahl, Senior VP of Advanced Energy Delivery at PGE, and Allegra Hodges, Head of Strategic Innovation at PGE. Larry and Allegra explain PGE's efforts to build a stronger grid, how strong process can empower innovation, the best strategies for finding consensus in a crowded tech ecosystem…and, of course, where AI fits into all this. PGE completed the first long-distance transmission of electricity in the US in 1889—and they haven't stopped innovating since. Give this episode a listen to understand how embracing the future became part of a major utility's culture. Want to check out PGE's Innovation Impact Report? Find it here: https://portlandgeneral.com/about/who-we-are/innovative-energy Interested in Larry's recommendation of Collective Genius by Prof. Linda Hill? Learn more here: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=47530 See you next time.

The microgrid moment has arrived. Are utilities ready? Microgrids have long been billed as a "future solution"—ideal for resilience, sustainability, and distributed generation, but too costly or complex for widespread use. But in 2025, that future is starting to look like the present. As electricity demand is exploding, driven by the growth of data centers, electrification of everything from buildings to transportation, and a surge of economic activity, utilities are struggling to keep up. To highlight how microgrids can fill in this gap, this episode of Power Perspectives features Michael Stadler, Co-Founder and CTO of Xendee—a pioneer in DER and microgrid modeling. How the business case has shifted, thanks to new cost dynamics and technologies? Are we entering a new era of true grid defection? And is this microgrid boom a threat or opportunity for utility leaders? Hear these questions and more answered as we dive in with Michael. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/microgrid-boom-explained Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yB2tXV4ACCI Michael Stadler on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/michael-stadler Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Welcome to The GISt, a new limited series from Energy Central. For our first episode, we've got a fantastic primer on all things GIS for utilities with Jazzmen Wilson, host of The GIS Chat podcast. What's on tap? A closer look at what kinds of utilities are leveraging GIS to its fullest capacity. An exploration of AI as a catalyst for global tech adoption. And the real rundown on the key players to know in GIS. Don't miss this episode—and hit subscribe to hear every other insight-packed interview we've got on deck for this series.

A new presidency always shakes up the energy world — but what happens when it's not new at all? With the return of Donald Trump to the White House, energy leaders continue to brace for impact. But unlike a traditional administration transition, this one is informed by a prior term — and yet may bring surprises all its own. In this episode of Power Perspectives, we examine what Trump 2.0 really means for the power sector. What has the administration signaled so far? Which executive orders are more smoke than fire? And how might the next few years shape utilities, grid operators, and clean energy stakeholders? To help us cut through the noise and get to the policy signals that matter, we're joined by Andrea Clabough, Associate at Goldwyn Global Strategies and Nonresident Fellow at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center. With Andrea's background advising energy companies on U.S. policy, energy security, and geopolitical risk, she's the perfect guest to address questions like: What should energy companies really take away from the first 100 days? How will the tug of war between federal and state policy play out in energy governance? And what surprises might still lie ahead in the Trump playbook? Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: TBD Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8qBGaQGolvg Andrea Clabough on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/andrea-clabough Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Presenting: The 2025 Energy Central Innovation Awards, a moment to celebrate forward-thinkers, risk-takers, and the big ideas kind of people who are building the future of the energy industry. We're in a moment of unprecedented change, but one constant remains: smart people who think about where we are *and* where we're going are giving us a shot at a better future. And this year's winners—chosen from a record number of Energy Central community nominations for our annual Innovation Awards—are exactly those kind of people. Hear from… Yuval Lubowich, CTO and co-founder of HData (HData.com) Stephanie Gossman, Manager of Grid Transformation for Georgia Power (https://www.southerncompany.com/innovation.html) Pranav Gupta, Manager of Data Science at ICF David Sypnieski, CEO and Founder of Athena Intelligence And get ready to think big. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy.

Our latest episode leaves the grid behind—literally—to head into orbit. As the number of satellites and spacecraft in space grows, one fundamental limitation persists: power. These systems are smaller, smarter, and more capable than ever—but they're energy-starved. That's where today's guest, Andrew Rush, steps in. Andrew is the Co-Founder and CEO of Star Catcher, a cutting-edge startup developing the first power grid for space, in space. Instead of sending energy from orbit to Earth like traditional space-based solar concepts, Star Catcher's revolutionary tech beams energy between spacecraft, enabling new capabilities and unlocking a new era of in-space infrastructure. Whether you're an energy engineer, a space-tech nerd, or a grid operator wondering what lessons in orbit can teach us about Earth's energy transition, this conversation offers a fascinating peek into the future of power. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: TBD Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IwOnM583itI Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

What does a change in U.S. presidential administrations have to do with stalled solar farms in Sub-Saharan Africa or wind projects in Southeast Asia? As it turns out, quite a lot. On this episode of Power Perspectives, we explore how U.S. policy shifts are sending ripples through the global financial system—impacting everything from renewable investments in developing countries to grid upgrades on Main Street USA. We're joined by Gautam Jain, Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy and Adjunct Professor at SIPA, to dig into the high-stakes intersection of climate finance, currency risk, and energy geopolitics. Gautam walks us through why the international green finance system is under pressure as the U.S. government scales back funding commitments under the Trump administration. With global investors growing increasingly wary of geopolitical instability, what's next for the energy transition? And how should utility leaders, policymakers, and financial stakeholders respond? Note: The news in this space is moving fast, so to set context this conversation was recorded on April 4. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/real-impacts-trump-20-energy-finance Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I2VqXraG2Ps Gautam Jain on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/gautam-jain Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

The U.S. nuclear industry is entering a new era—one that demands cutting-edge research, advanced reactor technologies, and stronger collaboration across the energy ecosystem. And now, that future has a new launchpad: the Sample Preparation Laboratory (SPL) at the Idaho National Laboratory. As the first hot cell facility built by the U.S. Department of Energy in nearly half a century, the SPL is designed to push the boundaries of nuclear materials science. From its autonomous robotic systems to its modular infrastructure, this lab promises to accelerate the pace of discovery while opening doors to collaboration among utilities, researchers, and policymakers. Listen in as Power Perspectives sits down with Colin Judge, Division Director for Nuclear Materials Performance at INL and a key leader behind this groundbreaking initiative, as he shares how this new lab will serve as a critical tool for understanding how materials perform in extreme environments—an essential piece of the puzzle as the energy industry looks to next-generation nuclear technologies. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/inside-doe-nuclear-research-facility-50-years-making Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0cRJR4xKR0o Idaho National Lab on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/idaho-national-labs Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

In a unique edition of Power Perspectives this week, we take you inside the electric utility industry's season-defining event: DistributeTECH 2025 through the lens of the Energy Central team that was there on the ground. Join Kinsey Grant Baker, Head of Content at Energy Central, and Matt Chester, Community Manager, as they unpack key themes and insights from the conference floor. From the convergence of utilities and technology to the rising influence of AI, the conversation explores how the sector is adapting to transformative challenges. How are utilities evolving into technology companies? What does the future hold for customer-focused planning, workforce innovation, and distributed grid orchestration? Kinsey and Matt break it down with fresh perspectives and real-world examples. Whether you're curious about the cutting-edge ideas reshaping the industry or you have FOMO because you weren't at DistribuTECH yourself, this episode delivers the takeaways you need. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives-dtech-debrief-are-utilities-becoming-tech-companies Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lWnqe0tJ8YU Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

For decades, we've heard about the need to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. Yet despite corporate pledges, policy initiatives, and technological advancements, global emissions keep rising. Now, we find ourselves at a crossroads: either we take immediate and radical action, or we brace for accelerating climate impacts and economic upheaval. So, what does this mean for the energy sector? Can utilities, policymakers, and business leaders move beyond incremental changes to the kind of transformative shifts that climate science demands? To explore these questions, this week's Power Perspectives episode welcomes Kevin Anderson, professor of energy and climate change at the University of Manchester and co-founder of Climate Uncensored. Known for his blunt analysis and data-driven critiques, Kevin has spent his career exposing where we've gone wrong—and, more importantly, outlining where we go from here. If you want to cut through the noise and understand the true scale of the challenge ahead, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/does-energy-industry-need-climate-reality-check Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kBQVQZRfxGw A factor of two: how the mitigation plans of ‘climate progressive' nations fall far short of Paris-compliant pathways: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14693062.2020.1728209 Three Decades of Climate Mitigation: Why Haven't We Bent the Global Emissions Curve?: www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-environ-012220-011104 Ireland's Climate Justice Obligations, Presentation: https://urlisolation.com/browser?clickId=DB605BC0-9E7C-4D1E-817D-29EC03C1D45C&traceToken=1742828331%3Bmanchesteruni_hosted%3Bhttps%3A%2Fclimateuncensored.com%2Fire&url=https%3A%2F%2Fclimateuncensored.com%2Firelands-climate-justice-obligations-presentation%2F Climate Uncensored: https://climateuncensored.com Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

What's the biggest challenge facing utilities today? Is it climate change, DER integration, or the explosive growth of data centers? The real answer is the need to balance all of the above, and navigating these forces while keeping the grid reliable and resilient is no small feat. Enter Marcus McCarthy, Senior Vice President of Siemens Grid Software, who joins Power Perspectives to break down the evolving energy landscape. From the concept of the "Goldilocks Zone" in data center planning to how AI is reshaping grid operations, Marcus shares key lessons and strategies utilities need to future-proof their systems. For anyone seeking out insights into where the grid is headed next, this episode is a must-listen. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/goldilocks-problem-grid-modernization Video version of the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/1u257hJjKIk Siemens on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/siemens Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

How to save energy from partisan politics Can the clean power transition survive partisan politics? If anyone has the answer, it's David Spence, Professor of Energy Law & Regulation at UT Austin and author of the book "Climate of Contempt: How to Rescue the U.S. Energy Transition from Voter Partisanship." Today on Power Perspectives, David breaks down the impacts of political polarization on climate and energy policy, the role of media in shaping public perception, and how the power industry moves forward in fractured times. If you've ever felt frustrated by dinner table politics conversations, give this episode a listen—guarantee you'll learn something valuable. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/how-save-energy-partisan-politics Video version of the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/FoYxlv5wUC8 David Spence's profile on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/david-spence Climate of Contempt: How to Rescue the U.S. Energy Transition from Voter Partisanship: https://bookshop.org/p/books/climate-of-contempt-how-to-rescue-the-u-s-energy-transition-from-voter-partisanship-david-spence/21116536?ean=9780231217088&next=t Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

AI is changing everything, and power utilities are no exception. From optimizing grid operations to enhancing cybersecurity, AI is already making a tangible impact on how energy is generated, distributed, and managed. But when it comes to grid communications—an area where reliability and security are paramount—what role does AI really play? In this episode of Power Perspectives, we're joined by two industry leaders from Nokia: Dominique Verhulst, Global Energy Practice Leader; and Hansen Chan, IP Enterprise Solutions Marketing. Together, we unpack some of the biggest questions utility leaders are asking today: - How does AI optimize mission-critical grid communications? - What are real-world examples of AI transforming power utilities? - How are AI-driven data centers reshaping grid infrastructure needs? - What's on the horizon for AI in the energy sector over the next 5-10 years? Plus, we briefly dive into one of the latest AI breakthroughs—DeepSeek—and what it means for AI-driven power planning and utility networks. So strap in alongside podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester to learn from the deep expertise that Dominique and Hansen bring to the conversation. (This episode brought to you by Nokia) Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/how-utilities-can-prepare-ai-integration Video version of the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qKun5PvHdLg Nokia on Energy Central: energycentral.com/Nokia Hansen Chan's profile on Energy Central: energycentral.com/member/profile/hansen-chan/about Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Balancing reliability, affordability, and sustainability—often called the energy trilemma—is one of the biggest challenges facing utility leaders today. And in Michigan, that challenge is magnified by aggressive decarbonization goals, aging infrastructure, and severe weather events. In this episode of Power Perspectives, podcast host Jason Price visits the DTE Energy headquarters in Detroit to chat face-to-face with Jerry Norcia, Chairman and CEO of DTE Energy. In this conversation, Jerry highlights how the company is tackling these timely and critical challenges head-on. From Michigan's ambitious clean energy targets to grid modernization, energy affordability, and extreme weather preparedness, Jerry shares DTE's strategy for navigating this pivotal moment in the energy transition. Listen into this conversation from the C-Suite as Jerry highlights: - Michigan's aggressive clean energy mandates and how DTE is adapting - DTE's $6 billion grid modernization investment to enhance reliability - The impact of extreme weather on Michigan's electric infrastructure - Balancing affordability and major infrastructure investments - Ensuring low-income customers have access to energy assistance programs Listen alongside podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as Jerry walks us all through the state of the industry today and into the future from his front row seat. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/inside-ceos-energy-transition-playbook Video version of the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vZHJ1Wigi_c Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Federal funding presents major opportunities for utilities, but navigating the complex landscape of incentives, grants, and shifting political realities can be daunting. How should utilities position themselves to secure funding, optimize strategic investments, and prepare for potential policy changes as power shifts in Washington? In this episode of Power Perspectives, that question is tackled by Stephen Haubrich, Management Consultant at ScottMadden. With deep expertise in regulatory strategy and utility financing, Stephen shares best practices for utility decision-makers, discusses the impact of federal programs like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and explores how utilities can remain flexible in an evolving political environment. Tune in to get expert advice on topics in the range of: - The current federal funding landscape for utilities and successful case studies - Best practices for utilities to position themselves for funding opportunities - Balancing short-term wins with long-term strategy in federal funding - The impact of political shifts on programs like the IRA and what utilities should do next - How utilities can stay agile amid regulatory uncertainty Whether you're a utility leader, policymaker, or industry stakeholder, you'll want to join podcast host Matt Chester in this conversation with Stephen as he provides valuable insights on how to maximize federal funding benefits while mitigating risks. This episode is brought to you by ScottMadden. NOTE: This conversation was recorded before President Trump's inauguration. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/future-federal-energy-funding Video version of the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LQWGhJ3-3WI ScottMadden on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/scottmadden Stephen Haubrich's profile on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/stephen-haubrich Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Private LTE networks are shaping the future of rural grid modernization. But how can small utilities harness this technology to overcome their unique challenges? In this episode of Power Perspectives, that challenge is addressed head on by Joe Walsh, Vice President of Smart Grid Communications Networks at NRTC. Joe sits down for this conversation to help us explore how a groundbreaking collaboration between NRTC, Anterix, Ericsson, and Southern Linc is helping rural utilities build secure, scalable, and cost-effective communication networks. Tune in and learn from Joe as he shares insights on: - The challenges rural utilities face in modernizing their grids - How private LTE networks improve resilience, security, and scalability - The benefits of vendor diversity and shared cooperative resources - Real-world examples of co-ops implementing private LTE Whether you're in the utility sector or just interested in the evolving energy landscape, strap in and join podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they welcome Joe's valuable insights at the role of advanced communications in building the grid of the future. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/how-important-private-lte-modernizing-rural-grid Video version of the episode on SoundCloud: https://youtu.be/sbgQs-yn6Kg Anterix on Energy Central: energycentral.com/o/anterix Joe Walsh's profile on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/joe-walsh-0 Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

As utilities face the mounting challenges of aging infrastructure, increasing demand, and evolving sustainability mandates, the need for smarter, more efficient capital planning is more pressing than ever. Simultaneously, you seemingly can't go a day without seeing a new, awe-inspiring headline about the power that artificial intelligence is newly bringing to the world. At the nexus of these two trending topics, this episode's guests see tremendous opportunity. AI is playing a transformative role in helping utilities optimize their investment strategies, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently while mitigating risks. In this episode of Power Perspectives, Tom Ligocki, Global Head of Energy and Water Services at IFS, and Danilo Prates, Senior Director of Program Management at Copperleaf, explore how AI-driven analytics are revolutionizing capital planning, enabling utilities to make data-driven decisions on infrastructure upgrades, resilience planning, and cost management. Listen in to learn firsthand expertise from these experts as they analyze: - The critical role of capital planning in the utility sector - How AI is enhancing investment decision-making for utilities - Key challenges utilities face in modernizing infrastructure and integrating renewable energy - Real-world benefits and cost savings from AI-powered capital planning solutions Join podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they navigate these new opportunities shared by Tom and Danilo. Whether you're a utility leader, an energy sector professional, or an AI enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into how technology is shaping the future of infrastructure investment. This episode is brought to you by Copperleaf. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/can-ai-do-your-capital-planning-you-brought-you-copperleaf#posting Video version of the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sTsfgcSoGTE Copperleaf on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/copperleaf Industrial AI is IFS.ai: https://www.ifs.com/ai Copperleaf eBook: Value-based Decision Making: https://www.copperleaf.com/knowledge-hub/ebook-value-based-decision-making-the-key-to-better-business-performance/ Decision Analytics Solutions for Electrical Utilities: https://www.copperleaf.com/solutions-for-industry/electric-utilities-decision-analysis-software/ Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

The supply chain has been a trending topic and area of concern in all industries since the COVID-19 pandemic, and as the utility seeks to build more than ever before in a new era of grid modernization and clean energy one of the main bottlenecks remains the available supply of necessary equipment and materials. This week, Power Perspectives welcomes in Laura Lewis, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at SMUD, to educate us on how one of the largest community-owned utilities in the nation is tackling supply chain challenges while advancing its ambitious clean energy goals. Laura shares SMUD's strategies for navigating these obstacles, from securing critical needs like transformers to optimizing inventory processes. With a focus on electrification, regulatory collaboration, and sustainable practices, SMUD is setting a powerful example for utilities nationwide. Tune in to learn about: - SMUD's innovative approaches to supply chain management amidst tight markets and inflation. - The legal and operational intersections of supply chain strategies in the clean energy transition. - How electrification of vehicles and buildings shapes grid infrastructure needs. - The strategic partnerships with federal and state agencies to secure critical resources. Join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they explore these vital topics with Laura Lewis and uncover how utilities can balance operational reliability with bold clean energy ambitions. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/how-utility-solving-supply-chain-puzzle Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Federal funding has poured into the utility space to ensure the expansion of internet connectivity can take hold across the country, but what do results on the ground look like? In the latest Power Perspectives episode, we are joined by Adam Rehfeld, Business Line Manager for Distribution Modernization at Burns & McDonnell. Sitting on the front line of this implementation of connectivity for utilities, specifically in the complex world of third-party pole attachments (TPAs), Adam has keen lessons to share with utilities who are still waiting to get up to speed in this area. As utilities gain opportunities to expand connectivity with TPA implementation, this moment is a critical one for leaders to properly address regulatory, operational, and technological challenges. Adam provides insights into the evolution of pole attachments, the role of utilities in expanding broadband to underserved areas, and the importance of maintaining clear inventories of pole usage. Press play and gain keen insights into: - Why TPAs are a hot topic in today's utility sector. - How federal funding impacts TPA growth and utility strategies. - The role of technology in improving pole attachment inventory and data management. - The intersection of TPAs with modern grid trends like undergrounding and distributed generation. Whether you're a utility decision-maker or a broadband stakeholder, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the TPA landscape. So join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they welcome in Adam Rehfeld's insights on the critical interplay between internet connectivity and the power utility sector. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/expanding-utility-connectivity-and-bridging-broadband-gaps-brought-you-burns Burns & McDonnell on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/burns-mcdonnell Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Can electric school buses change the paradigm of power, permanently? Today on Power Perspectives, we're finding out—with Kevin Matthews, Head of Electrification at First Student. With the launch of the V2X Smart Energy Hub project in Brooklyn, First Student and Con Edison are pioneering a new way to use electric school buses as mobile energy assets, helping the grid balance demand while reducing emissions. Kevin shares the vision behind First Student's electrification efforts, the unique challenges and opportunities of transitioning large fleets to electric, and how the V2X Hub provides cleaner air and a more resilient grid for the community. Tune in to learn about: - The motivation behind electrifying the city's school buses - How the V2X Smart Energy Hub works and why it's a game-changer - The benefits of leveraging school buses as mobile energy storage - Overcoming skepticism & other lessons learned from collaborating with a utility as massive as Con Edison Join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they dive into the cutting edge of fleet electrification and grid innovation with Kevin Matthews. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: Kevin Matthews Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/kevin-matthews Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

With fleet electrification accelerating, utilities face both opportunities and challenges in managing EV demand and leveraging vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. In this episode, Mark Braby, Chief Commercial Officer at Synop, joins Power Perspectives to discuss that rapidly evolving relationship between utilities and the transportation sector. Listen in as Mark discusses: - The transformative role of software in uniting fleet operators and utilities for electrification success. - Key use cases demonstrating the real-world impact of V2G technology on grid operations. - The critical data needs of utilities to ensure grid stability amid increasing EV adoption. - The evolving relationship between utilities and transportation over the next decade, including autonomous fleets and smart charging. For utility leaders, fleet managers, and anyone invested in the electrification journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they explore how fleet electrification is reshaping the energy landscape with Mark Braby. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives-can-evs-drive-grid-stability Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Will new transmission infrastructure ever come to pass? When will we reach a tipping point with data center energy needs? How can we determine the future of hydrogen's transformative race toward dominance? And what will *really* be the impact of decreasing energy storage costs? Today on Energy Central's special year-end episode, we look back at a major 2024...and forward, toward what's looking to be a big 2025. Using ideas and predictions from our community's Energy Central Top Voices (check out the full list here), the Power Perspectives team is telling you about the most impactful stories of the year. So grab your headphones and get ready to think big. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: Top Voices of 2024 Homepage: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/energy-central-top-voices-2024-all-network-summary Episodes Mentioned During Episodes... Tony Sleva: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-154-imagining-next-generation-energy-grid-tony-sleva-president-prescient Steve Martz: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-170-navigating-complexities-integrated-planning-steve-martz-vp-integrated Vicken Kasarjian: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-170-navigating-complexities-integrated-planning-steve-martz-vp-integrated Veronica Ung-Kono: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-180-balancing-clean-energy-expansion-wildlife-protection-veronica-ung David Schleicher: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-177-powering-data-center-alley-david-schleicher-president-ceo-northern Todd Allen, Greg Keoleian: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-155-machh2-and-future-hydrogen-michigans-pioneers-todd-allen-and-greg Idaho National Lab: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-158-decoding-iras-unlocking-nuclear-uprating-and-hydrogen-cogeneration Prasanna Venkatesan, Arch Rao: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-174-embracing-future-residential-energy-management-prasanna-venkatesan Amy Myers Jaffe: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-navigating-energys-post-election-crossroads-2024-AND() Diego Ibarra: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-160-decarbonizing-across-borders-climate-future-diego-ibarra-executive Erik Krause: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-163-zero-carbon-2030-leaving-no-customer-behind-erik-krause-director Cynthia Klein: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-164-duke-energys-strategy-harness-iija-opportunity-cynthia-klein-director Aaron Choo: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-176-gas-grid-energy-transition-aaron-choo-vice-president-gas-network Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

In this episode, Mike Goggin, Senior Product Manager at SSP Innovations, joins the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast to explore how advanced GIS technology is now within reach for smaller utilities. Historically reserved for larger utilities, Esri's Utility Network has become an essential tool for modernizing grid management. Mike shares how SSP Innovations has tailored this powerful platform to meet the unique needs of cooperatives, municipalities, and mid-sized utilities. Listen in as Mike discusses: - The challenges driving utilities away from legacy systems like ArcMap and geometric networks. - Common adoption hesitations and strategies to ease the transition to the Utility Network. - Real-world benefits of pre-configured systems and how customization can address individual utility needs. - The Utility Network's role in tackling the energy transition, electrification, and grid resilience challenges. For any utility professionals looking to modernize operations while keeping costs manageable, this episode provides actionable insights and guidance. Join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they uncover how GIS innovation is empowering utilities of every size to thrive in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. Key Links Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives-podcast-gis-smaller-utilities-grid-modernization-here-brought Mike Goggin's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/mike-goggin-0/about SSP Innovations on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/ssp Think Differently: Why GIS and Modern Network Management are Intertwined by Mike Goggin: https://energycentral.com/o/ssp/think-differently-why-gis-and-modern-network-management-are-intertwined Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

In this episode, Amy Myers Jaffe, Director of the Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab at NYU, joins the Power Perspectives Podcast in the wake of the November 2024 elections to discuss the most pressing issues shaping the energy landscape. With her expertise in energy geopolitics, climate risk, and sustainability, Amy offers invaluable insights into how utilities can adapt to evolving challenges while pursuing a more resilient and sustainable future. Listen in as Amy explores: - The intersection of federal energy policies and state climate goals amidst political changes - Why small modular reactors (SMRs) may not be the universal solution some hope for - How digital solutions for demand management remain an underutilized opportunity - The role of supply chain resilience in ensuring reliable energy amid geopolitical tensions Join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they get a crash course into these critical topics with Amy Myers Jaffe. Whether you're a utility executive, policymaker, or energy enthusiast, this episode provides actionable strategies for tackling today's energy challenges and securing a sustainable future. Key Links Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-navigating-energys-post-election-crossroads-2024-and Energy's Digital Future: Harnessing Innovation for American Resilience and National Security by Amy Myers Jaffe: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/energys-digital-future/9780231216753 Five Ways to Disaster-Proof the Energy Grid by Amy Myers Jaffe: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/climate-environment/energy-grid-extreme-weather-power-outages-c77e97e2 Amy's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/amy-jaffe Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast