Zpryme On The Grid is a podcast about energy and the utility industry. Every two weeks, we dive into topics and bring on guests to discuss issues affecting utilities, customers, solution providers, and much more.
Dylan Lockwood sits down with Peter Hanna and Priyanka Padmanabhan of Deloitte to talk about digital transformation and how outage management is evolving as utilities continue to upgrade their systems.
Today's episode will feature Erin Autin talking with Mandeep Singh of Deloitte about generative AI and it's applications for grid modernization, vegetation management, decarbonization and whole host of other applications as well as general trend discussion.
In the latest episode of Zpryme on the Grid, Zpryme and Froliq CEO and Co-founder speaks with 4Liberty CEO, Sharelynn More during DistribuTECH 2024 in Orlando, Florida. Tune in to hear Sharelynn's career journey, 4Liberty's mission and commitment to customer greatness, and her key insights about the future of utility industry.
Energy systems innovator and economist, Erin Grossi, sits down with Zpryme's Erin Autin to talk about the "mission critical" nature of building out digital platforms to detect, measure, monitor and control EVs today.
On today's episode, InnovationForce founder and CEO Kim Getgen joins to talk about how the utility industry is changing its perspectives on innovation as the grid modernizes and new challenges arise.
In this exclusive episode of On the Grid, Zpryme and Froliq CEO and co-founder, Jason Rodriguez sits down with Zeina El-Azzi, CEO and founder of Gage Zero to chat about her founder journey, Gage Zero's mission to advance fleet electrification, the state of female entrepreneurship, and how Austin has become a global clean tech leader.
On today's On the Grid episode, the Director for the NREL Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis Liz Doris joins us to discuss the evolving decarbonization landscape among utilities. We dive into various aspects of America's zero carbon journey including tech, agriculture, equity, and much more. Follow Liz's work and NREL's American Made Challenges: jisea.org americanmadechallenges.org
Today On the Grid goes Off the Ground as Erin talks with Ernest Huffman, Aviation Planning and Education Program Manager at North Central Texas Council of Governments. Their discussion covers the future of the aviation workforce, technological disruptions, and the ways that the energy industry and aviation industries intersect. We know you have a choice when choosing aviation industry discussion, so we thank you for choosing us!
With new technologies, increasing prices, and greater expectations, the utility-customer relationship is growing and evolving. An important piece of the conversation is customer trust, and what better way to gain trust with customers than to address affordability? Kevin Savage of Deloitte Digital joins us On the Grid to tackle some hard truths and discuss how utilities can be proactive when it comes to building trust with their customers.
This week we're diving into all things solar with the fabulous executive director of Solar Austin, Tatianna Cannon. We'll be talking about the mission of Solar Austin, how it's making a difference in its community, and what you can do to get involved. We'll also be dishing about how our past experiences have helped shape our current careers. From the ups and downs to the unexpected turns, we'll be spilling it all!
Welcome back to a new season of On the Grid! Kicking off our season, I'm joined not only by Zpryme CEO & Froliq Cofounder, Jason Rodriguez, but the entire Zpryme Research and Content team. Together, I'm taking us on a journey beginning with a 2023 outlook on our clean energy future, and how mobility, data, cities, and decarbonization all fit together like a perfect piece of the energy puzzle.
There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding AI. This week, Erik Asberg, CTO of eSmart Systems, shares how AI is being used in the energy space to provide virtual inspections, and contribute to a resilient power supply. Erik also shares how to get AI out of the innovation stage, how AI is actually all around you - hidden in plain sight, and of course, what the word ‘Energy' means to him.
We use water every day. Everywhere. Yet, in multiple parts of the world, providing clean & accessible water is still a major issue. Now more than ever, the incorporation of Energy, Technology, Policy for the People, and Resiliency will be crucial for solving these problems. This episode of On the Grid will take a dive into the water utility industry to truly understand the inner workings of our water systems and how through creative partnerships and a shared common goal, we can propel innovation for the future state of water!
The National Public Utilities Council is releasing the Annual Utility Decarbonization Report next week and On the Grid has an exclusive sneak peek for you! This week, Ricky and Dylan get on the grid with NPUC Founder Angel Lance who is here to share what the NPUC has been up to this summer, key findings for their report, and shares how utility decarbonization efforts are stacking up against each other. The report comes out on September 19, 2022 and can be found at https://www.motive-power.com/npuc-home/
This week Ricky & Zpryme CEO, Jason Rodriguez sat down with Energy Foundry's CoFounder Sara Chamberlain to discuss how utilities have partnered with Energy Foundery to invest in the future of energy. Sara also shares with us what happens after startups are funded, what areas in energy are needing innovation, and what it would look like if we could devise a SUPER solution to solve all our energy problems overnight.
Podcast Special Edition: Energy and Policy go hand and hand and this week, Zpryme's Senior Director of Research and Content Erin Autin sits down with Patty Durand who is running for public service commissioner in Georgia's District 2. Patty shares with Erin the inspiration behind her run for public office, the unexpected challenges she has faced during the campaign, and what items she would like the PSC to focus on in the counting years.
Podcast Special Edition: Guest hosting and taking the podcast reins this week is Zpryme Research and Data Analyst, Hebah Bukari. Hebah traveled to Sacramento to chat with SMUD's Chief Zero Carbon Officer - Lora Anguay and a podcast familiar voice, Jared Metoyer, at DNV. Together they discuss how equity plays a major role in the energy transition.
This week Ricky and Dylan get on the grid with Ashley Dickens, Senior Program Manager, Innovation Network at Tennessee Valley Authority. Ashley shares how the TVA is harnessing its innovation power from within, how ideas are being collected, stored, and pitched, and where she sees the most advancement in the industry.
We are LIVE and in person. On the grid with us is Angel Lance, Founder of the National Public Utilities Council(NPUC). Angel shares how the NPUC is tackling decarbonization, how utilities can better inner-utility communication, utility decarbonization trends, and a few utility decarbonization revelations. Featuring: Ricky Murray, Dylan Lockwood, Angel Lance - Founder of the National Public Utilities Council (NPUC)
This week we are on the grid with Sadie Bronk, CEO of Energy Bees. Sadie shares with us all how the mission of energy bees is reflected in the work they do and people they serve, the many huddles of a small business, how she is creating a future of green jobs, and how with the power of energy, we can solve the problems of today, and tomorrow.
Today is all about Energy Equity. We are On the Grid this week with Jarred Metoyer at DNV. Jarred shares with us his passion for serving disadvantaged communities, how we should be measuring Environmental, Social, and Governance in energy, the latest community focused projects, and how you can get involved in the energy equity transition
We are on the grid with the Executive Director of the Whole Kids Foundation and Whole Cities Foundation. Nona shares her approach on establishing community connections, how anti-racism and responsiveness are key ingredients for community building, and how we could solve community development with the wave of a magic wand!
This week, Ricky and Erin get ‘On the Grid' in San Antonio, TX with CPS Energy Interim President & CEO, Rudy Garza, and CPS Energy Board Vice Chair, Janie Gonzalez. Together, we share stories on career trajectory, the importance of getting back INTO the field, how they are building community trust, and their top commitments for 2022.
This week Dylan and Joyce are here to talk about Distributed Intelligence with Itron's Director of Technology, Strategy, and Innovation Tim Driscoll and TECO's Director AMI Strategic Solutions David Lukcic. How is DI poised to improve utility operations and are there benefits to the end user?
This week Joyce interviews Hitachi Energy's Head of Digitalization David Goddard about how utilities are moving to digital spaces and what trends are important to watch as they transform.
We are kicking off a new season of Zpryme on the Grid with the whole crew! Join us as we reflect on January and discuss what's on the horizon from energy storage, digital inclusion, eletrifiction, and even our favorite socks that are getting us through 2022!
Today we talk with the Head of Sustainability at Italy's enelX about circular economies. While only just blooming as a discussion point in US energy markets, Europe is far enough along that Nicola is able to share some lessons learned for application on sustainability projects globally.
Motive Power CEO and NPUC founder Angel Lance is back to talk about new NPUC data around decarbonization trends. We also talk about how seriously the utility industry is or is not taking climate change, and what they can do to be more proactive. Music by bensound.com
Today's episode features Micatu's EVP of Sales and Marketing Michael Sexton and we're talking renewables. We dive into some key data points from Zpryme and Micatu's recent survey to discuss important issues in the ongoing transformation of the grid. How do renewables play into key power quality issues? How do utilities who are rapidly adding renewables ensure both reliability and safety in the transition? If you want to dive into the data yourself, the report can be found at https://zpryme.com/reports/managing-the-growing-renewables-crisis/ This episode was sponsored by Micatu Music by bensound.com
Today we're highlighting one of our brightest new team members. Laurel Morris has only been with Zpryme for a short time but she's already made waves by hosting our We3 Live discussion series, and curating the spinoff publication, the Cleantech Chronicles. We talk with Laurel about her journey as a young energy professional and what has drawn her to Cleantech. She also shares some of her favorite stories from the live series. Check out the Chronicles at https://zpryme.com/insights/the-clean-tech-chronicles/
On today's episode we talk with Bethany Ruhe, Director of Programming and Communications at Gridmates about their new relationship with Zpryme as well as how to new ways to make energy efficiency strategies more people-oriented. Music by bensound.com
Today we're speaking with CB Technologies VP of Solution Development Lonnie Ludwig about connecting utility workers to networks that enable them to better perform their jobs. We discuss how this benefits worker safety, operational efficiency, and end customers. Music by bensound.com
Read all about it! Joyce and Jason are here to give their takes on the hottest energy headlines. In this episode we go over Zpryme's slow emergence from virtual-only, they KeystoneXL pipeline, the Texas grid, offshore wind, and more! Headline links: The Keystone XL pipeline project has been terminated. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/09/business/keystone-xl-pipeline-canceled.html? Texas lawmakers approve bill mandating power plant weatherization, market reforms https://www.utilitydive.com/news/texas-lawmakers-approve-bill-mandating-power-plant-weatherization-market-r/601138/ Offshore Wind Farms Show What Biden's Climate Plan Is Up Against: The U.S. has fallen way behind Europe partly because of an old shipping law and opposition from homeowners and fishing groups. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/07/business/energy-environment/offshore-wind-biden-climate-change.html? 'Cool' roofs, cooler designs as the building industry embraces energy sustainability https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2021/06/08/cool-roofs-cooler-designs-nations-building-industry-embraces-energy-sustainability/ Cicadas Took On Biden's Press Plane. They Won. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/09/us/politics/cicadas-biden.html Music by bensound.com
Karl Popham from Austin Energy is back to talk about electric vehicles in 2021 and beyond. Karl, Dylan and Joyce discuss how utilities are looking at EVs and how the discussion on charging infrastructure is developing, but also how the concept of electric cars from a consumer standpoint is changing as the 'lifestyle' of ownership is being marketed differently. Music by bensound.com
Today we have Ion Associates' FAE Mexico Marvin Govinden and Manufacturer Sales Representative Marcus Jenkins on about how technology is changing utility markets and models right under our feet. This episode was sponsored by Ion Associates Music by bensound.com
Today's episode talks about the myriad of ways that utility decisions on technology and internal culture affect not just operations and digital transformation plans, but critically customer experience, customer service, and customer journeys. Avertra's CEO and CTO Bashir Bseirani joins the show alongside Chief Customer Officer Giancarlo Reyes to talk about approaching utility culture and and technology investment from this customer-focused strategic perspective and building quality customer portals to facilitate that. This episode was sponsored by Avertra. Music by bensound.com
Returning to the show this week is Motive Power CEO Angel Lance to talk about the National Public Utility Council, a new effort by Motive and Zpryme to provide information about utility decarbonization efforts as well as forums for utilities to share their experiences for the sake of better strategizing going forward. We also talk about the human factor behind decarbonization and how the industry and planet can actually be improved with a bit of know-how and bravery. The NPUC: https://www.motive-power.com/npuc/home/ This episode was sponsored by Motive Power
The winter storms in Texas have caused a critical eye to be drawn toward the state's grid and how it can be upgraded in some areas and reformed in others. Technology is at the heart of these transformations as well as the digital evolution of utilities worldwide. To discuss the changing technological environment of the Texas grid, we talked to Octopus Energy US CEO Michael Lee to determine the kinds of investments utilties should make in terms of communications infrastructure, customer experience, and long-term strategic planning. We also discuss where opportunities are for entrepreneurial -minded folks to make a difference in the industry.
Digital transformation is underway in utilities across the country, but there are many challenges still to overcome. Transformation is happening slow in some areas, failing to execute in others, and not delivering on ambition in many ways. How can utilities and those who run them change the way they strategize to allow for more successful digital transformation? Salesforce's Frank Palase joins the show to talk about "Digital Readiness" and how changes in corporate culture at utilities along with more holistic strategic design can help grease the wheels on moving towards more digital utilites. This episode was sponsored by Salesforce Music by bensound.com
Texas is still dealing with the fallout from the widespread power and water failure during a cold snap late last month. As most of Zpryme's staff is located in Texas, we were personally and professionally affected by this event in a myriad of ways and now CEO Jason Rodriguez is sitting down to discuss the event and the response from his perspective as a resident, father, boss, and energy professional. Music by bensound.com
In this episode, we sit down with Black and Veatch sustainability experts Denise Nelson, who is the Climate Lead at the environmental services business unit, and Executive Leader for Consulting Strategic Advisory Practice Deepa Poduval to explore how changing business models on both the utility and consulting sides are leading to a more adaptive, responsible, and sustainable grid. We will discuss strategies, partnerships, technologies, and trends to get to the heart of how to ensure and perhaps accelerate this transformation. This episode was sponsored by Black and Veatch Music by bensound.com
Today on the show Joyce and Dylan discuss innovation in the Transmission and Distribution space with Distran's President Brad Fontenot and Director of Business Development John Halle. The discussion includes innovations in substations, where digitally-minded strategies can lack in consideration for physical demands of assets, and where trends are headed. This episode was sponsored by Distran Music by bensound.com
Today on the show Dylan speaks with Ian Berdie, Vice President of Innovation and Development at Quantum Spatial about disaster response. With climate change affecting the frequency, types, and severity of disasters, how are utilities and the analytics that power their operations adjusting their responses to keep outages and outage times to a minimum? This episode is sponsored by NV5 Geospatial powered by Quantum Spatial
Ashkan Kian of IEMS, and Douglas Shannon of SageWerks Energy join Dylan and Joyce to discuss vehicle-to-grid technologies, changing roles of data management, as well as key technologies and strategies for a modernizing utility. Music by bensound.com
Today on the show Joyce and Dylan talk with Robert Miggins and Jason Pittman from Go Smart Solar in San Antonio. Creating opportunities for homeowners to access solar power will become more important as demand and sustainability concerns increase, so Robert and Jason discuss how community solar programs can address equity issues, how technology can help solar evolve, and how utilities and communities can both benefit. This episode was sponsored by NREL and the American Made Solar Prize, find out how you can get involved in upcoming rounds athttps://americanmadechallenges.org/solarprize/round4.html Music by bensound.com
On the Grid is heading to San Antonio (virtually) to discuss CPS Energy’s Flexible Path as a long-term strategy for transformation. We will chat with the highest levels of CPS Energy leadership about the results of their FlexPower Bundle RFI and how CPS Energy will utilize its key findings to create a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient San Antonio moving forward. As of 12/9/20 - CPS Energy’s RFP is now open and can be found here: https://www.cpsenergy.com/flexrfp This episode was sponsored by CPS Energy
New Faces in Familiar Spaces w/ Jennie Yoshimoto Joining an industry can be very touch-and-go. Being an entrepreneur requires a lot of hands-on learning and learning from mistakes. Today podcast newcomer Joyce Deuley talks with recent winner of the American Made Solar Prize and founder of Terra Solar Jennie Yoshimoto about how to find your own way in the energy industry and how you can turn good ideas into award-winning solar innovation. This episode was sponsored by NREL and the American Made Solar Prize, more information at https://americanmadechallenges.org/solarprize/round4.html Music by bensound.com
Today we bid a fond farewell to podcast cohost Erin Hardick as she moves on to the next chapter of her life, but not before she can let us know about what role she sees for herself and the media she's done. We also talk with Omaya Ahmad from APS about Arizona's decarbonization plans, how to leverage community resources to promote sustainability, and how the industry needs to operate in the era of climate change. Music by bensound.com
Today's guest is Harvard Foward founder Danielle Strasburger who talks about her work using grassroots organization to push Harvard towards decarbonization. We discuss the role colleges can play in the fight against climate change as well has how to get young people involved in the issues they care about most. Music by bensound.com
Zachary Holman, co-founder of Sunflex Solar, one of the winners of Round 2 of NREL's American Made Solar Prize, is here to talk about the aluminum foil-infused secret to their winning solar panel innovation as well as how innovation finds the solar market. For more information on the competition as well as how to register for round 4, go to https://americanmadechallenges.org/solarprize/ Music by bensound.com
ETS20 has concluded and while it was certainly...different doing it online during a pandemic, it came together thanks to the hard work of a lot of talented people who we interviewed for this show! Erin Hardick emceed the event and opens the discussion by talking about what the content was like and how discussion was fostered. Also Sarah Fregeau, Zpryme's Program and Events Manager also drops in to talk about how it worked behind the scenes, Centerpoint's Michael Conklin talks about how the experience differed from a speaker standpoint, and our CEO Jason Rodriguez talks about what decisions had to be made when moving ETS to this space. If you want to see how the virtual event sausage is made, this is the episode for you! Music by bensound.com