Smart Energy Voices

Decarbonization is one of the primary goals many companies are trying to achieve in their operations. The reason is simple… science has shown that the world is facing an urgent carbon problem. If we don’t curb emissions and temperatures continue to climb, science tells us that the results will be incomprehensible.Microsoft is leading the way in the realm of corporate leadership, setting its Carbon Negative Pledge as a standard to follow. One of the leading voices on the Microsoft team is Vanessa Miler-Fels, Director of Energy Innovation and Impact. Her astute insights and clear way of describing the “carbon math” the Microsoft team has done to empower their own efforts and extend their approach to their own supply chain partners come through loud and clear in this conversation. Listen to hear the generous and ambitious contributions Microsoft is poised to make to the world’s energy future.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Vanessa’s role at Microsoft as Director of Energy Innovation and Impact [2:51] Microsoft’s goals: “The World’s Next Moonshot” [3:49] Interim goals on the way to Carbon Negative [6:36] The important role Microsoft’s Scope 3 goals play in global decarbonization [14:24] How Microsoft plans to employ digital innovation on behalf of customers [17:20] Vanessa’s advice to those who need to take the first step in their organization [21:08] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People MentionedMicrosoft’s carbon negative pledge statement  Connect with Vanessa Miler-Fels, Director of Energy Innovation and Impact at MicrosoftFollow Vanessa Miler-Fels on LinkedIn Vanessa Miler-Fels is Director of Energy Innovation and Impact at Microsoft. She works with Microsoft’s Chief Environmental Officer on cross-company energy topics engaging with our operations, customers, and supply chain. Before that, for the last five years, Vanessa worked on the CO+I Energy and Sustainability team on renewable energy procurement for Microsoft Datacenters. Before joining Microsoft, she worked at a green-infrastructure private equity fund based in London and at the French Ministry of Finance. Vanessa is French and Indian, from Paris-Pondicherry, holds a Master in international affairs from Sciences-Po Paris, an MBA from ESCP, and is a graduate of the Ecole Nationale d'Administration.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn  If you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Virtual Innovation Summit taking place on March 22-25th, 2021, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com" Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In light of recent national events, it is a great time to be focused on renewables. In this episode, Rob Collier, Vice President of Developer Relations at LevelTen Energy, provides his five predictions for the Corporate Renewable Energy Market for 2021. LevelTen Energy provides transaction infrastructure for renewable energy buyers, advisors, and sellers. Rob ensures buyers and advisors have access to the latest data on utility-scale renewable energy projects under development. His team also enables developers to have the latest market intel to help them make strategic pricing and development decisions. Prior to joining LevelTen, Rob worked for utility-scale solar developer OneEnergy Renewables as Director of Development. He recently wrote an article outlining his five predictions for the corporate renewable energy market in 2021 and is talking with us about that topic in more detail on this episode of Smart Energy Voices.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...  The goal of LevelTen Energy. [4:13] One of LevelTen’s biggest focus areas right now. [7:18] Social justice and renewables procurement. [10:31] What buyers are focusing on when it comes to social justice concerns in the industry. [14:28] The impact a move toward social justice in renewables will have on diversity and inclusion in the industry. [17:17] More companies will become 100% renewable. [20:19] More companies committing to reducing their scope 3 emissions. [30:00] Storage being added to PPA portfolios. [37:52] How the need for speed will be driving innovation. [45:04]  Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned LevelTen Energy Rob’s Article: 5 Predictions for the Corporate Renewable Energy Market in 2021 3Degrees, Inc. Salesforce’s More than a Megawatt Google’s 24/7 by 2030: Realizing a Carbon-free Future Renewables Forward Initiative LevelTen Q3 PPA Price Index  Connect with Rob CollierFollow Rob on LinkedIn  LevelTen Energy provides transaction infrastructure for renewable energy buyers, advisors, and sellers. At LevelTen, Rob leads the developer relations team, ensuring buyers and advisors have access to the latest data on utility-scale renewable energy projects under development, and that developers have the latest market intel to help them make strategic pricing and development decisions. Prior to joining LevelTen, Rob worked for utility-scale solar developer OneEnergy Renewables as director of development. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn  Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesTo become a Sponsor Partner of Smart Energy Voices Season 2, please reach out to tim@smartenergydecisions.com for packages, pricing and further details.

Because the energy industry is widely diverse and constantly changing, energy companies and their partners often have difficulty keeping up with the changes. Lynda Clemmons, Vice President of Sustainable Solutions at NRG Energy, joins us for this episode to speak on how best to navigate these fast transitions within the industry. As the leader of the Sales, Sustainability, and Project Management teams, she manages three jobs ranging from Fortune 500 customer interface to actual steel-in-the-ground implementation. She is working to create a cleaner energy future through technology, renewables, and efficiency, both within the organization and with clients. She has been at NRG since 2012. Lynda’s career journey has been characterized by a series of challenging opportunities, giving her a wealth of knowledge and experience to share on the topic of rapid change within the energy industry. Lynda started her career as an analyst in an investment bank. She then spent eight years at Enron where she started the weather derivatives business as well as the SO2 and NOx emissions trading desk. In 2000, Lynda co-founded and was COO of XL Weather and Energy (a division of XL Capital Ltd), a trading and insurance company based in Connecticut. She also co-founded and was the former President of the Weather Risk Management Association. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Lynda’s many career roles and experiences. [2:04] The ways Lynda has seen companies face challenges and transitions. [16:20] Role models who have inspired Lynda over the years. [23:20] Hot energy topics of 2021. [29:37] Concept of electrification and what it can do in our personal lives. [32:11] What the industry will look like in the next 3-5 years. [36:15]  Her advice on people just getting started in the industry. [40:32] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Richard Sandor Evolve Houston NRG Energy  Connect with Lynda Clemmons Follow Lynda on Twitter Follow Lynda on LinkedIn  Lynda Clemmons Vice President, Sustainable Solutions at NRG Energy Lynda Clemmons is a Vice President in NRG Energy’s Business Solutions group. As the leader of the Sales, Sustainability, and Project Management teams, she manages three jobs ranging from Fortune 500 customer interface to actual steel-in-the-ground implementation. She is working to create a cleaner energy future through technology, renewables, and efficiency, both within the organization and with clients. She has been at NRG since 2012. Lynda started her career as an analyst in an investment bank. She then spent eight years at Enron where she started the weather derivatives business as well as the SO2 and NOx emissions trading desk. In 2000, Lynda co-founded and was COO of XL Weather and Energy (a division of XL Capital Ltd), a trading and insurance company based in Connecticut. She also co-founded and was the former President of the Weather Risk Management Association. Lynda holds BA degrees in History and French from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Finance from Tulane University. To become a Sponsor Partner of Smart Energy Voices Season 2, please reach out to tim@smartenergydecisions.com for packages, pricing and further details. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn

On this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Jeff Colvin, Executive VP of Sales at MP2 Energy, joins John Failla of Smart Energy Decisions to discuss his career as a leader in the energy industry and his role at MP2 and its relationship with Shell Energy North America. With the growing interest that international oil companies have in the energy transition and the role that MP2 Energy is specifically playing for Shell Energy North America, this conversation provides tremendous insights. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Jeff and his role with MP2 Energy [1:38] Shell’s interest in renewables [3:12] Advantages of being an early mover in developing an integrated power business [5:24] The role MP2 Energy is playing in Shell’s North American strategy [8:07] Important considerations for shifting to renewables and sustainability goals [11:19] How MP2 is positioned to meet expanding customer needs [13:09] Some specific customer deployments MP2 has had success with [15:17] How large company announcements are bringing small renewable initiatives [18:31] How Shell’s reach has allowed MP2 to adapt and move with the company [20:23] Where the industry is heading in terms of evolving customer requirements [22:30] What led Jeff to start a career in the energy industry [25:10] The pivotal point that propelled Jeff into seeking leadership positions [27:27] How Jeff’s career has evolved and his proudest accomplishments [29:28] Jeff’s biggest challenges [33:48] Integration and acquisition challenges and solutions [36:29] Jeff’s legacy in the energy industry [39:25] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned MP2 Energy a Shell Energy North America SubsidiaryConnect with Jeff ColvinOn Linkedin Jeff Colvin, Executive Vice President Sales, MP2 EnergyAt MP2 Energy, Jeff Colvin, EVP, Sales, has built up both the Pricing and Sales teams, improved training and coaching efforts, deployed a CRM solution, built and released a scalable Renewable Energy platform, and has been critical in leading a Sales Team that increased sales year over year every year that he has been in the organization. Most recently Jeff onboarded a new channel, a Large C&I National Direct Sales Team, something very different for MP2 historically, a business built on the backs of its Retail Brokers and Consultants. Jeff joined MP2 Energy in 2016; in April 2020, he was promoted to EVP, Sales to help guide, direct, and lead the commercial C&I business and the overarching strategy of MP2 within Shell. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn  Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum taking place on December 7-11, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com"

In this episode, we'll be in conversation with Alissa Yakali, Supply Chain Sustainability Manager at Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., and Joey Lange, Senior Director of Client Services at Edison Energy, for an inside look at Honda's 10 years of experience in working with their supply chain to reduce emissions and how they're currently working with Edison Energy to take their supply chain program to the next level. You won’t want to miss out on the great information within today’s show.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Meeting Alissa [1:45] Meeting Joey [2:39] How Honda has evolved its commitment to sustainability over the years [4:36] What drives Honda’s commitment to sustainability? [6:18] How Honda’s approach compares to what Joey sees in the market [7:14] Emission reduction commitments vs renewable energy goals vs other factors [9:27] How Honda is engaging their supply chain to reduce its scope three emissions [14:39] Mistakes & secrets to getting suppliers to engage in a sustainability program [16:13] Biggest challenges Alissa faced in the beginning that you may be facing now [19:39] Building trust with suppliers [21:54] How scorecards help with transparency and accountability [23:15] Tools Honda has in place to set suppliers up for success then vs now [26:37] The cloud-based energy management system Honda is developing [29:55] Why Honda needs a partner like Edison Energy [36:05] How Edison is meeting suppliers where they are and educating them on options [37:47] What Joey sees going forward in terms of supply chain sustainability? [40:54] Using green bonds to help suppliers with efficiency programs [42:46] What does the future of the program look like for Honda? [45:10] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Honda of America Manufacturing Inc Edison Energy Connect with AlissaAlissa Yakali on Linkedin Alissa Yakali, Honda of America Manufacturing Inc, Supply Chain Sustainability ManagerConnect with JoeyJoey Lange on Linkedin Joey Lange, Edison Energy, Senior Director of Client ServicesConnect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio

How do you quantify the value of a microgrid, which in some cases can be thought of as an insurance policy? You're ensuring that your facility doesn't go down or have an outage. How much is an outage really worth and how do you value that?In this age of Covid19, the pressure to fulfill commitments still remains high. Investor pressure remains high. Project goals remain in place. But the financing is no longer available. What should customers be looking at and exploring in the interest of managing this dilemma? Listen to the episode to hear how Matthew Walters, Head of Distributed Energy Systems, Americas at SIEMENS tackles it from a holistic approach.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Matt and his role at Siemens [1:35] How are customers reacting to the current COVID19 environment? [3:07] Managing the high pressure and big goals— no budget— dilemma [4:52] What are the key elements in a holistic approach and what do they involve? [6:29] Having a full programmatic approach for an organization's energy strategy [7:15] The largest renewable energy project in Manhattan [9:40] Nirvana for most energy managers today [12:09] Using a phased approach [13:50] Traditional grid supplies [15:22] Exploring creative off-balance-sheet financing programs [18:43] Click here for detailed show notes  Resources & People MentionedSiemens Connect with Matthew On Linkedin  Matthew Walters, Head of Distributed Energy Systems, Americas at SIEMENSMatthew leads the Distributed Energy Systems (DES), Center of Competence, which is dedicated to helping public and private sector companies make smart, sustainable investments in distributed energy systems. Matthew has over 15 years of industry experience and has spent the last ten years with Siemens. Matthew’s career has been focused on energy project development, commercial advisory, structured finance, and strategic planning. Matthew was appointed to Head the Center of Competence in 2015, driving the growth of Siemens’ broad DES portfolio including power generation, controls, technology/engineering expertise, financial offerings, new business models, and establishing Siemens as a leader in DES. Since this time, DES has become a considerable growth sector for Siemens.Matthew has extensive domestic and international experience, specializing in power plant development, cogeneration, renewable energy, project finance, and commercial structuring. His experience ranges across both public and private sectors, including commercial, industrial, institutional, and utility sectors. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn

Many market trends today revolve around resiliency, sustainability, and reduction in carbon emissions. These are all at the forefront of customer's minds and are driven by their own corporate ESG goals. Robert Vary, Senior Vice President Sales & Relationship Management, Duke Energy, discusses energy solutions that allow customers to conserve their own capital while providing subscription payments that allow customers to have a predictable budget on what they spend on energy efficiency.John Failla points out that “COVID has had an impact on everyone's budgets, but the pressure to meet goals, the pressure to meet emission targets...the investor pressure related to ESG goals is unrelenting. So...we think they're going to be much more interested in these energy-as-a-service, third-party, financing-type programs.”You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Duke Energy and their Account Management and Economic Development teams [02:12] Customer trends that are driving the energy market [07:14] Reducing energy costs in order to focus funds on other projects [08:50] ESG Investments [09:28] Sustainability and decarbonization technology [09:55] The need for resiliency options to sustain business and competitive advantage [10:57] Energy efficiency as-a-service [13:27] Emerging energy technology [16:00] Click here for detailed show notesConnect with Robert VaryOn Linkedin Robert Vary, Senior Vice President Sales & Relationship Management, Duke EnergyRobert Vary serves as Duke Energy’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Relationship Management.He is responsible for managing accounts and business development, and driving wholesale power, commercial renewables and distributed energy solution sales for all municipal, cooperative and investor-owned utilities, as well as large commercial and industrial customers. Robert’s team is the company’s primary customer interface, managing account relationships for Duke Energy’s top accounts, engaging customers that fit within its top commercial segments, and promoting Duke Energy’s portfolio of products and solutions to our target customers. Robert joined the company in 2019 and assumed his current role in July 2020. With more than 29 years of experience in the energy industry, Robert has held various leadership roles in sales and marketing, account management, and service in the U.S. and Europe, including head of sales for the Americas region for ABB Group. Robert serves on the boards of REC Solar and Joules Accelerator. Robert received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He grew up in West Wareham, Mass. He and his wife, Michelle, have four sons.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com  Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum taking place on December 7-11, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com"

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, guest Dave Grupp, VP and Head of Renewable Services at Direct Energy Business, talks about his career and gives us his take on the evolution of the retail energy business, including the expanding role that renewable energy is playing within it. After 15 years in the industry, Dave has had a front-row seat to the changes that have taken place and has seen the market mature and evolve in that time. There will be plenty to take away as he touches on many different areas of interest in his discussion with John. From challenges to successes and goals to inspirations, this is an episode with something for everyone. Energy is growing, so learning from others is one way we can grow with it! You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Who Dave Grupp is and his role at Direct Energy Business [1:43] Some of the biggest changes that have taken place in Dave’s time [3:32] The biggest challenges for retail energy companies evolving in a changing market [4:47] How has customer demand for renewable energy impacted the retail business? [6:57] Why Dave was chosen for this role and some of his goals [10:57] Major challenges over the last 12 months [15:08] Will reluctance to adapt to renewables cause a downgrade? [18:26] Dave’s 1, 5, & 10 year predictions for where energy is heading [21:07] What drives Dave Grupp? [25:50] Who was Dave’s biggest influence and who inspires him [30:19] Pointers on successful collaboration [34:14] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Dave’s company Direct Energy Business  Connect with Dave Grupp On Linkedin  Dave Grupp, VP, and Head of Renewable Services, Direct Energy BusinessConnect With Smart Energy Decisions  https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn  Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum taking place on December 7-11, visit our website or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com"

Why is the future of the grid distributed? Customers want control over the cost of energy. They also want reliability and choice. Additionally, access to cost-efficient energy is a business necessity. These reasons combined with new lower-cost technology are the driving force behind capital spending for Distributed Energy Resources ( DERs). According to a Wood Mackenzie report, DER capacity will reach 387 gigawatts by 2025, propelled by $110 billion in investments such as battery storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, and grid-interactive appliance sales. It's shaping up to be a pretty big trend in the future, says Doug Sansom, Director of DER Sales for NRG.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Why the future of the grid is distributed [2:52] What is driving the need for DERs? [4:00] A day in the life of a customer dispatching DERs [6:38] 5 questions customers seeking answers should ask [8:55] A la carte purchasing of energy and services vs hiring a management company [12:02] What NRG is doing to bring bundled integration solutions to the market [14:09] What type of customer would a bundled approach work for? [15:53] What we’ll be talking about 5 years from now [19:42] Click here for detailed show notes  Resources & People Mentioned Wood Mackenzie report on DER growth Doug’s company, NRG  Connect with Doug SansomOn Linkedin  Hugh Douglas Sansom, Director, DER Sales for NRG‘Doug’ currently serves as Director, DER Sales for NRG. Doug customizes Demand Response solutions for North American Utilities, Commercial & Industrial customers. For the past 17 years Doug has served in executive positions with smart grid and demand response companies like Comcast, BPL Global, Compath Technologies and Comverge. He has managed residential demand response projects in the US and abroad for utilities like Visayan Electric Company, Pepco Holdings, and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. He has also deployed smart grid projects in Cebu City, Bangkok, Curitiba, Kuwait City and Le Mans.Doug has designed and operated all phases of a Demand Response project. His specialty is successfully deploying programs while managing a positive customer service experience.Doug graduated from the United States Military Academy with a concentration in math and civil engineering and from the Wharton School with a M.B.A. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn  Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum taking place on December 7-11, visit our website or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

Peter Kelly-Detwiler sits down with Teresa Kanter, from Duke Energy Renewables (DER), and Erika Bierschbach, from Austin Energy (AE), to discuss the City of Austin's leadership in renewable energy procurement and their partnership with Duke Energy. You’ll hear how Duke Energy Renewables and Austin Energy are moving forward and pushing limits in Austin. Listen to this episode of Smart Energy Voices to hear specific insights from both buyer and supplier perspectives.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Teresa, and what she does at Duke Energy Renewables [2:31] Erika, and what she does at Austin Energy [4:17] How Austin Energy works with Duke Energy Renewables to be 100% carbon-free [5:52] What part of their portfolio Austin Energy is focused on and why [7:24] How Duke works with prospects to stay on top of what they are looking for [9:02] Advice from an industry leader on moving towards 100% carbon-free goals [11:26] Top risks to be aware of when engaging in a sizable commitment [12:32] How to manage geographic risk [14:08] What should we be thinking about for tomorrow? [16:20] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Austin Energy Duke Energy Renewables Connect with our guests Teresa Kanter on Linkedin  Erika Bierschbach on Linkedin Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum taking place on December 7-11, visit our website or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com