Smart Energy Voices

This episode of Smart Energy Voices presents the keynote speaker from the recent Renewable Energy Forum, Brian Janous - General Manager of Energy at Microsoft. As one of the world’s preeminent leaders in the energy transition, Microsoft is constantly innovating. Listen in as Brian provides a glimpse into the mindset and culture at Microsoft that has enabled its unique approach to innovation, including efforts to drive collaboration between peers, suppliers, and customers to enable broader adoption of renewable energy.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Microsoft’s climate commitments [02:09] Starting sooner rather than later [04:32] It’s about sustainability [07:50] Giving back to the community [12:30] Sustainability as a non-negotiable [15:54] Sharing knowledge for the future [18:25] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned Microsoft will be carbon negative by 2030 About the Henry Hub Connect with Brian JanousOn LinkedInBrian is responsible for leading the development and execution of Microsoft’s global data center energy strategy. These data centers provide the foundational cloud infrastructure for Microsoft’s online and cloud services for consumers and businesses worldwide. His responsibilities include oversight of energy policy, procurement, renewable energy, distributed generation, and overall environmental impact to ensure that Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure is reliable and sustainable. Microsoft plays a critical role in the energy industry, both as a large consumer and as a provider of foundational cloud services that support grid resilience and decarbonization.Brian joined Microsoft in 2011 after 12 years in the energy industry, where he worked as a Sr. Consultant at Brubaker & Associates, assisting Fortune 500 companies with energy procurement, policy and sustainability matters. Brian holds an MBA from Webster University, a Bachelor of Science in Finance, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Missouri. Brian has also served on the board of the American Wind Energy Association (now the American Clean Power Association). He presently serves on the board of the Institute for Energy Studies at Western Washington University. 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 Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

This episode is made in partnership with NRG. In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Rob Gaudette, Senior Vice President of NRG Business for a discussion on the increased pressure large power users are experiencing to meet aggressive emission reduction targets. Listen in as they dive into the dynamics of this changing landscape.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Rob’s role at NRG [01:51] NRG Business in 2022 [04:58] Driving the customer experience [10:16] The growing interest in customer choice [15:36] NRG’s response to changing needs [20:58] Customer success in energy [26:52] Rob’s career path [30:41] The influence of Rob’s military background [33:38] What’s to come for the the energy industry [43:29] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Energy Advisory Services NRG Products and Services Rob’s Blog on Looking Ahead Connect with Rob GaudetteOn LinkedIn Robert Gaudette is Senior Vice President of NRG Business, where he manages the largest B2B retail gas and power platform and the top three largest provider of demand response in North America – overseeing market leading products and services, including renewable energy acquisition strategy and private load management programs. Leading an organization of energy professionals, Gaudette orchestrates business and corporate marketing, product development, origination, structuring, negotiation, and implementation of energy solutions that are designed to meet the growing needs of business customers of any size. Gaudette and his team provide market expertise and help regional and national. customers manage their energy strategy and manage customer relationships from acquisition through execution and retention. Partnering with customers, Gaudette and his team increase efficiencies, reduce costs and manage risks—creating a more sustainable, resilient, affordable and empowering energy ecosystem for NRG customers. Prior to joining NRG, Gaudette served as Chief Commercial Officer at GenOn Energy. Previous to GenOn, he was Vice President of Mirant's Mid-Atlantic business unit in Washington, D.C. During his career at Mirant, Gaudette worked in various other capacities including Director of West Power, Director of NYMEX Trading, Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer and NYMEX trader. He began his career at Mirant in 2001 as a Trading Analyst. Earlier, Gaudette served four years as an army combat engineer officer in the U.S. Cavalry, including a one-year deployment to Bosnia. Before leaving military service for business school in 1999, he served as the executive officer of a combat engineer company in the Second Armored Cavalry Regiment. Gaudette earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from The College of William and Mary and Master of Business Administration from Rice University. He is a board member of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy. Gaudette serves on the Board of Advisors for the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University. He is also a board member at St. Agnes Academy and the Children’s Museum of Houston. In addition, Gaudette serves on the regional economic development committee of the Greater Houston Partnership.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 Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla continues SED’s series on “Inspiring Diversity in Energy.” This conversation was part of the recent Distributed Energy Forum with a panel featuring Cheryl Comer, Strategic Account Manager - Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, Gilbert Campbell, Co-Founder & CEO - Volt Energy, and Denis George, Category Manager for Energy - The Kroger Company. You won't want to miss this meaningful conversation on how collaboration can help accelerate success in diversifying the supplier rosters of large electric power users. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Backgrounds and current roles [02:31] Challenges in engaging large customers [06:35] The importance of collaboration [12:53] Volt Energy’s community efforts [16:36] What is DiCE? [18:49] Environmental Justice PPAs [26:46] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned Solar Energy Industries Association American Association of Blacks in Energy Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance Dice ESG Report - The Kroger Co. Environmental Justice PPA Connect with Gilbert Campbell On LinkedIn Connect with Cheryl D. ComerOn LinkedIn Connect with Denis GeorgeOn 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 Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil talks with Keith Warner to discuss his role as Aviation Utilities Business Manager for the Port of Seattle and its affiliated utility. Among the topics they cover are the importance of resiliency, the push for electrification, and Keith’s unique perspective on moving from the private sector with Boeing to his current public sector role. Join us to hear Keith’s great insight on managing energy in transportation.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Keith’s role with the Port of Seattle [02:24] Energy goals for the Port of Seattle [03:30] Resiliency of operations within the port [08:00] Programs for electrification [11:16] Pre-Conditioned Air program [14:05] Shifts in demand response [18:54] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Port's Innovative Proposal Hopes to Attract Renewable Natural Gas for Sea-Tac Airport Pre-Conditioned Air | Port of Seattle Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) | Port of Seattle NREL Connect with Keith WarnerOn LinkedIn Keith Warner is the Utilities Manager at the Port of Seattle, where he leads a suite of utility services including power, water, and natural gas, serving Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Seattle-Tacoma is the 8th busiest airport in the U.S. and counts as part of its vision to “be the greenest and most energy-efficient port in North America.”Before joining the Port in 2019, Keith enjoyed a 35-year career at the Boeing Company, where he spent most of that time as the corporation’s Utilities and Conservation Manager. Keith holds a B.S. degree in Engineering and an Executive MBA.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 Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, SED's Debra Chanil discusses distributed energy resources in higher education with Lincoln Bleveans, Executive Director, Sustainability & Energy Management at Stanford University. DERs in higher education is a complex topic that can be overwhelming. Lincoln addresses the challenges of energy reliability, resilience, and creating a granular room-to-room energy plan. He also discusses the unique intersection between the university and Silicon Valley. You won’t want to miss his insightful observations.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Lincoln’s current role at Stanford University [02:55] Sustainability goals and DERs [07:38] Stanford’s thermal facility [12:38] Wildfires’ effect on energy [17:34] The intersection of Stanford and Silicon Valley [24:39]  Lincoln’s journey from municipal to university [29:48] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned Stanford University | Institutions | STARS Reports Stanford Energy System Innovations (SESI) New Central Energy Facility - Sustainable Stanford Connect with Lincoln Bleveans On Linkedin On Twitter Lincoln Bleveans has been an executive in the global energy industry for over 25 years, focused on electric power and sustainability. His experience spans the globe and the energy value chain, from emerging technologies to independent power project (IPP) development to utility operations. He is an internationally recognized thought-leader, writer, and speaker on energy and sustainability. He is now Executive Director of Sustainability & Energy Management at Stanford University, leading the University's mission-critical operations and world-leading innovation and operations in sustainability, electricity, thermal energy, building energy management, water, and waste. Most recently, he was an executive at Burbank Water & Power, an innovative and high-performing electric and water utility in southern California. He is active as a mentor, advisor, and board for technology start-ups, infrastructure projects, and non-profits.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 Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Mona Dajani, Global Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure, Mobility, Renewables & Water at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Mona is a prolific dealmaker in the renewable energy space and is a highly regarded, well-recognized attorney. You’ll find her extensive experience and unique perspective enlightening. Listen to learn more.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Mona’s journey to renewable energy [03:57] Mona’s most challenging deal [13:25] Major trends in renewable energy deals [17:24] What’s happening in storage? [32:17] Important factors to accelerate the market [37:40] What drives Mona’s passion? [44:20] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Nikola and TC Energy Sign Joint Development Agreement Connect with Mona DajaniOn 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 Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla talks with Daren Kaiser, Global Energy Strategy Leader - General Mills, at the recent Distributed Energy Forum. They discuss the unique challenges related to General Mills’ ambitious decarbonization goals and the tactics Daren is employing to deliver against its sustainability commitments, such as energy optimization and CHP solutions. Listen in to hear more about industrial decarbonization strategies.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Daren’s role at General Mills [02:29] How has General Mills’ focus shifted? [04:06] General Mills progress and goals [08:18] 2020’s business impact [11:41] Energy optimization efforts [12:44] The challenges of thermal-heavy plants [16:37] Evaluating a third-party energy service [19:37] What’s next for General Mills? [20:57] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned General Mills: Purpose Better Plants | Better Buildings Initiative Connect with Daren KaiserBy email Daren.Kaiser@genmills.com Daren has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing. He was named General Mills’ Global Energy Strategy Leader in 2018. The company has announced a science-based goal to reach a 29% reduction in GHG emissions by 2025 compared to a 2010 baseline. Daren was Plant Tech Manager for General Mills from 1997-2017 in Buffalo, Cincinnati, Covington, GA, and Murfreesboro, TN. Previously, he was a plant tech manager for Purina and a manufacturing engineer for Frito-Lay. Daren has a BS – IEE from Iowa State University.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 Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla talks with Doug Sansom, Managing Director – Distributed Energy Resources at NRG Energy, at Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Distributed Energy Forum. They discuss the tools that customers need in order to take control of their total energy management strategy. Listen in for insightful energy management strategies.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... 2021 Distributed Energy Resources Survey [03:40] Optimizing energy management [05:49] Tools that provide more control [08:19] Proven strategies for energy optimization [12:01] What does overall success look like? [16:29] Sustainability is about good substitution [21:40] Click here for more detailed show notes Resources & People MentionedThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleConnect with Doug SansomBy Email at HughDouglas.Sansom@nrg.comDoug Sansom currently serves as Managing Director of Distributed Energy Resources for NRG. He customizes Demand Response and Distributed Energy Resource solutions for North American utilities. 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 and large commercial & industrial 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.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 Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

This episode of Smart Energy Voices is produced in partnership with Evergy Energy Partners. Host John Failla is joined by Evergy’s Robert Day, Executive Director of Origination, and Grant Wilkerson, Director of New Business Development to discuss how Evergy is responding to the unique needs of large power users in both regulated and deregulated markets for renewable energy. Listen to learn more about their inside perspective.NOTICE: The views and opinions of our guests from Evergy Energy Partners today are based solely on their personal knowledge and experience in the energy industry and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinion of Evergy or the company’s opinions of the current or future energy markets.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Who are Robert and Grant? [01:42] What do customers want in regulated markets? [04:09] The background of Evergy [07:00] Evergy’s renewables in regulated markets [08:37] Customer response to tariffs [14:49] Evergy’s unregulated market projects [17:09] The future of Evergy [21:37] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Evergy Energy Partners - Creative and Flexible Energy Strategies Evergy: Renewables Direct Evergy | Wind farm powers KCI, large businesses Connect with Robert DayOn LinkedIn As Executive Director of Origination, Robert Day supports the originators by removing roadblocks for the group, as well as the entire Evergy Energy Partner team. Robert has been with Evergy Energy Partners during his entire 16-year career with the company and says, "The best part of working with our customers is knowing we are bringing value to them while satisfying their needs."Connect with Grant WilkersonBy email Grant Wilkerson is Evergy’s Director of New Business Development. This group is responsible for renewable product development and services for both retail customer programs as well as wholesale customers. The group concentrates on products and services centered around energy integration in retail tariffs as well as wholesale RTO market participation. He has been involved in more than 4,000 MW of renewable energy participation in Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) markets. Grant has over 30 years of industry experience. His experiences include roles in the electricity market including trader, marketer, market analytics, market design, tariff, and regulatory development. He began his career in the natural gas industry and includes Engineering and pipeline design, regulation station design and construction, metering, and SCADA system design.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 Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla has a conversation with Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus, Solar Energy Technologies Office Director, Department of Energy. The DOE recently released the Solar Futures Study detailing the significant role of solar in decarbonizing the nation’s power grid. The study showed that by 2035 solar energy has the potential to power 40% of the nation’s electricity, drive deep carbonization of the grid, and employ as many as 1.5 million people without raising electricity prices. Listen in to hear from the mind and leader behind that study.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... The mission of the DOE’s Solar Office [04:23] The goals of the Solar Futures Study [07:23] Job creation through solar deployment [14:14] Savings potential of decarbonizing the grid [16:53] Funding for decarbonization [21:01] Targeting Justice 40 goals [23:11] Where will all the new solar go? [27:37] Grid integration obstacles [30:12] Becca’s career in renewable energy [41:37] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned DOE Releases Solar Futures Study Providing the Blueprint for a Zero-Carbon Grid SunShot Vision Study Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) FACT SHEET: President Biden Takes Executive Actions to Tackle the Climate Crisis Jigar Shah | Department of Energy Connect with Dr. Becca Jones-AlbertusOn LinkedIn Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus serves as the acting director for the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. She is leading a team dedicated to decarbonizing industry and increasing the competitiveness of the U.S. clean energy manufacturing sectors through process innovations, collaborations, research and development, technical assistance, and workforce training.Dr. Jones-Albertus came to AMO from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) where she served as director. She has spent her career advancing solar technology, from fundamental research and development to advanced manufacturing. Before her tenure at the Department of Energy, Dr. Jones-Albertus was at Solar Junction where she led efforts to develop two-time world record solar cell efficiencies and to transition these technologies to manufacturing.Dr. Jones-Albertus graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University with a B.S. in electrical engineering and holds a M.S. and Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. She has more than 10 patents and 40 technical publications.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 Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com