DER Task Force

Astrid Atkinson, CEO and co-founder of Camus Energy, shares insights from her tech journey at Google to leading an energy company focused on grid optimization. She draws fascinating parallels between cloud computing and electrical grids, underscoring the importance of flexibility in managing energy demand. Astrid discusses the challenges of integrating real-time data for effective grid management and envisions a future of autonomous microgrids. With her philosophical reflections, she emphasizes embracing existential challenges in the climate action narrative.

Last week we sat down with Dana Guernsey, co-founder and CEO of Voltus. There was A LOT to talk about in this one. As you’d expect we went deep on Dana’s backstory, the history of DR, new DER participation models, and where we think the future is headed. But also, Voltus just went through a settlement with FERC and this was Dana’s first podcast appearance since, so we did our best to understand what happened and what the Voltus position on it all is. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe

In this discussion, Matt Yglesias, a well-known contributor focused on energy and climate discourse, dives into hot topics like the future of renewable energy solutions for data centers. He unpacks a groundbreaking paper on solar microgrids and explores the vibrant debates among energy influencers. The conversation humorously touches on spiritual beliefs intertwined with energy ideologies, alongside the urgent need for reliable powering choices. Expect engaging anecdotes and a critical look at the evolution of energy narratives today.

DERVOS, 10/25/24, NYCDemand growth has returned to the US electricity sector for the first time in two decades and the cracks are showing in the system. Reindustrialization, electrification, and the AI juggernaut have catapulted us into a new era. New loads are suddenly having trouble getting grid connections, interconnection times for new generation keep growing with no end in sight, and transmission and distribution costs are escalating faster than ever. And yet, technology costs continue to plummet. Will the demand growth story of the 2020s look radically different than that of the 1950s?Speakers: Ari Matusiak (Rewiring America), Astrid Atkinson (Camus), Jesse Pelton (Type 1 & Abundance Institute), Andy Lubershane (EIP)Moderator: Duncan Campbell (DER Task Force & Scale Microgirds) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe

DERVOS, 10/25/24, NYCNew energy technologies can thrive or die due to regulatory policy. This unbelievable policy panel will feature regulators who have actually supported new technologies and advocates who have successfully fought for paradigm-shifting policies. We know we have great technologies--this panel will explore how we get them to scale.Speakers: Allison Clements (FERC), Marissa Gillett (CT PURA), Arushi Sharma Frank (Luminary Strategies, former Tesla)Moderator: Allison Bates Wannop (DER Task Force) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe

Where else can you witness a pot of water boil in just a few seconds, learn about a micro nuclear reactor that skips boiling water altogether, insane AI-powered electro-cartography, and SpaceX-caliber EV charging infrastructure?Tons of companies applied to showcase their products at DERVOS and DER Task Force selected these four because, well, they are badass.* 0:00 - Impulse Labs* 6:10 - Westinghouse eVinci* 15:50 - Paces AI* 27:20 - Electric EraIf you’re listening to this as a podcast, we highly suggest going to www.dertaskforce.com to watch the video version!And don’t forget about tomorrow’s NYC meetup at 6:30 @ 200 Varick Street. See the meetup calendar here for always up to date info. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe

DERVOS, 10/25/24, NYCDavid Roberts (Volts podcast) and Mary Powell (CEO of Sunrun and DER legend) will sit down in a “fireside chat” style session to review the past year and chart a course for the future of DERs as two giants in our space.Speakers: David Roberts (Volts) and Mary Powell (Sunrun) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dertaskforce.com/subscribe

Brian Bartholomew, a renewable energy developer, joins Jacob Mays, a Cornell professor, Eric Goff, a regulatory consultant, and Andy Reger, a DER consultant. They tackle the chaos in power markets as renewables surge, discussing how pricing strategies are adapting to extreme events. The conversation reveals Texas’s and California’s contrasting approaches to managing electric demand. They also explore skepticism towards Distributed Energy Resources and the urgent need for innovative solutions and regulatory reforms to meet future energy challenges.

Tim Hade, co-founder of Scale Microgrids and a leading light in the DER Task Force community, shares his vision at the DERVOS 2024 event. He highlights the vital transformation needed in the electricity grid for a reliable energy future. Hade discusses the exciting innovations and pressing challenges faced in the energy sector, particularly in light of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. His call for a united public-private effort underlines the importance of collaboration in tackling the climate crisis head-on.

Jenny Chase, a renowned global solar analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance, shares her deep insights into Pakistan's solar surge. She highlights the nation's rise as the third-largest importer of Chinese solar panels while revealing an unsettling disconnect with the national utility. The conversation touches on the impacts of decentralized energy on traditional utilities, concerns over potential utility death spirals, and the challenges faced by homeowners amid regulatory hurdles. Jenny emphasizes the need for innovation in energy storage and the transformative potential of solar energy in the country.