Energy Central

Episode #140: 'DOE's Role in Guiding Reliable and Resilient Grid Planning' with Gene Rodrigues, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Electricity [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast] As utility leaders and professionals grapple with the ever-present challenges of grid reliability and resilience, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) plays a critical role to oversee and support stakeholders across the power sector. Bridging the federal energy policy space with on-the-ground utility insights is key to meeting these goals, and this episode of the podcast features a deep dive into that perspective from Gene Rodrigues, the Assistant Secretary of DOE’s Office of Electricity (OE). With a career spanning both sectors, Gene’s insights provide a deep understanding of the current grid challenges, especially in light of recent natural disasters and changing energy demands. Listen in as Gene shares with podcast host Jason Price and Producer Matt Chester the OE's viewpoint on grid reliability amid these evolving challenges. Gene delves deep into the symbiotic relationship between the DOE and utilities, discussing grid edge resources, the strategy behind boosting generation and transmission capacity, and the undeniable impacts of deferred maintenance and supply chain strains post-pandemic. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-140-does-role-guiding-reliable-and-resilient-grid-planning-gene-rodrigues Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/

Bringing the energy industry into the future cannot be done in a siloed approach, but rather requires a complex, systematic coordination with stakeholders across the sector. And doing so also requires a more forward-looking lens than ever before, rather than tackling problems simply as they arise. As such, in this illuminating episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, we dive deep into the future of energy markets with two eminent guests from different corners of the energy landscape: Steven Aumeier, Senior Advisor of Strategic Programs at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), and Todd Allen, Chair of University of Michigan’s Nuclear Engineering Department. The crux of their conversation? The ground-breaking Emerging Energy Markets Analysis (EMA) initiative, an envelope-pushing innovation they've collaborated on. EMA uniquely merges insights from diverse disciplines—engineering, economics, cultural studies, and more—to provide a comprehensive look at the energy markets of the future. In this conversation with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester, Todd and Steven don't just explore the technicalities but delve into the economic, social, and even cultural ramifications of the rapidly evolving energy landscape. From the role of nuclear plants in the modern energy matrix to the significance of the Korean energy model, this discussion promises a wealth of knowledge. Tune in for a rich dialogue that promises a blend of innovation, introspection, and foresight into the future of energy. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-139-guiding-utilities-future-energy-market-analysis-todd-allen-university Todd Allen's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/todd-allen-1 Steven Aumeier's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/steve-aumeier Idaho National Laboratory on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/idaho-national-labs Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/

Utilities are inherently organizations that require strong, stable, and forward-looking leadership. To balance the myriad of goals, the plethora of stakeholders, and the rapidly evolving landscape in which they operate, the CEOs in our power sector may not have the most enviable job, but they are undoubtedly critical. This importance holds especially true when a utility finds itself at risk of losing the trust of its customers and needing a leading voice to reassure and guide the company and its community. No doubt, JEA (Florida's largest community-owned utility) has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years, and a key reason the company finds itself on the upswing now is because of the leadership provided by its CEO, Jay Stowe. As the guest on this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, Jay shares his experience being brought into the CEO role at JEA to guide the ship through choppy waters. Through that experience, Jay can boast about the transformative steps taken to restore trust and align with the community's aspirations. As Florida races against time to meet its sustainability goals, Jay shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester how JEA's Integrated Resource Plan aims to balance affordability, sustainability, and reliability for over half a million customers. From dissecting JEA's forward-looking vision and the intricacies of achieving a 35% clean energy goal by 2030 to addressing the hurdles of scaling up solar in the Sunshine State, Jay's insights offer a unique perspective on modern utility leadership, the importance of community engagement, and the commitment to a greener future. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-138-jeas-blueprint-community-trust-clean-energy-and-road-2030-jay-stowe Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/

This episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast ventures deep into the dynamic world of utility innovation, seeking to understand the priority that utilities place on R&D into the new opportunities. The grid of the future is being talked about more than ever, but the challenges of the present day are becoming increasingly prevalent. Balancing looking forward with managing today is no small feat for utilities who must, at all costs, keep the light on, but increasingly the world of utility R&D is getting dedicated departments and leaders. One such leader will guide this conversation on the podcast, as host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester are joined by the Head of R&D at PPL Corporation, Aron Patrick. Aron guides the listener through the intricacies of managing nearly 150 active R&D projects at once while discovering pivotal strategies to fuel PPL's drive for clean, reliable, and affordable energy. Listen in as Aron unravels the PPL approach to the energy transition through partnerships, technology development, and merging tradition with modern solutions. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-137-turning-innovative-ideas-practical-utility-solutions-aron-patrick Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/

Episode #136: 'Municipal Power’s Role in Today’s Energy Transition ' with Branndon Kelley, Chief Strategy Officer of American Municipal Power [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast] The world of energy is vast, and the landscape of U.S. utilities is a veritable alphabet suit of jurisdictions, RTOs, and stakeholders. While often the larger investor-owned giants grab the headlines, the truth is that millions of Americans and businesses depend on the direct action of the smaller municipal entities. These municipal power providers are thus a key cog in the path forwards as the comprehensive energy system strives towards an energy transition and hardening of the grid for greater reliability. On this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester are joined by Branndon Kelley, the recently appointed Chief Strategy Officer at American Municipal Power (AMP). Branndon provides a deep dive into the often-overlooked but immensely critical landscape of municipal power, sharing perspective from his front-row seat to the challenges, opportunities, and evolving strategies of municipal utilities. From electric vehicle adoption to navigating new regulations, this conversation promises rich insights for all stakeholders in the energy industry. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-136-municipal-power%E2%80%99s-role-today%E2%80%99s-energy-transition-branndon-kelley Branndon Kelley's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/branndon-kelley Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/

Asset management is becoming an increasingly critical and complex area of focus for the modern utility landscape. From smarter sensors, meters, and equipment all across the grid to the heightened need to ensure safety and reliability by tracking health and status of all grid-tied equipment, utilities both large and small must always be looking for the most appropriate tools and optimized solutions for keeping pace with asset management. This episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast delves into the intricacies of utility asset management with two distinguished experts from 1898 & Co.: Paul Von Hertsenberg, Director of Generation Asset Advisory, and Arlin Mire, Senior Project Manager focusing on transmission and distribution. From exploring the differing perspectives of generation versus transmission to dissecting the current status of the U.S. power industry in its asset management practices, these guests provide a holistic view of the sector. They not only shed light on the challenges but also offer forward-looking insights and actionable steps for utility decision-makers in the conversation with podcast host, Jason Price, and podcast producer, Matt Chester. Dive deep into this conversation as these asset management experts uncover the role of stakeholders, the impact of emerging technologies, and the regulatory landscape influencing asset management. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-135-elevating-energy-modernized-utility-asset-management-1898-cos-paul 1898 & Co. on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/1898 Planning for Future EV Charging Demand Requires Sophisticated Forecasting by Utilities: https://energycentral.com/o/1898/planning-future-ev-charging-demand-requires-sophisticated-forecasting-utilities Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/

The work being done to advance the clean energy transition is being pursued by a diverse array of leaders, some of whom have been in the sector their entire lives and others who found it amid their career journey. These varying perspectives help bring new vantage points and angles when it comes to tackling the future of energy, but the career trajectory of today's guest on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast might be the most unique. Joining this week as guest is Mike Richter, the Hall of Fame goalie for the New York Rangers turned President of Brightcore Energy, a company implementing modernized energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. In this special episode, Richter joins the podcast to discuss the journey from NHL superstar turned clean energy warrior. From defending the net in the 1994 Stanley Cup to championing energy efficiency solutions as the President of Brightcore Energy, Richter's story serves as a testament to the remarkable intersections between sports, personal convictions, and sustainability. Throughout this candid conversation, Richter shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester the influential role his athlete sons play in shaping his vision for a greener world, the lessons he's learned in the energy sphere, and the crucial collaborations with utilities. Offering insights into his advocacy for social equity and environmental justice, he emphasizes the importance of overcoming inertia in the realm of energy transformations. Whether you're a hockey aficionado or an energy enthusiast (or both!), this episode promises a captivating blend of sports nostalgia and clean tech inspiration. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-134-saving-pucks-saving-power-transitioning-hockey-hall-famer-clean Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/

Special Episode: 'Unlocking the Power of GIS: Sharing, Understanding, and Capturing Utility Data' with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI] Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, renowned bloggers on Energy Central, have amassed an impressive total of half a million views on the platform. With nearly a century of combined experience in the energy industry, including almost half of that time spent working at power companies, their expertise is undeniable. In this engaging podcast series, each episode lasting between 10 to 15 minutes, Pat and Bill take a relaxed approach to exploring the ways utilities can leverage GIS (Geographic Information System) to share, understand, and capture critical utility data. Contrary to the prevailing perception of GIS as a mere repository for asset information, Bill and Pat will present a fresh perspective. They will delve into the transformative potential of GIS, demonstrating its effectiveness as a powerful tool for engaging with all utility stakeholders. The inaugural episode, titled "Sharing GIS Information," provides a glimpse into how GIS can be harnessed to foster exceptional collaboration and communication within the utility sector. Interested in transforming your utility with GIS? Start here. In case you missed it, the full series can be found at these links: Episode 1: https://youtu.be/6Fzu7OpRr2w Episode 2: https://youtu.be/5wUFAC4c7VM Episode 3: https://youtu.be/VuLlbWNH9R8 Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/esri/special-episode-unlocking-power-gis-sharing-understanding-and-capturing-utility GIS for Electric Utilities from ESRI: https://www.esri.com/en-us/industries/electric/overview Episode #10: ‘The Past & Future of Circuits & How GIS is Transforming the Grid, COVID-19 Response, & More’ with Pat Hohl of Esri - [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/energy-central-power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-episode-10-%E2%80%98-past-future-circuits-how Episode #12: ‘To Unlock the Modern Utility, GIS is Key’ with Bill Meehan of Esri - [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/energy-central-power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-episode-12-%E2%80%98-unlock-modern-utility-gis Episode #47: GIS, Digital Twin, and the Intelligent Reality of Utilities Today with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan of Esri [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/special-edition-gis-digital-twin-and-intelligent-reality-utilities-today-pat-hohl Episode #80: 'Taking a Geographic Approach to Public Grid Investment' with Bill Meehan and Pat Hohl of Esri [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-80-taking-geographic-approach-public-grid-investment-bill-meehan-and-pat Episode #95: 'Debating Utilities' Role In Transportation Electrification' With Esri's Bill Meehan & Pat Hohl [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-95-debating-utilities-role-transportation-electrification-esris-bill Pat Hohl’s Energy Central Profile: energycentral.com/member/profile/204983/about Bill Meehan’s Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/360/about Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/

Special Episode: 'The Role of GIS Data, Mobility, and Digital Twins' with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI] In the final episode of the ESRI-presented podcast series about capturing GIS information more effectively, the esteemed Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan move past the typical association of GIS with maps and move into what they believe serves a larger purpose in the realm of discovery and understanding complex data, especially within the utility sector. Pat and Bill discuss transitioning from paper to digital maps in this conversation and how utilities move towards fully connected, intelligent models for better interoperability and load flow management. The role of mobile tools and web services will serve to reduce data latency and increase transparency, with an emphasis on safety and operational efficiency. Specifically, Digital Twins combine multiple data sources like imagery, real-time sensor data, and logical representations for more informed decision-making, and this episode serves as a starting point for understanding how GIS acts as a foundation for these technologies. Want to dive in more deeply with ESRI’s expertise? Start that process here. In case you missed it, the full series can be found at these links: Episode 1: https://youtu.be/6Fzu7OpRr2w Episode 2: https://youtu.be/5wUFAC4c7VM Episode 3: https://youtu.be/VuLlbWNH9R8 Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/special-episode-role-gis-data-mobility-and-digital-twins-pat-hohl-and-bill-meehan GIS for Electric Utilities from ESRI: https://www.esri.com/en-us/industries/electric/overview Episode #10: ‘The Past & Future of Circuits & How GIS is Transforming the Grid, COVID-19 Response, & More’ with Pat Hohl of Esri - [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/energy-central-power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-episode-10-%E2%80%98-past-future-circuits-how Episode #12: ‘To Unlock the Modern Utility, GIS is Key’ with Bill Meehan of Esri - [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/energy-central-power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-episode-12-%E2%80%98-unlock-modern-utility-gis Episode #47: GIS, Digital Twin, and the Intelligent Reality of Utilities Today with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan of Esri [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/special-edition-gis-digital-twin-and-intelligent-reality-utilities-today-pat-hohl Episode #80: 'Taking a Geographic Approach to Public Grid Investment' with Bill Meehan and Pat Hohl of Esri [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-80-taking-geographic-approach-public-grid-investment-bill-meehan-and-pat Episode #95: 'Debating Utilities' Role In Transportation Electrification' With Esri's Bill Meehan & Pat Hohl [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-95-debating-utilities-role-transportation-electrification-esris-bill Pat Hohl’s Energy Central Profile: energycentral.com/member/profile/204983/about Bill Meehan’s Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/360/about Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/

Special Episode: 'Harnessing GIS for Strategic Utility Insight' with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI] In the GIS for the utility industry and as authors on Energy Central, few have quite the pedigree of Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan as experts in their field. While the series opener offered an intriguing view into how GIS can revolutionize collaboration and communication in utility management, this second episode finds Pat and Bill moving past the conventional view of GIS as just a tool for asset data storage. The conversation offers a refreshing narrative of the broader implications of GIS, including the transformational capacity of the technology and highlighting its role as a robust facilitator for stakeholder insight in the utility sector. Curious about transforming your utility operations with GIS? Begin your journey here. In case you missed it, the full series can be found at these links: Episode 1: https://youtu.be/6Fzu7OpRr2w Episode 2: https://youtu.be/5wUFAC4c7VM Episode 3: https://youtu.be/VuLlbWNH9R8 Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/special-episode-harnessing-gis-strategic-utility-insight-pat-hohl-and-bill-meehan GIS for Electric Utilities from ESRI: https://www.esri.com/en-us/industries/electric/overview Episode #10: ‘The Past & Future of Circuits & How GIS is Transforming the Grid, COVID-19 Response, & More’ with Pat Hohl of Esri - [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/energy-central-power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-episode-10-%E2%80%98-past-future-circuits-how Episode #12: ‘To Unlock the Modern Utility, GIS is Key’ with Bill Meehan of Esri - [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/energy-central-power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-episode-12-%E2%80%98-unlock-modern-utility-gis Episode #47: GIS, Digital Twin, and the Intelligent Reality of Utilities Today with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan of Esri [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/special-edition-gis-digital-twin-and-intelligent-reality-utilities-today-pat-hohl Episode #80: 'Taking a Geographic Approach to Public Grid Investment' with Bill Meehan and Pat Hohl of Esri [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-80-taking-geographic-approach-public-grid-investment-bill-meehan-and-pat Episode #95: 'Debating Utilities' Role In Transportation Electrification' With Esri's Bill Meehan & Pat Hohl [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast]: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-95-debating-utilities-role-transportation-electrification-esris-bill Pat Hohl’s Energy Central Profile: energycentral.com/member/profile/204983/about Bill Meehan’s Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/360/about Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/