Energy Central

In recent years, ESG principles have shifted drastically from a nebulous concept that only some Boards of Directors were considering, to a headline-grabbing story being pushed by customers, investors, and even regulators. ESG, or Environmental, Social, and Governance goals ensure a company fully accounts for the impact of its actions when making decisions. While ESG has quickly become a crucial realm in the utility industry, many stakeholders remain uncertain or behind the curve when it comes to embracing the ESG imperative. In this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, Damien Quentin, the ESG Practice Lead at Copperleaf shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester his insights on the importance of ESG in utilities, how value-based decision-making enables better risk management and enterprise asset management, and how utilities are addressing equity and resilience in their ESG strategies. Listen in to discover how utilities can adapt and thrive in a changing landscape by embracing ESG principles that are shaping the future of the energy sector. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-147-driving-esg-goals-utility-asset-investment-planning-damien-quentin Damien Quentin's Profile on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/damien-quentin Webinar Recap: Equitable Investment Strategies for a Just Energy Transition: https://energycentral.com/o/copperleaf/webinar-recap-equitable-investment-strategies-just-energy-transition National Grid Case Study: Driving Sustainability Targets with Decision Analytics: https://energycentral.com/o/copperleaf/national-grid-case-study-driving-sustainability-targets-decision-analytics Bringing the ESG Conversation to the Forefront at Distributech: Exclusive Conversation with Damien Quentin, ESG Practice Lead at Copperleaf Technologies: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/bringing-esg-conversation-forefront-distributech-exclusive-conversation-damien Copperleaf on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/copperleaf 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/

In an age pressing for cleaner energy, the pivotal role of gas utilities and the innovative strategies being adopted to adapt and thrive remain a central area of focus. While the gas sector can be a lightning rod for its use of fossil fuels, leaders recognize the role gas can play in stabilizing the energy future amid decarbonization of power and also unlocking unique decarbonization opportunities. To highlight this evolving role of gas, this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives welcomes to the conversation Michael Renna, the President and CEO of South Jersey Industries (SJI). In this conversation, Michael helps to uncover the importance of public-private partnerships, the promise of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), and SJI's bold and ambitious goals. As advocates urge for the phasing out of the gas sector, Michael presents a compelling case for the continued and transformative role of gas in the energy transition. From investments in the gas infrastructure of today to preparing for the demands of tomorrow, listen in as Michael shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester an exclusive insight into the roadmap charted by South Jersey Industries. Dive into a captivating conversation that spans the challenges, solutions, and future aspirations of the gas industry in the Garden State. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-146-pioneering-rational-decarbonization-gas-sector%E2%80%99s-role-new-jersey 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 landscape of the U.S. competitive wholesale electricity markets can be intricate, especially as rising consumer demand makes meeting resource adequacy, clean energy, and affordability goals even more challenging. Keeping focus on these goals requires constant attention and leadership, and the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) is one of the key organizations advocating for competitive power suppliers while pushing towards a reliable, innovative, and sustainable future for the power sector. To share the inside scoop on EPSA's process, this week's guest to the Energy Central Power Perspective Podcast is the organization's President and CEO, Todd Snitchler. Listen in as Todd identifies the complexities of the energy sector that drive the need for EPSA and how the organization coordinates and advocates for market solutions and collaboration towards critical stability and progress. In this episode, Todd shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester unparalleled insights on the trajector of the power industry, EPSA's focus in the coming years, and how the industry as a whole must constantly be shifting to attain balance between supply, demand, and market dynamics. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-145-advocacy-energy-and-ensuring-resource-adequacy-wholesale-electricity 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/

In the state of Michigan, the concurrent goals of clean energy, the electrification of cars, and advancing the grid have taken center stage, with innovation being the common theme throughout. To guide that critical conversation, a unique and critical central authority has been the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (EIBC). This influential stakeholder and influencing organization doesn't have a counterpart in many other states, but the success it has seen has been exceedingly noteworthy. To learn more about how the Michigan EIBC influences the state's energy landscape, this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast welcomes Laura Sherman, the President of the organization. During the conversation, Laura offers insights into the Michigan EIBC's unique approach to energy policy and how it strikes a balance between advocating for its members and collaborating with utilities. Listen in as Laura delves into the intricate landscape of Michigan's energy policies, sharing with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester all of the achievements of the EIBC and how Midwestern values guide their decisions. The captivating discussion focuses on the fusion of business and policy, as well as the pivotal role of the EIBC in advancing Michigan's energy goals. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-144-advancing-michigans-energy-vision-laura-sherman-president-michigan 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/

Solar power has the ability to transform not only the grid but the individual energy experiences of homes across the country. And while the cost for solar panels has dropped dramatically in recent years and their pervasiveness has increased, the upfront costs required and the potential knowledge gap in how to choose and install solar have still kept many households outside of solar accessibility. Seeking to close that gap so all homes can reap the benefits is a core goal of the greater solar industry, and this task has been taken head-on by today's guests on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast: Delores Montez, Community Solar Program Manager at Georgia Power, and Shannon Roberts, Product Manager at Clean Power Research. In this episode, Delores and Shannon explain how Georgia Power's innovative solar journey, in collaboration with Clean Power Research, tackled the challenges of expanding solar offerings to Georgia Power customers and how the WattPlan tool emerged as the answer. With insights into best practices, lessons learned, and the ever-evolving solar landscape, this conversation illuminates the transformative impact of strategic partnerships. Whether you're a solar enthusiast or just curious about the future of energy, listen in as Delores and Shannon share with podcast host Jason price and producer Matt Chester dive deep into solar solutions and the bright possibilities they hold. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-143-sunlit-solutions-solar-access-wattplan-delores-montez-community-solar Delores Montez's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/delores-montez Shannon Roberts's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/shannon-roberts-1 Clean Power Research on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/clean-power-research%C2%AE 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 utility industry is undoubtedly at a crossroads, taking on more challenges than ever before in its history while the importance of getting it right is more critical than ever. We all know the delicate balance required between reliability, affordability, and sustainability as today's key energy goals, but nailing down exactly how to balance them remains as tricky as ever. To guide the utility to the future, leadership is required, such as today's guest, Cristin Lyons, Partner and Energy Practice Leader at ScottMadden. In this episode, Cristin offers her insights into the mounting tensions between utility goals of reliability, affordability, and clean energy, drawing from her influential talk at the EUCI Leadership Conference for Women in Energy. Listen in as Cristin shares with host and producer Matt Chester the challenges utilities face and the necessary steps for holistic, integrated system planning. With thought-provoking conversations surrounding technology, public perception, and policy influences, this episode is a must-listen for those eager to understand and navigate the intricate maze of the energy sector. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-142-tension-transition-utility-industrys-path-forward-cristin-lyons Cristin Lyons's Profile on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/cristin-lyons-0 Energy Central Page for ScottMadden: https://energycentral.com/o/scottmadden 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/

Today on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, we take a front-row seat to the rapidly evolving world of hydrogen technology and its promising partnership with nuclear energy. In celebration of the upcoming National Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Day on October 8, this episode dives into the advancements in hydrogen tech and specifically what leaders within the Department of Energy ecosystem are doing to unlock the opportunities it presents for the nuclear sector. This episode's guest is just such a leader in Richard Boardman, Laboratory Relationship Manager for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology Office at Idaho National Laboratory. In this episode, Richard dives deep into INL's pursuit of innovative hybrid energy systems, offering a fresh perspective on the hydrogen economy's potential and challenges. From exploring INL's unique role in the national lab ecosystem to unpacking the reasons behind nuclear plants' hesitation towards integrating hydrogen strategies, listen in as Richard shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester a masterclass on the transformative power of collaboration in energy and the exciting future awaiting the nuclear and hydrogen convergence. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-141-going-nuclear-national-hydrogen-and-fuel-cell-day-richard-boardman 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 #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/