Energy Central

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: '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/

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/

With the publication of FERC's 2023 Summer Energy Market and Electric Reliability Assessment, grid reliability is being studied at an unprecedented level. And given the strain that current summer conditions have already demonstrated, this topic is one that utility officials everywhere are tuning into. The FERC reports highlight both positive and concerning aspects of the grid's capacity to meet summer demand, with a particular focus on the razor's edge of insufficient baseload generation supply in various parts of the country. To help the Energy Central Community best understand how the report goes beyond mere power supply concerns and examines other factors that can compromise grid reliability, this episode features Brad Johnson, the Senior Product Portfolio Manager for Energy at Bentley Systems. With his diverse and proven background in the industry and his current role at Bentley Systems, Brad offers a comprehensive 360-degree view of the challenges facing the grid. In this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, Brad shares with host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester the critical insights from FERC's report and his perspective to help us all gain a deeper understanding of the pressing issues impacting grid reliability in today's ever-evolving energy landscape. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-130-grid-reliability-hot-seat-fercs-summer-energy-report-brad-johnson Brad Johnson's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/brad-johnson-7 Bentley on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/bentley A Call for Resiliency: Today’s Utility Environment and the Call for Strong Leadership: https://energycentral.com/o/bentley/call-resiliency-today%E2%80%99s-utility-environment-and-call-strong-leadership 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 energy remains one of the fastest-growing sources of power generation across the utility sector, playing a key role in the net zero plans for power companies and private entities globally. While much of the focus for solar progress comes in how to fast-track deployment-- from government incentives to workforce development to permitting reform-- many potential improvements remain on the table when it comes to the technology itself. To discuss the state of solar tech today and the most exciting areas to come, this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast welcomes Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena. Juan-Pablo is an Assistant Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, renowned for his groundbreaking work in the next generation of solar panel development. In this conversation, Juan-Pablo provides historical context that has led the United States needing to play catch up in solar technology production, and the innovative ways in which the industry is striving to do so. Juan-Pablo also dives into the political ramifications and community benefits associated with onshoring solar manufacturing, areas for potential for further advancements in solar technology, and the breakthroughs his team is specifically working on to unlock the next level of efficiency. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-129-innovating-next-generation-solar-materials-juan-pablo-correa-baena 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 concept of ESG, or Environmental, Social, and Governance, oversight has become an increasingly common topic across economic sectors, especially utilities. The importance of ensuring that the utility integrates into its DNA the spirit of sustainability, both from an environmental perspective but also in terms of business practices, is clearer than ever before, but not every stakeholder knows exactly the best way to dive in. To get to the bottom of that with specific examples, this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast sees host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester welcome Christine Waller, Vice President of Communications & Corporate Responsibility at Duquesne Light Company. The discussion revolves around the recently released ESG report by Duquesne Light Company and its implications for the energy industry. Listen in as Christine shares how, as an investor-owned utility located in Pittsburgh, Duquesne Light Company's unique perspective sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by companies operating in regions with a rich industrial history. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-125-traversing-utility-esg-journey-christine-waller-vice-president Register for EnergyCentral.com: energycentral.com/user/register 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/