Energy Central

The EC Network

Welcome to the Energy Central Podcast Network—your ultimate resource for the biggest ideas, boldest perspectives, and best insights from across the electric power industry.

We publish…

Power Perspectives. From CEOs of major utilities to founders of energy tech startups pushing the envelope, Power Perspectives curates the news, thought leaders, and big picture conversations most important to modern power professionals—every week on Tuesdays.

The Watt & Why. Dive deep into utility business strategies, straight from the minds of the leaders deciding what comes next. Host Mike Smith leverages his own decades of power utility industry experience and leadership to get to the bottom of what inspires, drives, and challenges utility decision makers.

Piloting the Future. Hosts Kim Gergen and Lee Krevat go deep with the leaders, innovators, and forward thinkers responsible for not just imagining where our power future is headed…but building it day by day.

The GISt. This action-packed limited series demystifies the rapidly evolving world of Geographic Information Systems through focused, expert-led deep dives into the most future-defining GIS topics.

And there’s even more to come.

Energy Central is a community where 250K electric power professionals share, learn, and connect in a collaborative environment. Want to join in? Visit www.EnergyCentral.com to register for free.

Episodes

Mentioned books

Sep 28, 2024 • 30min

180. 'Balancing Clean Energy Expansion & Wildlife Protection' with Veronica Ung-Kono, NWF

As the demand for renewable energy grows, the expansion of transmission infrastructure has become a critical need for facilitating the clean energy transition. However, this expansion often runs up against the need to protect vital wildlife habitats and natural ecosystems. Striking a balance between advancing clean energy and preserving biodiversity is an increasingly complex challenge that utilities, policymakers, and environmental advocates must navigate. In this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, we welcome Veronica Ung-Kono, Staff Attorney and Clean Energy Transmission Policy Specialist at the National Wildlife Federation, to discuss how these two worlds intersect. Listen in as Veronica shares with podcast host Jason Price and produce Matt Chester her unique perspective on how to expand the nation’s transmission infrastructure while protecting wildlife. From understanding migration patterns to safeguarding lesser-known ecosystems, Veronica explores how her team is working to ensure that clean energy development doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. Listen in as this conversation covers these critical issues and learn how early collaboration between developers and environmental advocates can lead to more sustainable outcomes. Key Links: Post on Energy Central with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-180-balancing-clean-energy-expansion-wildlife-protection-veronica-ung NWF's Transmission Webpage: https://www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Climate/Climate-Change/Greenhouse-Gases/Transmission 2022 MIT Study, Sources of Opposition to renewable energy projects in the United States: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421522001471 Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Sep 23, 2024 • 21min

179. 'EV Safety First and Preparing First Responders' with David Cleveland, Jackson EMC

The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) on U.S. roads introduces new challenges for first responders, as EV fires burn hotter and longer than traditional car fires, demanding specialized knowledge and approaches. With more EVs on the road, addressing the safety risks they pose in accidents is becoming an urgent priority for public safety teams across the country. In this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, David Cleveland, Vice President of Marketing, Member Services, and Governmental Affairs at Jackson EMC, shares insights into how his organization is proactively tackling this issue. Listen in as David shares with podcast host, Jason Price, and producer, Matt Chester, the work that Jackson EMC has done in this space. By spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to train local first responders on how to safely manage EV-related incidents, Jackson EMC is leading the charge on this critical frontier. Listen in as he dives into the origins, impacts, and future expansion of this vital safety training program and discuss the broader role utilities can play in ensuring community safety in the age of electrification. Key Links: Post on Energy Central with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-179-ev-safety-first-and-how-jackson-emc-preparing-first-responders-david Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Sep 12, 2024 • 16min

178. ‘Cross-Industry Innovation at IMGIS 2024’ with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, ESRI

Sep 7, 2024 • 23min

177. 'Powering Data Center Alley' with David Schleicher, President & CEO of NOVEC

Powering the growing electricity demand from data centers represents one of the fastest-growing energy needs in the utility sector these days. The DC suburbs and the Northern Virginia, known as "Data Center Alley," has become among the nation's most notable hubs for these massive facilities. Joining the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast to dive into what it means to provide power to these facilities popping up at an increasing rate, while still keeping the traditional ratepayers happy with reliable and affordable power, is David Schleicher, President and CEO of NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative). Listen in as David shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester the details of how NOVEC is adapting to this rapid expansion while continuing to meet the expectations of its traditional residential and commercial customers. He also shares insights into NOVEC’s strategies for maintaining reliability, promoting energy efficiency, and integrating renewable energy sources, all while staying true to the cooperative’s mission. Whether you’re interested in the future of data centers, energy management, or cooperative utilities, this episode offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of energy distribution. Key Links: Post on Energy Central with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-177-powering-data-center-alley-david-schleicher-president-ceo-northern David Schleicher's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/david-schleicher-0 Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Aug 24, 2024 • 29min

176. 'From Gas to Grid on the Energy Transition' with Aaron Choo, National Grid

In this era of focus on decarbonized energy while also increased focus and attention from outside the utilities on power reliability, the role of natural gas for the grid has been under more of a spotlight than ever before. That evolving role of natural gas within the energy transition remains a critical topic at the forefront of every utility’s strategic planning, which necessitates constant attention and is the focus of a deep dive in today's episode. In this conversation, podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester welcome in Aaron Choo, Vice President of Gas Network Operations at National Grid. The Power Perspectives Podcast visited Aaron at his office in National Grid in person to hear his perspective on how National Grid is preparing its infrastructure, workforce, and strategies to remain resilient and adaptable during this unprecedented energy transition. With natural gas still playing a crucial role in the grid for the foreseeable future, Aaron addresses the challenges and opportunities of converting thermal loads to electric, overcoming public perceptions, and ensuring the readiness of the gas workforce for the future. Tune in to hear how National Grid is positioning itself to lead in both the present and future energy landscapes. Key Links: Post on Energy Central with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-176-gas-grid-energy-transition-aaron-choo-vice-president-gas-network Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Jul 29, 2024 • 35min

175. 'Safeguarding Today's Grid from Modern Threats' with Brian Harrell

As cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure have more than doubled since the pandemic, ensuring that utility security teams stay multiple steps ahead of bad actors remains as important and also as difficult as ever. While the common customer of a power company may not see any changes from their daily experience, the cybersecurity control centers at utilities are constantly expanding, improving, and focusing on what may come next. To help our utility professional listeners keep pace with this quickly evolving area of the industry, this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast features one of the foremost experts in the field, Brian Harrell, Vice President and Chief Security Officer at AVANGRID. Brian oversees cybersecurity, privacy, physical security, threat management, and business continuity for AVANGRID, bringing with him a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. Listen in to join podcast host Jason Price and produce Matt Chester to learn from Brian about his insights on the current state of threats and the essential measures needed to protect our grid from both external and internal dangers. Discover best practices in addressing vulnerabilities, the intersection of physical and cyber security, and how AVANGRID is leading the way in securing our nation's energy infrastructure. Whether you're a utility professional or concerned about the future of energy security, this episode offers vital information and expert perspectives you won't want to miss. Key Links: Post on Energy Central with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-175-safeguarding-todays-grid-modern-threats-brian-harrell-vice-president Brian Harrell's profile on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/brian-harrell Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Jul 16, 2024 • 41min

174. "Future of Residential Energy Management" with Prasanna Venkatesan, Landis+Gyr, & Arch Rao,Span

Residential energy customers are being looked at differently by utilities these days. No longer are homes simply end points where energy is consumed, but more and more they are an asset in the dynamic and flexible grid. Recognizing the opportunity that such an evolution of thinking brings, today's guests on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast are putting the technology in place to truly transform that relationship. In this conversation with Prasanna Venkatesan, EVP of Strategy and M&A of Landis+Gyr Americas, and Arch Rao, Founder & CEO of Span, these industry leaders explore the dynamic relationship between utilities and savvy residential energy customers. Listen in to discover how distributed energy resources and innovative solutions are transforming the utility-customer interaction and enabling flexible energy management. Prasanna and Arch share with podcast host, Jason Price, and producer, Matt Chester, their experiences and predictions for the future, addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead. Tune in to understand how Landis+Gyr and Span are pioneering the way forward in the power sector. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-174-embracing-future-residential-energy-management-prasanna-venkatesan Landis+Gyr on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/landisgyr Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Jun 23, 2024 • 28min

173. "Boosting Energy Literacy at Community Schools" with Eric BenSalah, Energy Consultant for OPPD

Episode #173: "Boosting Energy Literacy, Starting with a Community's Schools" with Eric BenSalah, Energy Consultant for Omaha Public Power District [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast] Ensuring the future population is filled with community members who understand the world of energy and utilities starts with educating the children today, a topic that is too often overlooked in the utility sphere. That's not the case in the Omaha metro and surrounding areas, though, as today's guest on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has a unique role to fill in that gap. While his colleagues at Omaha Public Power District know him as Eric BenSalah, energy consultant with the utility, many across the wider community know this innovator in energy education as the orange suit sporting Mr. E. Eric has taken a unique approach to spreading awareness and understanding of energy conservation. As Mr. E, Eric has become a local celebrity in the Omaha region, captivating schoolchildren and community members alike with his engaging educational initiatives. In today's discussion, Eric shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester his journey from a conventional role at OPPD to becoming a passionate advocate for energy literacy. Whether you're a parent, educator, or energy professional, this episode offers valuable perspectives on making energy education a cornerstone of community engagement. Tune in and get inspired by Mr. E's mission to empower the next generation with the knowledge they need to make informed energy choices. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Podcast: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-173-boosting-energy-literacy-starting-communitys-schools-eric-bensalah National Energy Education Development Project: https://www.need.org/ OPPD Energy Education Program: https://www.oppd.com/community/education-corner/energy-education-program/ Eric BenSalah Profile on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/eric-bensalah Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Jun 9, 2024 • 41min

172. "The Journey from Pilot to Utility-Scale Virtual Power Plants" with Vicken Kasarjian, MCE

Vicken Kasarjian, COO of MCE, is a pioneer in community-based energy solutions. He shares insights on the evolution and future of virtual power plants (VPPs), emphasizing their ability to transform the power landscape. Vicken discusses MCE's Richmond pilot project, focusing on community engagement and equitable access to benefits. He addresses the balance between technological innovation and socioeconomic challenges. The conversation highlights MCE's impressive strides toward green energy and the importance of mentorship in the evolving energy sector.

May 26, 2024 • 27min

171. "Building Habits for a Healthy Safety Culture" with Claire Harris, Clean Energy Connections

Nuclear energy is definitely having a resurgent moment across the power sector and the world, as more and more regions are tapping into the carbon-free source of electricity to meet reliability requirements paired with emissions reduction goals. But one of the questions that often follows the discussion of nuclear energy is safety. In the latest episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, returning guest Claire Harris, now President of Clean Energy Connections, joins the discussion to cover the critical topic of building habits for a healthy safety culture in the energy industry, in nuclear and in other areas as well. With her extensive background in nuclear safety and performance improvement, Claire shares with host Jason Price and Producer Matt Chester her insights on how to foster a culture that prioritizes safety across all levels of a utility organization. This episode is particularly timely, being recorded during North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, and underscores the importance of safety in the energy sector, where risks such as electrocution, falls, and environmental stress are prevalent. Claire uncovers the importance of developing high standards, fostering a sense of belonging, and encouraging open communication and honest feedback within teams. This episode is a must-listen for energy professionals looking to enhance their understanding of safety culture and implement effective practices within their organizations. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-171-building-habits-healthy-safety-culture-claire-harris-president-clean Claire Harris on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/claire-harris-0 Claire's First Appearance on the Podcast: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-109-intentional-inclusion-cleaner-energy-future-claire-harris-nb-power Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

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