Energy Central

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Steve Martz, VP of Integrated Planning at Xcel Energy, discusses navigating the complexities of integrated resource planning in the energy sector. Topics include regional differences, carbon-free electricity visions, technological advancements, and customer engagement. Martz emphasizes the importance of IRP in guiding utilities towards sustainable energy futures.

Note: this is a two part episode so we can fit in all of these experts’ tremendous insights. This marks part 2, so if you missed part 1 we invite you to check that out first at this link: https://soundcloud.com/energycentral/quantum-safe-networks-for-utilities-part-1-with-nokias-mauricio-subieta-hansen-chan The importance of cybersecurity for the power grid is at the forefront of all utility decision makers’ minds. As the types of threats evolve and the nature of technology used by bad actors progress, so too must the preparations and the tools deployed by utilities to ensure the grid remains secure and resilient. Among the state-of-the-art adaptations utilities must now be considering are quantum-safe networks, a leveling up of the type of necessary technologies and protocols. Taking this leap to the new era of securing the grid can be much to grasp, which is why this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast brings in the industry leaders who can address and break down the necessary precautions. In this episode, Mauricio Subieta, Chief Technology Officer of Nokia's Energy Segment, and Hansen Chan, Product Marketing Manager at Nokia, join the podcast conversation to delve into the forefront of these digital utility topics in the face of continuing cyber threats to the grid. Listen in as Mauricio and Hansen join podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester to demystify the concept of quantum-safe networks, exploring the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity. From defining quantum threats to unraveling the evolving threat landscape, they provide crucial insights into the necessity and urgency of quantum-safe security measures for power utilities. The conversation also includes practical steps for preparedness and ultimately the transformative impact of quantum-safe networks on utility business practices. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this critical facet of modernizing the energy sector. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: Mauricio Subieta on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/mauricio-subieta Hansen Chan on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/hansen-chan Nokia on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/Nokia Securing IEC 61850 communications: https://pages.nokia.com/T009TB-securing-IEC-61850-communications.html 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

Note: this is a two part episode so we can fit in all of these experts’ tremendous insights. This marks part 1, with part 2 published later this same week which can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/energycentral/quantum-safe-networks-for-utilities-part-1-with-nokias-mauricio-subieta-hansen-chan-1 The importance of cybersecurity for the power grid is at the forefront of all utility decision makers’ minds. As the types of threats evolve and the nature of technology used by bad actors progress, so too must the preparations and the tools deployed by utilities to ensure the grid remains secure and resilient. Among the state-of-the-art adaptations utilities must now be considering are quantum-safe networks, a leveling up of the type of necessary technologies and protocols. Taking this leap to the new era of securing the grid can be much to grasp, which is why this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast brings in the industry leaders who can address and break down the necessary precautions. In this episode, Mauricio Subieta, Chief Technology Officer of Nokia's Energy Segment, and Hansen Chan, Product Marketing Manager at Nokia, join the podcast conversation to delve into the forefront of these digital utility topics in the face of continuing cyber threats to the grid. Listen in as Mauricio and Hansen join podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester to demystify the concept of quantum-safe networks, exploring the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity. From defining quantum threats to unraveling the evolving threat landscape, they provide crucial insights into the necessity and urgency of quantum-safe security measures for power utilities. The conversation also includes practical steps for preparedness and ultimately the transformative impact of quantum-safe networks on utility business practices. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this critical facet of modernizing the energy sector. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-168-securing-future-quantum-safe-networks-utilities-part-1-nokia%E2%80%99s Mauricio Subieta on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/mauricio-subieta Hansen Chan on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/hansen-chan Nokia on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/Nokia Securing IEC 61850 communications: https://pages.nokia.com/T009TB-securing-IEC-61850-communications.html 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