Energy Central

In this episode, Rob Brook, Senior Vice President and Managing Director – Americas at Neara, joins the Power Perspectives Podcast to discuss a pressing challenge for the energy sector: the growing impact of severe weather on energy infrastructure. As storms increase in frequency and intensity, Rob shares how utilities must enhance their resilience strategies and what Neara is doing to harness the power of AI and simulation to help utilities predict, prepare for, and respond to these extreme weather events.

Listen in as Rob discusses:
- How AI-driven simulations model the impacts of severe weather on utility networks
- The types of data required to build accurate simulations and how utilities manage data quality
- Insights from Neara’s collaboration with CenterPoint Energy, focusing on storm preparation post-Hurricane Beryl
- Applications of AI in utility operations beyond storm resilience, including asset management and grid modernization
- Overcoming regulatory and cost challenges to implement cutting-edge technology

For any utility stakeholders aiming to make our grid more resilient, this episode is for you. Join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they explore the future of storm preparedness and grid resilience with Rob Brook.

Key Links
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-using-ai-predict-protect-grid-wide-storm-resilience

Rob Neara's Energy Central profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/robert-brook

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 Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

In today’s episode of the Power Perspectives Podcast, Sam Hartzman, Chief Diversity Officer at Duquesne Light Company (DLC), joins to guide a much-needed discussion of the energy industry's current state of transformation—not only in technology and sustainability but also in workplace culture. Specifically, the growing focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) sees some utilities at a crossroads, and Sam joins host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester to discuss how DLC is leading this DEI charge.

Listen in as Sam shares insights into the company's initiative, A Duty to One Another, which emphasizes a collaborative, grassroots approach to fostering inclusion. The discussion covers:

- How Duquesne Light's DEI efforts differ from traditional, top-down approaches.
- Overcoming challenges in a climate where companies are facing pressure to adjust their DEI initiatives.
- The connection between DEI and corporate performance, including financial and operational metrics.
- The role of DEI in advancing Duquesne Light’s mission for a clean energy future.

If you're curious about how a utility company is navigating the complexities of DEI while staying committed to its broader mission, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Links
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives-podcast-how-can-utilities-build-more-inclusive-workplace-sam

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 Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

To modernize infrastructure or optimize for reliability—that's the question utility leaders like Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of United Illuminating, are facing on a daily basis. The need to transition to cleaner energy sources and address the challenges of aging infrastructure are often at odds with utilities' efforts to maintain reliable power delivery. So which do you choose? And can you have it all?

Today on Power Perspectives, Frank guides host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester through key topics impacting his work in Connecticut, including...
- The relationship between utilities and regulators
- The impact of performance-based regulation
- How United Illuminating is navigating financial and operational hurdles

If you want to learn how this utility leader is steering a company through unprecedented times—all while embracing innovation and the future of clean energy in Connecticut—this episode is for you.

Key Links
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/c/pip/episode-183-how-utility-ceo-balances-innovation-reliability-frank-reynolds

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 Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Continuing the Esri takeover series of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, Bill Meehan and Pat Hohl, both Directors at Esri, use episode two of this three-part series to share insights in the rapidly changing world of utility network management. Pat and Bill share with listeners their views on how utilities are modernizing their systems to meet the challenges of an evolving energy landscape. As utilities face increasing demands from distributed energy resources (DERs), network expansions, and electrification of transportation, the need for accurate, real-time data becomes more critical than ever. In that light, this conversation covers how utilities are embracing new technologies like Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) and Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), and why the quality and governance of network data is at the heart of it all.

Listen in to get a deep dive into key topics like network modeling, the role of geospatial systems and GIS in improving data integration, and the necessity of creating a single source of truth for utility operations. This episode is packed with practical insights and real-world examples, plus the discussion teases upcoming topics such as enterprise data access and the future of AI in utility management, offering a compelling reason to tune in to future episodes.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-181-breaking-down-silos-gis-and-advanced-modeling-utility-sector-pat-hohl

Latest Esri E-Book: "Successful Digital Utilities Enabled by Modern Network Information Management": go.esri.com/UN_eBook_EC

Episode 1 of this three-part series, "Episode #178: "Breaking Boundaries: Cross-Industry Innovation at IMGIS 2024" with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI]": https://energycentral.com/c/iu/episode-178-breaking-boundaries-cross-industry-innovation-imgis-2024-pat-hohl-and

Other previous podcast appearances from Pat and Bill

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

Episode 131: 'Unlocking the Power of GIS: Sharing, Understanding, and Capturing Utility Data': https://energycentral.com/o/esri/special-episode-unlocking-power-gis-sharing-understanding-and-capturing-utility

Episode 132: 'Harnessing GIS for Strategic Utility Insight': https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/special-episode-harnessing-gis-strategic-utility-insight-pat-hohl-and-bill-meehan

Episode 133: 'The Role of GIS Data, Mobility, and Digital Twins': https://energycentral.com/c/iu/special-episode-role-gis-data-mobility-and-digital-twins-pat-hohl-and-bill-meehan

As the final episode in the three-part special Esri takeover series on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan-- Directors at Esri-- bring their conversation to a conclusion by focusing on two essential areas: enterprise access and collaboration, as well as the essential (and sometime frustrating) areas of data quality and governance. Pat and Bill will bring their experience to the listener in breaking down silos and improving communication across departments are critical for utility success. They share real-life examples from their experiences, like the consequences of hoarding information and how modern tools and technologies can foster collaboration both within companies and with external stakeholders such as regulators.

Listen in as this episode also touches on the role of effective data governance in ensuring data quality, discussing the importance of maintaining high accuracy and ensuring data integrity across systems. Pat and Bill explore the exciting innovations and technologies currently taking hold in the sector to automate and streamline these processes, reducing the burden on employees and allowing utilities to focus on delivering efficient, reliable services. Given how enterprise access and data quality governance are key to running a successful, modern utility, you won't want to miss this discussion.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-182-access-collaboration-and-data-quality-keys-modern-utility-pat-hohl

Latest Esri E-Book: "Successful Digital Utilities Enabled by Modern Network Information Management": go.esri.com/UN_eBook_EC

Episode 1 of this three-part series, "Episode #178: "Breaking Boundaries: Cross-Industry Innovation at IMGIS 2024" with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI]": https://energycentral.com/c/iu/episode-178-breaking-boundaries-cross-industry-innovation-imgis-2024-pat-hohl-and

Episode 2: "Episode #181: "Breaking Down Silos with GIS and Advanced Modeling in the Utility Sector" with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI]": https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-181-breaking-down-silos-gis-and-advanced-modeling-utility-sector-pat-hohl

GIS for Electric Utilities from ESRI: https://www.esri.com/en-us/industries/electric/overview

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 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

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

Episode #178: ‘Breaking Boundaries: Cross-Industry Innovation at IMGIS 2024’ with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI]

As a departure from the usual format on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, this episode features an exclusive guest-led conversation with two of the most familiar voices in the Energy Central community: Bill Meehan and Pat Hohl, both Directors at Esri. In this episode, Bill and Pat dive deep into the themes and insights to be explored at the upcoming IMGIS Conference, set to take place this upcoming October.

Throughout this engaging discussion, they focus on how innovation in infrastructure management is unlocking the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) across industries. From emergency management to AI-driven imagery to digital transformation, Bill and Pat highlight the key takeaways for professionals across the utility sector. Listen in as they explore cross-industry solutions, the power of GIS in utilities, and how new technology can revolutionize day-to-day tasks.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/episode-178-breaking-boundaries-cross-industry-innovation-imgis-2024-pat-hohl-and

Latest Esri E-Book: "Successful Digital Utilities Enabled by Modern Network Information Management": go.esri.com/UN_eBook_EC

GIS for Electric Utilities from ESRI: https://www.esri.com/en-us/industries/electric/overview

IMGIS 2024: https://www.esri.com/en-us/about/events/imgis/overview?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrp-3BhDgARIsAEWJ6SwzbfdnssNJaysBR7e4atYSfdrHDIVJruNKthlBJAU9TzEB31J4tTMaAqsSEALw_wcB&aduc=Advertising&sf_id=7015x000000j2zTAAQ&adut=ppcbrand&aduco=value&aduca=EIMGIS24&utm_id=7015x000000j2zTAAQ&adum=PPC&utm_campaign=EIMGIS24&adusf=Google&utm_term=ppcbrand&utm_source=Advertising&utm_medium=PPC&utm_content=value&ef_id=Cj0KCQjwrp-3BhDgARIsAEWJ6SwzbfdnssNJaysBR7e4atYSfdrHDIVJruNKthlBJAU9TzEB31J4tTMaAqsSEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!8948!3!712522044695!p!!g!!imgis%20conference&_bk=imgis%20conference&_bt=712522044695&_bm=p&_bn=g&_bg=170071504474&aducop=imgis%20conference-p&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1

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

Episode 131: 'Unlocking the Power of GIS: Sharing, Understanding, and Capturing Utility Data': https://energycentral.com/o/esri/special-episode-unlocking-power-gis-sharing-understanding-and-capturing-utility

Episode 132: 'Harnessing GIS for Strategic Utility Insight': https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/special-episode-harnessing-gis-strategic-utility-insight-pat-hohl-and-bill-meehan

Episode 133: 'The Role of GIS Data, Mobility, and Digital Twins': https://energycentral.com/c/iu/special-episode-role-gis-data-mobility-and-digital-twins-pat-hohl-and-bill-meehan

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

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