Energy Central

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/

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/