In a unique edition of Power Perspectives this week, we take you inside the electric utility industry’s season-defining event: DistributeTECH 2025 through the lens of the Energy Central team that was there on the ground. Join Kinsey Grant Baker, Head of Content at Energy Central, and Matt Chester, Community Manager, as they unpack key themes and insights from the conference floor.

From the convergence of utilities and technology to the rising influence of AI, the conversation explores how the sector is adapting to transformative challenges. How are utilities evolving into technology companies? What does the future hold for customer-focused planning, workforce innovation, and distributed grid orchestration? Kinsey and Matt break it down with fresh perspectives and real-world examples. Whether you’re curious about the cutting-edge ideas reshaping the industry or you have FOMO because you weren't at DistribuTECH yourself, this episode delivers the takeaways you need.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives-dtech-debrief-are-utilities-becoming-tech-companies

Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lWnqe0tJ8YU

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

For decades, we've heard about the need to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. Yet despite corporate pledges, policy initiatives, and technological advancements, global emissions keep rising. Now, we find ourselves at a crossroads: either we take immediate and radical action, or we brace for accelerating climate impacts and economic upheaval.

So, what does this mean for the energy sector? Can utilities, policymakers, and business leaders move beyond incremental changes to the kind of transformative shifts that climate science demands? To explore these questions, this week's Power Perspectives episode welcomes Kevin Anderson, professor of energy and climate change at the University of Manchester and co-founder of Climate Uncensored. Known for his blunt analysis and data-driven critiques, Kevin has spent his career exposing where we've gone wrong—and, more importantly, outlining where we go from here. If you want to cut through the noise and understand the true scale of the challenge ahead, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/does-energy-industry-need-climate-reality-check

Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kBQVQZRfxGw

A factor of two: how the mitigation plans of ‘climate progressive’ nations fall far short of Paris-compliant pathways: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14693062.2020.1728209

Three Decades of Climate Mitigation: Why Haven't We Bent the Global Emissions Curve?: www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-environ-012220-011104

Ireland's Climate Justice Obligations, Presentation: https://urlisolation.com/browser?clickId=DB605BC0-9E7C-4D1E-817D-29EC03C1D45C&traceToken=1742828331%3Bmanchesteruni_hosted%3Bhttps%3A%2Fclimateuncensored.com%2Fire&url=https%3A%2F%2Fclimateuncensored.com%2Firelands-climate-justice-obligations-presentation%2F

Climate Uncensored: https://climateuncensored.com

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

What’s the biggest challenge facing utilities today? Is it climate change, DER integration, or the explosive growth of data centers? The real answer is the need to balance all of the above, and navigating these forces while keeping the grid reliable and resilient is no small feat.

Enter Marcus McCarthy, Senior Vice President of Siemens Grid Software, who joins Power Perspectives to break down the evolving energy landscape. From the concept of the "Goldilocks Zone" in data center planning to how AI is reshaping grid operations, Marcus shares key lessons and strategies utilities need to future-proof their systems. For anyone seeking out insights into where the grid is headed next, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/goldilocks-problem-grid-modernization

Video version of the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/1u257hJjKIk

Siemens on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/siemens

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

How to save energy from partisan politics

Can the clean power transition survive partisan politics?

If anyone has the answer, it's David Spence, Professor of Energy Law & Regulation at UT Austin and author of the book "Climate of Contempt: How to Rescue the U.S. Energy Transition from Voter Partisanship."

Today on Power Perspectives, David breaks down the impacts of political polarization on climate and energy policy, the role of media in shaping public perception, and how the power industry moves forward in fractured times. If you've ever felt frustrated by dinner table politics conversations, give this episode a listen—guarantee you'll learn something valuable.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/how-save-energy-partisan-politics

Video version of the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/FoYxlv5wUC8

David Spence's profile on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/david-spence

Climate of Contempt: How to Rescue the U.S. Energy Transition from Voter Partisanship: https://bookshop.org/p/books/climate-of-contempt-how-to-rescue-the-u-s-energy-transition-from-voter-partisanship-david-spence/21116536?ean=9780231217088&next=t

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

AI is changing everything, and power utilities are no exception. From optimizing grid operations to enhancing cybersecurity, AI is already making a tangible impact on how energy is generated, distributed, and managed.

But when it comes to grid communications—an area where reliability and security are paramount—what role does AI really play?

In this episode of Power Perspectives, we’re joined by two industry leaders from Nokia: Dominique Verhulst, Global Energy Practice Leader; and Hansen Chan, IP Enterprise Solutions Marketing. Together, we unpack some of the biggest questions utility leaders are asking today:

- How does AI optimize mission-critical grid communications?

- What are real-world examples of AI transforming power utilities?

- How are AI-driven data centers reshaping grid infrastructure needs?

- What’s on the horizon for AI in the energy sector over the next 5-10 years?

Plus, we briefly dive into one of the latest AI breakthroughs—DeepSeek—and what it means for AI-driven power planning and utility networks. So strap in alongside podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester to learn from the deep expertise that Dominique and Hansen bring to the conversation.

(This episode brought to you by Nokia)

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/how-utilities-can-prepare-ai-integration

Video version of the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qKun5PvHdLg

Nokia on Energy Central: energycentral.com/Nokia

Hansen Chan's profile on Energy Central: energycentral.com/member/profile/hansen-chan/about

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

Balancing reliability, affordability, and sustainability—often called the energy trilemma—is one of the biggest challenges facing utility leaders today. And in Michigan, that challenge is magnified by aggressive decarbonization goals, aging infrastructure, and severe weather events.

In this episode of Power Perspectives, podcast host Jason Price visits the DTE Energy headquarters in Detroit to chat face-to-face with Jerry Norcia, Chairman and CEO of DTE Energy. In this conversation, Jerry highlights how the company is tackling these timely and critical challenges head-on. From Michigan’s ambitious clean energy targets to grid modernization, energy affordability, and extreme weather preparedness, Jerry shares DTE’s strategy for navigating this pivotal moment in the energy transition.

Listen into this conversation from the C-Suite as Jerry highlights:

- Michigan’s aggressive clean energy mandates and how DTE is adapting

- DTE’s $6 billion grid modernization investment to enhance reliability

- The impact of extreme weather on Michigan’s electric infrastructure

- Balancing affordability and major infrastructure investments

- Ensuring low-income customers have access to energy assistance programs

Listen alongside podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as Jerry walks us all through the state of the industry today and into the future from his front row seat.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/inside-ceos-energy-transition-playbook

Video version of the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vZHJ1Wigi_c

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

Federal funding presents major opportunities for utilities, but navigating the complex landscape of incentives, grants, and shifting political realities can be daunting. How should utilities position themselves to secure funding, optimize strategic investments, and prepare for potential policy changes as power shifts in Washington?

In this episode of Power Perspectives, that question is tackled by Stephen Haubrich, Management Consultant at ScottMadden. With deep expertise in regulatory strategy and utility financing, Stephen shares best practices for utility decision-makers, discusses the impact of federal programs like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and explores how utilities can remain flexible in an evolving political environment.

Tune in to get expert advice on topics in the range of:

- The current federal funding landscape for utilities and successful case studies

- Best practices for utilities to position themselves for funding opportunities

- Balancing short-term wins with long-term strategy in federal funding

- The impact of political shifts on programs like the IRA and what utilities should do next

- How utilities can stay agile amid regulatory uncertainty

Whether you're a utility leader, policymaker, or industry stakeholder, you'll want to join podcast host Matt Chester in this conversation with Stephen as he provides valuable insights on how to maximize federal funding benefits while mitigating risks.

This episode is brought to you by ScottMadden.

NOTE: This conversation was recorded before President Trump's inauguration.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/future-federal-energy-funding

Video version of the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LQWGhJ3-3WI

ScottMadden on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/scottmadden

Stephen Haubrich's profile on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/stephen-haubrich

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

Private LTE networks are shaping the future of rural grid modernization. But how can small utilities harness this technology to overcome their unique challenges?

In this episode of Power Perspectives, that challenge is addressed head on by Joe Walsh, Vice President of Smart Grid Communications Networks at NRTC. Joe sits down for this conversation to help us explore how a groundbreaking collaboration between NRTC, Anterix, Ericsson, and Southern Linc is helping rural utilities build secure, scalable, and cost-effective communication networks.

Tune in and learn from Joe as he shares insights on:

- The challenges rural utilities face in modernizing their grids

- How private LTE networks improve resilience, security, and scalability

- The benefits of vendor diversity and shared cooperative resources

- Real-world examples of co-ops implementing private LTE

Whether you're in the utility sector or just interested in the evolving energy landscape, strap in and join podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they welcome Joe's valuable insights at the role of advanced communications in building the grid of the future.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/how-important-private-lte-modernizing-rural-grid

Video version of the episode on SoundCloud: https://youtu.be/sbgQs-yn6Kg

Anterix on Energy Central: energycentral.com/o/anterix

Joe Walsh's profile on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/joe-walsh-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 Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

As utilities face the mounting challenges of aging infrastructure, increasing demand, and evolving sustainability mandates, the need for smarter, more efficient capital planning is more pressing than ever. Simultaneously, you seemingly can't go a day without seeing a new, awe-inspiring headline about the power that artificial intelligence is newly bringing to the world. At the nexus of these two trending topics, this episode's guests see tremendous opportunity.

AI is playing a transformative role in helping utilities optimize their investment strategies, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently while mitigating risks. In this episode of Power Perspectives, Tom Ligocki, Global Head of Energy and Water Services at IFS, and Danilo Prates, Senior Director of Program Management at Copperleaf, explore how AI-driven analytics are revolutionizing capital planning, enabling utilities to make data-driven decisions on infrastructure upgrades, resilience planning, and cost management.

Listen in to learn firsthand expertise from these experts as they analyze:

- The critical role of capital planning in the utility sector

- How AI is enhancing investment decision-making for utilities

- Key challenges utilities face in modernizing infrastructure and integrating renewable energy

- Real-world benefits and cost savings from AI-powered capital planning solutions

Join podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they navigate these new opportunities shared by Tom and Danilo. Whether you’re a utility leader, an energy sector professional, or an AI enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into how technology is shaping the future of infrastructure investment.

This episode is brought to you by Copperleaf.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/can-ai-do-your-capital-planning-you-brought-you-copperleaf#posting

Video version of the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sTsfgcSoGTE

Copperleaf on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/copperleaf

Industrial AI is IFS.ai: https://www.ifs.com/ai

Copperleaf eBook: Value-based Decision Making: https://www.copperleaf.com/knowledge-hub/ebook-value-based-decision-making-the-key-to-better-business-performance/

Decision Analytics Solutions for Electrical Utilities: https://www.copperleaf.com/solutions-for-industry/electric-utilities-decision-analysis-software/

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

The supply chain has been a trending topic and area of concern in all industries since the COVID-19 pandemic, and as the utility seeks to build more than ever before in a new era of grid modernization and clean energy one of the main bottlenecks remains the available supply of necessary equipment and materials.

This week, Power Perspectives welcomes in Laura Lewis, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at SMUD, to educate us on how one of the largest community-owned utilities in the nation is tackling supply chain challenges while advancing its ambitious clean energy goals. Laura shares SMUD’s strategies for navigating these obstacles, from securing critical needs like transformers to optimizing inventory processes. With a focus on electrification, regulatory collaboration, and sustainable practices, SMUD is setting a powerful example for utilities nationwide.

Tune in to learn about:

- SMUD’s innovative approaches to supply chain management amidst tight markets and inflation.

- The legal and operational intersections of supply chain strategies in the clean energy transition.

- How electrification of vehicles and buildings shapes grid infrastructure needs.

- The strategic partnerships with federal and state agencies to secure critical resources.

Join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they explore these vital topics with Laura Lewis and uncover how utilities can balance operational reliability with bold clean energy ambitions.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/how-utility-solving-supply-chain-puzzle

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