Energy Central

Asset management is becoming an increasingly critical and complex area of focus for the modern utility landscape. From smarter sensors, meters, and equipment all across the grid to the heightened need to ensure safety and reliability by tracking health and status of all grid-tied equipment, utilities both large and small must always be looking for the most appropriate tools and optimized solutions for keeping pace with asset management. This episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast delves into the intricacies of utility asset management with two distinguished experts from 1898 & Co.: Paul Von Hertsenberg, Director of Generation Asset Advisory, and Arlin Mire, Senior Project Manager focusing on transmission and distribution.

From exploring the differing perspectives of generation versus transmission to dissecting the current status of the U.S. power industry in its asset management practices, these guests provide a holistic view of the sector. They not only shed light on the challenges but also offer forward-looking insights and actionable steps for utility decision-makers in the conversation with podcast host, Jason Price, and podcast producer, Matt Chester. Dive deep into this conversation as these asset management experts uncover the role of stakeholders, the impact of emerging technologies, and the regulatory landscape influencing asset management.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-135-elevating-energy-modernized-utility-asset-management-1898-cos-paul

1898 & Co. on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/1898

Planning for Future EV Charging Demand Requires Sophisticated Forecasting by Utilities: https://energycentral.com/o/1898/planning-future-ev-charging-demand-requires-sophisticated-forecasting-utilities

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 work being done to advance the clean energy transition is being pursued by a diverse array of leaders, some of whom have been in the sector their entire lives and others who found it amid their career journey. These varying perspectives help bring new vantage points and angles when it comes to tackling the future of energy, but the career trajectory of today's guest on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast might be the most unique. Joining this week as guest is Mike Richter, the Hall of Fame goalie for the New York Rangers turned President of Brightcore Energy, a company implementing modernized energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions.

In this special episode, Richter joins the podcast to discuss the journey from NHL superstar turned clean energy warrior. From defending the net in the 1994 Stanley Cup to championing energy efficiency solutions as the President of Brightcore Energy, Richter's story serves as a testament to the remarkable intersections between sports, personal convictions, and sustainability. Throughout this candid conversation, Richter shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester the influential role his athlete sons play in shaping his vision for a greener world, the lessons he's learned in the energy sphere, and the crucial collaborations with utilities. Offering insights into his advocacy for social equity and environmental justice, he emphasizes the importance of overcoming inertia in the realm of energy transformations. Whether you're a hockey aficionado or an energy enthusiast (or both!), this episode promises a captivating blend of sports nostalgia and clean tech inspiration.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-134-saving-pucks-saving-power-transitioning-hockey-hall-famer-clean

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/

Special Episode: 'Unlocking the Power of GIS: Sharing, Understanding, and Capturing Utility Data' with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI]

Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, renowned bloggers on Energy Central, have amassed an impressive total of half a million views on the platform. With nearly a century of combined experience in the energy industry, including almost half of that time spent working at power companies, their expertise is undeniable. In this engaging podcast series, each episode lasting between 10 to 15 minutes, Pat and Bill take a relaxed approach to exploring the ways utilities can leverage GIS (Geographic Information System) to share, understand, and capture critical utility data.

Contrary to the prevailing perception of GIS as a mere repository for asset information, Bill and Pat will present a fresh perspective. They will delve into the transformative potential of GIS, demonstrating its effectiveness as a powerful tool for engaging with all utility stakeholders. The inaugural episode, titled "Sharing GIS Information," provides a glimpse into how GIS can be harnessed to foster exceptional collaboration and communication within the utility sector. Interested in transforming your utility with GIS? Start here.

In case you missed it, the full series can be found at these links:

Episode 1: https://youtu.be/6Fzu7OpRr2w

Episode 2: https://youtu.be/5wUFAC4c7VM

Episode 3: https://youtu.be/VuLlbWNH9R8

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/esri/special-episode-unlocking-power-gis-sharing-understanding-and-capturing-utility

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

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

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

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/

Special Episode: 'Harnessing GIS for Strategic Utility Insight' with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI]

In the GIS for the utility industry and as authors on Energy Central, few have quite the pedigree of Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan as experts in their field. While the series opener offered an intriguing view into how GIS can revolutionize collaboration and communication in utility management, this second episode finds Pat and Bill moving past the conventional view of GIS as just a tool for asset data storage.

The conversation offers a refreshing narrative of the broader implications of GIS, including the transformational capacity of the technology and highlighting its role as a robust facilitator for stakeholder insight in the utility sector. Curious about transforming your utility operations with GIS? Begin your journey here.

In case you missed it, the full series can be found at these links:

Episode 1: https://youtu.be/6Fzu7OpRr2w

Episode 2: https://youtu.be/5wUFAC4c7VM

Episode 3: https://youtu.be/VuLlbWNH9R8

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/special-episode-harnessing-gis-strategic-utility-insight-pat-hohl-and-bill-meehan

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

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

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

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/

Special Episode: 'The Role of GIS Data, Mobility, and Digital Twins' with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI]

In the final episode of the ESRI-presented podcast series about capturing GIS information more effectively, the esteemed Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan move past the typical association of GIS with maps and move into what they believe serves a larger purpose in the realm of discovery and understanding complex data, especially within the utility sector. Pat and Bill discuss transitioning from paper to digital maps in this conversation and how utilities move towards fully connected, intelligent models for better interoperability and load flow management.

The role of mobile tools and web services will serve to reduce data latency and increase transparency, with an emphasis on safety and operational efficiency. Specifically, Digital Twins combine multiple data sources like imagery, real-time sensor data, and logical representations for more informed decision-making, and this episode serves as a starting point for understanding how GIS acts as a foundation for these technologies. Want to dive in more deeply with ESRI’s expertise? Start that process here.

In case you missed it, the full series can be found at these links:

Episode 1: https://youtu.be/6Fzu7OpRr2w

Episode 2: https://youtu.be/5wUFAC4c7VM

Episode 3: https://youtu.be/VuLlbWNH9R8

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/special-episode-role-gis-data-mobility-and-digital-twins-pat-hohl-and-bill-meehan

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

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

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

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/

With the publication of FERC's 2023 Summer Energy Market and Electric Reliability Assessment, grid reliability is being studied at an unprecedented level. And given the strain that current summer conditions have already demonstrated, this topic is one that utility officials everywhere are tuning into. The FERC reports highlight both positive and concerning aspects of the grid's capacity to meet summer demand, with a particular focus on the razor's edge of insufficient baseload generation supply in various parts of the country.

To help the Energy Central Community best understand how the report goes beyond mere power supply concerns and examines other factors that can compromise grid reliability, this episode features Brad Johnson, the Senior Product Portfolio Manager for Energy at Bentley Systems. With his diverse and proven background in the industry and his current role at Bentley Systems, Brad offers a comprehensive 360-degree view of the challenges facing the grid. In this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, Brad shares with host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester the critical insights from FERC's report and his perspective to help us all gain a deeper understanding of the pressing issues impacting grid reliability in today's ever-evolving energy landscape.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-130-grid-reliability-hot-seat-fercs-summer-energy-report-brad-johnson

Brad Johnson's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/brad-johnson-7

Bentley on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/bentley

A Call for Resiliency: Today’s Utility Environment and the Call for Strong Leadership: https://energycentral.com/o/bentley/call-resiliency-today%E2%80%99s-utility-environment-and-call-strong-leadership

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 energy remains one of the fastest-growing sources of power generation across the utility sector, playing a key role in the net zero plans for power companies and private entities globally. While much of the focus for solar progress comes in how to fast-track deployment-- from government incentives to workforce development to permitting reform-- many potential improvements remain on the table when it comes to the technology itself. To discuss the state of solar tech today and the most exciting areas to come, this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast welcomes Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena.

Juan-Pablo is an Assistant Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, renowned for his groundbreaking work in the next generation of solar panel development. In this conversation, Juan-Pablo provides historical context that has led the United States needing to play catch up in solar technology production, and the innovative ways in which the industry is striving to do so. Juan-Pablo also dives into the political ramifications and community benefits associated with onshoring solar manufacturing, areas for potential for further advancements in solar technology, and the breakthroughs his team is specifically working on to unlock the next level of efficiency.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-129-innovating-next-generation-solar-materials-juan-pablo-correa-baena

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 concept of ESG, or Environmental, Social, and Governance, oversight has become an increasingly common topic across economic sectors, especially utilities. The importance of ensuring that the utility integrates into its DNA the spirit of sustainability, both from an environmental perspective but also in terms of business practices, is clearer than ever before, but not every stakeholder knows exactly the best way to dive in.

To get to the bottom of that with specific examples, this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast sees host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester welcome Christine Waller, Vice President of Communications & Corporate Responsibility at Duquesne Light Company. The discussion revolves around the recently released ESG report by Duquesne Light Company and its implications for the energy industry. Listen in as Christine shares how, as an investor-owned utility located in Pittsburgh, Duquesne Light Company's unique perspective sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by companies operating in regions with a rich industrial history.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-125-traversing-utility-esg-journey-christine-waller-vice-president

Register for EnergyCentral.com: energycentral.com/user/register

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 sector is undoubtedly among the most tightly monitored and regulated industries across the economy, and with great reason. Reliable and affordable availability of power is not something that customers can go without, and with increasingly present goals like sustainability and equity the intricacies of how regulations interact with the energy industry the challenges are only growing deeper. Luckily for the rest of us, a number of notable leaders continue to step up to provide the type of guidance and expertise needed to continually evaluate utility regulation and ensure the health of the sector remains strong. One such leader joins the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast this week, and her name is Brooke Trammell, the Regional Vice President of Regulatory and Pricing at Xcel Energy.

In this episode, Brooke shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester the intricacies of utility policy, the regulatory landscape, and its impact on the power sector. In this conversation, listeners will hear about Brooke's journey into the world of utility regulation and how today Xcel Energy is navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the clean energy transition, electrification of transportation, and other modern tools shaping the power sector. Listen in as Brooke shares her experience and guidance as it relates to the upcoming decisive decade for the power sector.

Key Links:
Register for EnergyCentral.com: energycentral.com/user/register

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-128-exploring-complexities-utility-regulation-brooke-trammel-vp

Brooke Trammell's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/brooke-trammell-0

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/

As most major utilities set their sites to net zero carbon goals in the coming decades, the myriad of tools available mean that no two power companies are taking exactly the same road map to decarbonization. But in recent years, the fervor behind nuclear energy as being a key part of that equation has been growing rapidly. From small modular reactors nearing commercialization to the recent breakthroughs in fusion to the general public acceptance of nuclear energy as a safe and reliable power source, the industry is trending in the right direction. Entergy has been among the major utility companies leading the way in this regard, which means the organization's nuclear leader has a lot to say.

In this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester welcome Kimberly Cook-Nelson, Executive Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer of Entergy, to discuss the state of the U.S. nuclear sector today and the pathway she sees it taking moving forward. With growing public support for nuclear power as a clean and reliable energy source, Kimberly shares how nuclear energy is essential in achieving Entergy's commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. She also highlights the unique position nuclear is in to do so while maintaining grid reliability, addressing price volatility, and increasing sustainability. Listen in as Kimberly emphasizes the importance of nuclear safety and dispelling misconceptions through education and community engagement.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-127-resurgence-nuclear-utility-decarbonization-pathway-kimberly-cook

Kimberly Cook-Nelson's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/kimberly-cook-nelson

Register for EnergyCentral.com: energycentral.com/user/register

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/