Brattle Group principals Peter Fox-Penner and Tom Chapman join host Francis Bradley to discuss the report "Clean Capital Efficiency," which addresses challenges and solutions in the electric utility sector. They talk about rapid load growth, affordability, decarbonization, the impacts of climate change, as well as the rise of data centres and the additional pressure on demand as a result. Solutions include leveraging existing technologies, integrated distribution planning, and exploring public-private partnerships to address these challenges. They close the conversation with a couple of great book recommendations.

Brattle Group

Clean Capital Efficiency report

Peter Fox-Penner

Tom Chapman

Book recommendations:

• A History of Canada in Ten Maps: Epic Stories of Charting a Mysterious Land by Adam Shoalts
• Infinite Baseball: Notes from a Philosopher at the Ballpark, by Alva Noë

Bracewell LLP’s Andrew Shaw joins host Francis Bradley for a discussion of the evolving Canada-US electricity trade relationship, highlighting the impact of tariffs and trade policies. Pre-2025, the relationship was generally positive, but post-2025, tensions have risen, particularly under President Trump's administration. They discuss the tariffs, which aim to address trade imbalances and support US manufacturing. They also touch on the potential impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, particularly the Revenge Tax and clean energy tax incentives. The conversation wraps with Andrew’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.

Links:

Bracewell LLP

Andrew Shaw at Bracewell

Andrew Shaw on LinkedIn

Book recommendations:

• What's the Matter with Kansas? How Conservatives Won the Heart of America, by Thomas Frank

Part 2 of the Faces of the Industry award winners, reflecting a simple philosophy: the electricity sector isn’t made up of companies—it’s made up of people. In conversation with Francis Bradley, this year’s winners showcase the creativity, innovation, leadership and grace under pressure that make Canada’s electricity system. The winners on this episode are Jennifer Williams, President and CEO Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Dan Irvine, Director of Procurement and Contracts at SaskPower, and Mohamed ElNozahy, Engineering Manager – EMT Studies, from Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator.

Link:

Read the Faces of the Industry press release on the Electricity Canada website.

Part 1 of the Faces of the Industry award winners, reflecting a simple philosophy: the electricity sector isn’t made up of companies—it’s made up of people. In conversation with Francis Bradley, this year’s winners showcase the creativity, innovation, leadership and grace under pressure that make Canada’s electricity system. The winners on this episode are Sandra Haskins, Senior Vice President and CFO at Capital Power, Joy Brake, Senior Technical Advisor, System Planning at Nova Scotia Power, and Jeffrey Laninga, Live Line Engineer and Section Head at Manitoba Hydro.

Link:

Read the Faces of the Industry press release on the Electricity Canada website.

Schneider Electric Canada’s President, Emily Heitman, discusses technology, sustainability and energy efficiency with host Francis Bradley. They talk about the challenges to the sector, including fragmented policies and aging infrastructure, as well as solutions including digital tools for energy management and reporting, and incentives for green investments. Emily emphasizes the importance of balancing sustainability with profitability, and the need for modernizing supply chains in a time of geopolitical uncertainty. The conversation closes with Emily’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.

Links:

Schneider Electric Canada

Emily Heitman at Schneider Electric

Emily Heitman on LinkedIn

Book recommendations:

• Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman.: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slow

Electricity Canada’s Vice President of Government Relations, Michael Powell, join host Francis Bradley for a conversation about the April 28 Canadian Federal election, through a Canadian electricity lens. They talk about the election results and the campaign, the different narratives about the ballot question, the impact of the US President on the election, and what the campaign platforms had to say about electricity and energy policy. They also talk about what’s next in terms of cabinet composition and the upcoming Speech from the Throne. The conversation wraps with Michael’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club

Links:

Electricity Canada

Michael Powell on Bluesky

Michael Powell on LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

• Lament for a Nation: The Defeat of Canadian Nationalism, by George Grant: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lament-for-a-nation-the-defeat-of-canadian-nationalism

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC)’s President and CEO, Rusty Williams, join host Francis Bradley for a conversation about the utility industry's technological advancements. They talk about spectrum allocation, rural broadband, cybersecurity, and pole attachments. Rusty highlighted the importance of spectrum allocation, and the criticality of cybersecurity standards. He also emphasized the challenges in workforce development and the impact of AI on utility operations. They close the conversation with Rusty’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.

Links:

Utilities Technology Council (UTC)

UTC Canadian Technology Conference

Jimmy R. (Rusty) Williams at UTC

Jimmy R. (Rusty) Williams on LinkedIn

Book recommendations:

• The Leadership Genius of Elon Musk, by Dennis Kneale

Power Advisory LLC’s Managing Director, Jason Chee-Aloy, discusses the future of the electricity sector and leadership with host Francis Bradley. With extensive experience in the energy sector, Jason talks about market changes, the MOU between Newfoundland & Labrador, and Quebec, and his firm's role. The conversation touches on the need for bold leadership in the sector, and the need to be mindful of the fundamentals of electricity to unlock Canada's energy potential. They also address current US tariff challenges and hopes for reduced barriers in Canada.

Links:

Power Advisory

Jason Chee-Aloy on LinkedIn

CBC article about Churchill Falls MOU

Royal Bank's Shaz Merwat, lead author of RBC's Climate Institute report "Power Struggle: How AI is Challenging Canada's Electricity Grid," discusses with Francis Bradley the rise of AI and its impact on Canada's electricity sector. They cover AI's increasing power demand, regional differences, the economic impact of data centres, strategic policies for leveraging AI, carbon capture's role, and energy security. They conclude with Shaz's very timely book recommendation for the Flux Capacitor Book Club.

Links:

RBC Thought Leadership

Power Struggle: How AI is challenging Canada’s electricity grid

Climate Action 2025 Report

Shaz Merwat on LinkedIn

The Canadian Hydrogen Association’s President and CEO, Ivette Vera-Perez, in conversation with Francis Bradley about the hydrogen industry in Canada today, what the value chain looks like, the rainbow of different types of hydrogen, and what we are using hydrogen for, including mobility. They also talk about the future of hydrogen and the need for investment tax credits, regulatory alignment, and infrastructure development to support hydrogen's role in decarbonization and economic growth. They close the conversation with a recommendation for a book to add to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.

Canadian Hydrogen Association

Ivette Vera-Perez at the Canadian Hydrogen Association

Ivette Vera-Perez on LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

• Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, by Kerry Patterson, Stephen R. Covey, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler