In this episode of Know Power, hosts Noha and Mike speak with Rich Powell, CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA). Rich outlines the evolving dynamics in U.S. electricity markets, focusing on the policy decisions shaping clean energy deployment and pricing. He shares insights into CEBA’s advocacy priorities, including maintaining voluntary clean energy markets, removing permitting roadblocks, and ensuring market structures support diverse buyers. The conversation digs into the political complexities of federal tax credits, grid reliability concerns, and what it takes to meet fast-growing demand from sectors like AI and data. Rich also reflects on global competitiveness, the future of firm clean energy, and the realities of work-life balance in a high-stakes policy world.

Guest bio: Rich Powell is the CEO of Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), a business association with 400 members including energy buyers and partners dedicated to advancing low-cost, reliable, carbon emissions-free global electricity systems. CEBA’s members represent more than $20 trillion in market capitalization. 

Prior to CEBA, Rich was the CEO of ClearPath and ClearPath Action, the DC-based organizations advancing policies that accelerate breakthrough innovations to reduce emissions in the energy and industrial sectors. He currently sits on the Advisory Board of ClearPath.

In addition, Rich advises policymakers on investing wisely in energy innovation, removing roadblocks to building and exporting American clean energy and industrial technology, and maintaining and promoting our flexible clean energy resources.

Previously, Rich was with McKinsey & Company in the Energy and Sustainability practices. He focused on corporate clean energy strategy, government low carbon growth strategy, and clean tech market entry.

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[00:01:21] Rich Powell explains the mission and membership of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA).

[00:03:23] His career journey from environmental studies to McKinsey to nonprofit leadership in climate policy.

[00:07:13] How CEBA builds consensus across a diverse range of electricity buyers.

[00:10:24] CEBA’s three policy goals: voluntary clean energy markets, removing development barriers, and enabling market structures.

[00:11:07] The critical role of clean energy tax credits and what’s at stake in current federal policy negotiations.

[00:14:02] Rich breaks down the budget reconciliation process and its timeline implications for clean energy.

[00:20:16] Senate dynamics and strategic outreach to protect clean energy incentives.

[00:23:09] Projected electricity price impacts if clean energy tax credits are rolled back.

[00:24:29] What a legislative compromise could look like to preserve tax certainty without open-ended subsidies.

[00:30:52] How policy uncertainty is slowing corporate clean energy deal flow and affecting investment.

[00:33:09] Global competition: why some U.S. companies are reconsidering international siting decisions.

[00:36:37] Optimism for meaningful permitting reform under the current administration.

[00:42:49] Balancing clean energy goals with reliability demands from large energy buyers.

[00:47:33] The Department of Energy’s role in grid reliability and market-based approaches to preserving resilience.

[00:50:10] ERCOT as a case study for effective market signals, clean energy deployment, and reliability gains.

[00:55:07] Realistic expectations for future power sources and timelines in today’s interconnect-limited environment.

[00:58:28] Rich’s optimistic forecast for a fast-growing, tech-integrated U.S. power grid by 2035.

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In this episode of Know Power, hosts Noha and Michael are joined by Mark Todoroff, Head of APAC Business Development for Yes Energy. Together, they explore the dynamic changes within Japan’s energy market following its deregulation in 2016. Mark shares his journey into the energy sector and offers insights into Japan’s energy landscape, including its dual-grid system, the impact of renewables like solar and offshore wind, and the influence of global trends on Japan’s evolving energy market.

The discussion dives into market design comparisons with the U.S. and Europe, the role of cultural and regulatory factors in shaping market participation, and the complex interplay of challenges like renewable integration, pricing mechanisms, and demand forecasting. Mark also highlights Japan's energy transition efforts amid growing industrial demands and its push toward sustainability.

Tune in to understand the key drivers, challenges, and opportunities in one of the world’s largest power markets.

Guest bio:

Mark Todoroff is Business Development Director of APAC at Yes Energy (formerly TESLA Forecasting), based in New Zealand. His areas of expertise are gas and electric load forecasting, energy economics and econometrics. Through his leadership, he established and grew TESLA’s APAC forecasting team from 1 client in 1 country to 35+ clients across 6 countries.

Mark is one of the 100 World Energy Council’s Future Energy Leaders and was previously Co-Chair of the Young Energy Professionals Network (YEPN), the national FEL programme of New Zealand.

Prior to relocating to New Zealand, Mark worked as a Senior Energy Economist at TESLA’s USA branch for four years. Mark is well known in the global energy forecasting and trading communities with his analysis frequently shared in industry news such as Bloomberg and high scores in forecasting competitions like Tokyo Electric Power Company’s 1st Electricity Load Forecasting Technology Contest. Mark received an MA in Economics from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BBA in Economics and Finance from James Madison University.

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[00:00:00] Introduction to Japan’s energy market and Mark Todoroff’s background.

[00:04:03] The evolution of Japan’s deregulated market post-2016.

[00:06:11] Regional demand dynamics: industrial hubs and seasonal peaks.

[00:09:03] The impact of Japan’s dual-grid (50Hz/60Hz) system.

[00:11:00] Market design comparisons: lessons borrowed from the U.S. and Europe.

[00:15:07] Data transparency challenges and their impact on market participation.

[00:18:05] The absence of negative pricing in Japan's power market.

[00:23:12] Challenges in forecasting and data reliability amid energy transition.

[00:27:02] Impacts of global LNG dependency and Fukushima on energy policy.

[00:29:46] Rising industrial demand from AI, semiconductor manufacturing, and data centers.

[00:32:15] Key barriers to market entry for foreign participants.

[00:37:20] The role of futures markets in stabilizing Japan’s energy sector.

[00:42:10] Opportunities for innovation in smart meters and real-time data integration.

[00:47:23] Recommendations for improving market functionality through weather and demand forecasting.

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In this episode of Know Power, hosts Noha and Mike sit down with Asim Haque, Senior Vice President at PJM Interconnection and former Chair of the Ohio Public Utilities Commission. Asim shares his winding path into the energy sector, from real estate litigation to one of the most influential roles in the country’s power grid. The conversation explores how PJM navigates a complex web of state interests, grid reliability, and market pressures in a time of rising demand and clean energy transition. From the recent Pennsylvania capacity settlement to stakeholder frustrations, Asim offers clarity on the challenges PJM faces and the role markets play in shaping our energy future.

Guest bio: Asim Haque PJM is a distinguished leader in the field of energy policy and government regulation, with a career spanning over 15 years. His passion for public service, coupled with his expertise in energy policy, has led to significant contributions in shaping energy regulations and policies.

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[00:03:04] Asim shares how a legal career unexpectedly led to energy regulation.

[00:06:40] The unusual interview that landed Asim a role at the Ohio PUC.

[00:08:50] Comparing commissioner and chair roles — and the politics behind the policy.

[00:10:27] Major regulatory moments: Clean Power Plan, grid modernization, and market transitions.

[00:11:55] Inside Asim's day-to-day at PJM and how his role has expanded.

[00:14:54] PJM’s growing visibility and engagement with state governments.

[00:16:53] The value of PJM’s regulatory diversity — and how it can be a strength.

[00:18:23] Asim on maintaining one consistent message across all 13 states.

[00:20:49] Breakdown of the Pennsylvania complaint and PJM’s capacity market settlement.

[00:24:07] Why PJM introduced a capacity price floor — and how it affects reliability.

[00:26:17] PJM’s stance on market design via settlement and independent action.

[00:28:53] Why the focus must now shift to energy market reforms.

[00:30:25] Addressing fears that future policy will follow the “file a complaint” model.

[00:31:24] A call for urgency and focus in PJM’s stakeholder process.

[00:34:52] Why market signals matter — and what happens if they’re ignored.

[00:37:34] Facing rapid demand growth and declining supply across the grid.

[00:39:00] Asim outlines short-term, mid-term, and long-term solutions.

[00:41:35] The role of big tech and innovation in solving demand challenges.

[00:43:24] Why markets need to do their job — and what’s at stake if they can’t.

[00:44:27] State vs. federal tensions and how FERC might respond to recent settlements.

[00:45:48] A lighter moment: parenting, sports, and balancing work-life chaos.

[00:56:12] Asim reflects on aging, perspective, and what matters most.

[00:58:00] The team shares current TV obsessions and grid irony: powering the binge.

[01:00:13] Asim sees energy as foundational to broader innovations like AI and medicine.

[01:01:03] Why data centers could actually become part of the grid solution.

[01:03:55] Looking ahead: Asim’s optimistic vision for PJM in 2035.

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In this episode of Know Power, hosts Noha and Michael sit down with Christie Obiaya, CEO and Director of Heliogen, an energy technology company focused on concentrated solar power (CSP) and storage solutions. Christie shares her journey from chemical engineering to leading Heliogen and dives into the challenges and opportunities of CSP technology. The conversation explores how Heliogen is redefining renewable energy with CSP, addressing issues from energy access to industrial decarbonization. Christie discusses the evolution of CSP, its deployment challenges in the U.S., and its unique benefits, including higher efficiency compared to traditional solar PV. Tune in to discover how Heliogen’s innovative approach combines AI and advanced thermal storage to push the boundaries of clean energy.

Guest bio: 

Christie Obiaya has spent the majority of her 20-year career in the energy and infrastructure sectors with a focus on the energy transition.  She joined Heliogen as CFO in 2021 and was appointed CEO in 2023 to lead the company’s commercialization of its clean energy technology.

Prior to joining Heliogen, Obiaya was the CFO and head of strategy for Bechtel Energy, the largest global business unit at Bechtel.  In her 11 years at Bechtel, Obiaya held roles spanning corporate strategy, finance, project development and execution, in both traditional and renewable energy sectors.  Prior to Bechtel, she led renewable energy programs in Kenya and India, in collaboration with organizations such as the UN Development Program.  Obiaya began her career as a product manager and engineer at Procter & Gamble.  She holds chemical engineering and MBA degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Obiaya serves on the board of directors for Tetra Tech (NASDAQ: TTEK) and for the non-profit Houston Habitat for Humanity.

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[00:01:12] Introduction of Christie Obiaya and her background in the energy sector.

[00:02:08] Christie's personal connection to energy access and equity issues.

[00:03:03] The concept of a "just transition" in energy and Christie's work in India and Kenya.

[00:05:04] Challenges and opportunities for CSP in the U.S. compared to global markets.

[00:07:02] Overview of how CSP technology works and its unique benefits.

[00:10:08] The role of CSP in providing high-capacity, dispatchable energy.

[00:12:15] Heliogen’s AI-driven improvements to CSP performance and efficiency.

[00:16:03] Partnerships and projects, including collaborations with the Department of Energy.

[00:18:09] Heliogen's focus on high-power consuming industries and decarbonization.

[00:23:07] The development and future potential of CSP in the U.S.

[00:26:13] Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on CSP technology deployment.

[00:29:06] Overcoming perception challenges and past issues with CSP.

[00:34:02] Global lessons learned and the potential for CSP in large-scale energy projects.

[00:36:17] Christie's vision for the future of CSP and the energy transition over the next decade.

[00:41:04] Challenges in standardizing commercial structures for emerging energy technologies.

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In this episode of Know Power, hosts Noha and Mike speak with Craig Shesky, CFO of The Metals Company, a pioneer in deep-sea mining for battery metals. Craig shares his fascinating journey from driving massive trucks in iron mines to leading financial strategies in a cutting-edge industry. The conversation dives into the intricate details of deep-sea mining, exploring how The Metals Company is innovating to collect nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese nodules from the ocean floor. They discuss the environmental implications, regulatory frameworks, and the critical need for these metals in the clean energy transition. Craig emphasizes the benefits of deep-sea resources over traditional land-based mining, highlighting efforts to minimize environmental impact and collaborate with global partners. Tune in to discover the future of sustainable mining and its vital role in powering our transition to cleaner energy.

Guest bio: Craig has over 15 years combined experience in public investing, metals research and investment banking in New York. He spent 12 years at King Street Capital Management, most recently as senior analyst in charge of recommending investments in the global metals & mining space. He analyzes electrification trends, battery chemistries and the resulting impacts on supply & demand for critical base metals, with particular expertise in nickel and copper. Craig also has significant experience navigating complex, legal-driven investments around the world, as King Street was one of the largest creditors in over a dozen global Lehman Brothers entities. He worked closely with administrators, creditors, lawyers and advisors to reach settlements, form JVs and accelerate recoveries, particularly in the US, UK, German, Swiss and Dutch Lehman administrations. He also spent two years as the top-tier analyst on the insurance & asset management investment banking team at Morgan Stanley.

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[00:01:14] Craig Shesky's background and career journey

[00:02:24] Transition from finance to The Metals Company

[00:03:55] Importance of nickel in battery technology and market dynamics

[00:04:54] Overview of The Metals Company's deep-sea mining operations

[00:06:40] Environmental considerations and comparisons with land-based mining

[00:12:16] Data release and collaboration with international regulators

[00:13:27] Trade-offs and benefits of deep-sea mining

[00:16:19] Detailed extraction process and technological advancements

[00:20:49] Seafloor and midwater plume management

[00:23:09] Regulatory framework and application process for commercial production

[00:30:40] Potential impacts on local communities and global supply chains

[00:36:09] Partnership with Nauru and economic benefits for developing nations

[00:44:07] Long-term vision and goals for The Metals Company

[00:46:37] Future of deep-sea mining and competitive landscape

[00:51:17] Regulatory challenges and potential changes for the industry

[00:57:03] Scale and potential impact of The Metals Company's resources

[00:59:26] Broader industrial and defense applications for mined metals

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In today's episode of Know Power, hosts Noha Sidhom and Mike Borgatti welcome Quentin Scrimshire, CEO and founder of Modo Energy. Quentin, known as Q, shares his journey from studying electrical engineering in the UK to leading a venture-backed startup in Austin, Texas. They discuss the rapid growth and potential of grid-scale batteries, the challenges of forecasting and optimizing energy storage, and the complexities of the energy market. Quentin provides insights into Modo Energy's innovative approach to data and market modeling, and his vision for the future of the energy industry. Tune in to learn about the transformative power of energy storage and the entrepreneurial spirit driving the energy transition.

Guest bio: Quentin ‘Q’ Scrimshire has over a decade of experience working in battery energy storage and power markets, covering asset development, financing, construction, trading and optimisation. Before co-founding Modo Energy in 2019, he led Kiwi Power’s European energy storage business (acquired by ENGIE). Previously, he was an engineer at Centrica PLC working on capital projects across offshore wind, oil & gas, thermal power, peaking plant and energy storage. He holds his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Manchester. 

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[00:01:41] Quentin's career journey and the founding of Modo Energy

[00:04:15] The potential and capabilities of grid-scale batteries

[00:06:13] Challenges and complexities of battery storage optimization

[00:09:45] Market dynamics and the impact of renewables on battery storage

[00:16:44] Entrepreneurial journey during Winter Storm Uri

[00:19:01] Growth and focus areas of Modo Energy's forecasting services

[00:21:07] Adapting from UK to US energy markets and regulatory complexities

[00:23:54] Expansion plans and the decision to move to Texas

[00:31:21] Lessons from the UK energy market and future vision for Modo Energy

[00:35:34] Accelerating the energy transition and the role of proven technologies

[00:42:26] Importance of human capital and educational initiatives at Modo Energy

[00:50:09] Long-term vision for Modo Energy and hiring opportunities

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In this episode of Know Power, hosts Mike and Noha sit down with John Berger, CEO and founder of Sunnova. They delve into John's extensive career in the power industry, exploring the evolution of Sunnova from its inception to its current state, boasting over 400,000 customers. John shares his insights on the heavily regulated U.S. power industry, the need for consumer choice, and the transformative potential of solar, battery storage, and software technologies. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the current energy landscape, highlighting the importance of innovation and regulatory reform for a sustainable energy future.

Guest bio: Mr. Berger founded Sunnova in 2012 and has since then served as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board. With more than two decades of experience in the electric power industry, Mr. Berger is an energy entrepreneur who has always supported free market competition, consumer choice and the advancement of energy technology to power energy independence. Before Sunnova, Mr. Berger served as Founder and Chief Executive Officer at SunCap Financial, a residential solar service provider. He also founded Standard Renewable Energy, a provider and installer of renewable energy and energy-efficient products and services. Mr. Berger received his Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and graduated cum laude from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

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[00:00:19] John's background and career evolution

[00:01:15] Transition to solar and energy storage focus

[00:02:04] Experience at FERC and insights on regulation

[00:03:00] Discussion on government regulation in the power industry

[00:04:48] Impact of deregulation and consumer choice

[00:06:27] Sunnova's energy-as-a-service model

[00:07:41] Trends in power demand and technology

[00:09:01] Implications of AI and data centers on power demand

[00:09:59] Challenges faced by utilities and ISOs

[00:10:28] Consumer benefits of Sunnova's services

[00:12:19] Flexibility and pricing in Texas

[00:13:40] Regulatory complexities in Texas

[00:14:06] Cost implications of regulation on solar

[00:14:54] Policy and market conditions in California

[00:16:07] Consumer choice and capitalism in energy

[00:17:31] Reliability and investment issues in Texas

[00:18:33] Sunnova's approach to aggregation and reliability

[00:19:42] Puerto Rico as a model for innovation

[00:20:25] Future vision of the power industry

[00:22:15] Aging infrastructure and investment needs

[00:23:11] Wholesale power prices and market signals

[00:24:34] Customer value proposition and market adaptation

[00:26:13] The future of energy and Sunnova's role

[00:27:14] Technological advancements and market trends

[00:29:16] Regulatory overhaul and consumer empowerment

[00:30:42] Grassroots movement and consumer demand

[00:32:31] Predictions for the energy industry by 2050

[00:35:22] Comparing U.S. energy models to other countries

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In this episode of Know Power, Noha and Mike sit down with Christina Hayes, Executive Director for Americans for a Clean Energy Grid. They unravel the complexities of the energy grid, focusing on the evolution of transmission systems, the implications of recent policy changes, and the urgent need for a robust, high-capacity transmission infrastructure to meet the nation's energy demands. Christina shares her journey from her roots in Oregon to her pivotal role in shaping energy policy and infrastructure on a national scale.

Guest bio: Christina Hayes is the Executive Director of Americans for a Clean Energy Grid. She previously served as Vice President of Federal Regulatory Affairs at Berkshire Hathaway Energy, advising Midwestern and Western utilities in navigating FERC, NERC, and other federal agencies. Prior to joining BHE, Christina spent nearly a decade at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, serving as an attorney and advisor to Chairman Wellinghoff. A native Oregonian, Christina has also served as an administrative law judge at the Public Utility Commission of Oregon.

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[00:01:14] Christina Hayes’ background and career path

[00:02:08] Discussion on energy's universal impact

[00:03:31] Christina’s journey from Oregon to FERC and beyond

[00:04:59] Early career influences and legislative work

[00:06:55] The effect of Order 888 and Order 1000 on transmission development

[00:12:15] The need for adaptation and ongoing adjustments in energy policy

[00:13:57] Emerging needs and the inevitable investment in transmission

[00:20:57] FERC's efforts in improving state-level coordination for transmission projects

[00:26:15] State policies and their impact on energy planning

[00:28:09] Interregional coordination and the concept of "Big Wires"

[00:36:08] The economic impact of transmission systems

[00:42:47] Challenges and solutions in planning, permitting, and paying for transmission

[00:47:58] Tax credits and incentives for transmission development

[00:55:26] Transmission infrastructure and future planning

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In this episode of Know Power, Noha and Mike speak with Pat Wood, a pivotal figure in transforming energy markets through regulatory innovation. With a distinguished career spanning leadership roles at the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Wood brings a unique perspective on energy policy, market design, and the balance between regulation and innovation. Caitlin Smith, representing Jupiter Power, joins as a co-host, contributing insights from the renewable energy sector.

Guest bio: 

Pat Wood III is the past Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The son of a small businessman, Pat has been a forceful advocate throughout his career for robust infrastructure and for customer-centered, technology-unleashing competition.

Today, as CEO of the Hunt Energy Network, Pat and his team are shaping the dependable, decarbonized, democratized, decentralized, diverse and digitalized future of the power grid. By the end of 2028, the team expects to have an 1100 MW portfolio of distributed batteries and peaking generation assets attached to the Texas power grid.

Pat has served as a director of a number of public energy companies: independent power producer Dynegy (Board chairman); solar pioneer SunPower (lead independent director), modular nuclear generation (NuScale) sponsor Spring Valley Acquisition Corp., natural gas producer Memorial Resource Development, and infrastructure contractor Quanta Services. Pat is chairman of the board of Luma Energy, overseeing the Quanta-ATCO joint venture to rebuild and operate the Puerto Rico utility system.

Pat holds a B.S. degree (civil engineering) from Texas A&M University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He, and his wife, Kathleen, are raising four sons, and there is never a dull moment.

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[00:02:05] Pat Wood's origins in the energy sector, from Port Arthur to FERC

[00:03:27] Transitioning gas utilities to competitive markets, drawing parallels to electricity

[00:04:30] Market design and the unfinished business of standardization

[00:06:16] The complexity of implementing a standard market design across diverse regions

[00:07:31] Efforts in renewable energy integration and the role of competitive markets

[00:10:05] The dynamic interplay between state and federal energy regulations

[00:18:32] Discussion on grid constraints and integrating new generation resources

[00:22:43] The potential of demand response and distributed energy resources in grid management

[00:27:41] Future outlook on infrastructure development and renewable energy support

[00:34:18] The socio-economic impacts of energy policy and infrastructure development

[00:38:05] Examining successful renewable energy projects and key takeaways

[00:42:22] Technological advancements and their implications for energy storage and distribution

[00:45:37] Strategies for enhancing grid reliability in the face of growing energy demands

[00:49:08] Global energy trends influencing domestic energy policies

[00:53:17] The importance of consumer education in energy conservation and choice

[01:02:09] Energy innovation and the collaborative effort towards a sustainable energy future

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In today's episode, we're joined by a seasoned expert, David Applebaum of The Hawthorne Group. We will unpack the challenges of implementing renewable projects and the political campaigns that sometimes need to accompany them. David will share why developers must adopt a campaign-style approach to successfully engage with various communities and stakeholders, especially amidst the diverse local regulations and concerns. We’ll touch on the power of traditional outreach methods, such as town meetings and door knocking, and new-school strategies, like social media, to engage communities effectively. Michael will explore renewables' real impacts on local economies and landscapes, acknowledging the concerns and emphasizing the benefits. At the same time, Noha will highlight developers' crucial role in respecting and engaging with communities to foster project success.

Guest bio: David has nearly four decades of experience as a political and policy strategist with deep experience in state and local issues management in the public and private sectors and working with Regional Transmission Organizations in the Northeastern U.S. and Canada. In the private sector, David was Director of Business Development for Ballard Generation Systems, a subsidiary of Vancouver-based fuel cell developer Ballard Power Systems; Vice President for Government and Community Relations for New York-based independent power company Sithe Energies, Inc.; and most recently retired as Senior Director of Regulatory & Political Affairs at NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, the world’s leading producer of electricity from the wind and sun and a world leader in energy storage.  During his 22-year tenure with both NextEra Energy Resources and Sithe Energies, David was responsible for managing legislative, regulatory, and community matters at the state and local levels, as well as representing the companies at the Regional Transmission Organizations covering New York, PJM, New England and Ontario.

[00:02:32] Community-level power project strategies

[00:06:55] Renewable energy development and community engagement progress

[00:10:40] Successful engagement strategies for renewable energy developers in rural communities

[00:19:25] Progress in renewable energy development in Southwest Power Pool regions

[00:24:18] Strategies for successful renewable energy project campaigning

[00:28:50] Challenges developers face with the power of new media tools

[00:32:44] The importance of upfront community analysis for renewable energy developers

[00:36:32] Tailoring renewable energy project strategies to community concerns

[00:40:33] The organic nature of opposition to renewable projects, not driven by big money

[00:49:19] Local considerations in renewable energy project development

[00:52:35] Lessons from fracking for renewable energy development

[00:56:59] Advocating for a campaign mindset in renewable energy development

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