Know Power

On this episode of Know Power, we explore the complexities of the energy industry and its ongoing transition toward renewables. Travis Kavulla, a public policy expert, shares his insights on the challenges facing the industry, including political tension between state jurisdictions and the need for nimble market structures that facilitate entry and exit of legacy assets. We also discuss the role of integrated resource planning, the reliance on neighboring regions for resource adequacy, and the potential impact of new regulations. Additionally, we delve into the challenges of retail markets and the need for pricing transmission and distribution costs in a time-varying way to ensure efficient network pricing. Finally, we discuss the Retail Energy Advancement League's efforts to improve retail competition in the energy industry and promote reform to maintain appropriate standards of conduct. Join us as we explore the shifting landscape of the energy industry and the challenges and opportunities it presents.

Guest bio: Travis Kavulla is a former state regulatory commissioner who was elected to the office at the age of 26. With his early career experience in utility regulation, Travis went on to head up a think-tank synergy program at the R Street Institute before joining NRG. During his time serving on the Montana Commission, he played a role in getting Western Energy and Balance markets started and regional transmission planning out West. Now leading a team of around 20 people at NRG, Travis is involved in both wholesale and retail markets across North America.

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[00:03:43] Learning the ropes of regulatory policy

[00:10:02] Retail Energy Advancement League raises the retail bar

[00:17:27] 75% of customers have smart meters, but rates are not smart yet

[00:25:22] Interdependence in energy market leading to tensions between entities

[00:30:43] The dynamic nature of the energy industry leading to challenges in execution

[00:37:23] How the Eastern market, Western market, and Texas differ

[00:42:15] The need for incentives for reliable energy delivery

[00:47:40] ERCOT facing a resource adequacy issue

[00:54:11] How transmission investment and flattened demand curves save money

[00:58:11] Limited energy consumer choice impeding progress

Learn more and stay up to date at KnowPowerShow.com

Connect with our Hosts

Noha Sidhom

LinkedIn

Mike Borgatti

LinkedIn

Gabel Associates

On this inaugural episode of Know Power, Manu Asthana, an expert in the energy space, discusses his role as a member of PJM and how he's been helping with the organization's big energy transition. With a diverse array of backgrounds and capacities within the organization's scope, Manu is at the forefront of a growing concern regarding renewable energy, and PJM is confident it can benefit its customers if they handle the transition correctly. The transition isn't without its challenges, and Manu explains the roadblocks he's run into, particularly with regulatory standards and new technology. He also talks about how PJM is dealing with the issue of diversity, whether it's a more significant asset or if a single state system would be preferable. Finally, Manu emphasizes the importance of addressing the people left behind by industrialization and being open to ideas on how to address this issue.

Guest bio: Manu Asthana is the CEO of PJM, a regional transmission organization that manages the power grid for approximately 65 million Americans in 13 states and the District of Columbia. With over 1400 generators under its management, PJM directs the operation of the transmission system and generation through the power of competitive markets, ensuring efficient operation and forward planning. Manu's leadership has enabled PJM to manage the power grid effectively using cutting-edge technology and competitive market strategies.

[00:04:26] PJM's CEO on finding purpose in the energy transition

[00:08:34] Transition to renewables: urgency and opportunities ahead

[00:16:24] Diversity in the PJM footprint: a significant advantage

[00:19:56] Why transmission is a key component for reliable and diverse energy

[00:23:06] Upgrading grid infrastructure for renewable energy

[00:29:11] How PJM handles the intricacies connecting homes to power grid

[00:33:57] Designing a fairer society through better power distribution practices

[00:43:24] Geopolitics, energy security, and climate change policies

[00:48:13] The future of work: embracing rapid innovation

Learn more and stay up to date at KnowPowerShow.com

Connect with our Hosts

Noha Sidhom

LinkedIn

Mike Borgatti

LinkedIn

Gabel Associates

Whether we realize it or not, we’re all participants in the global energy economy.  The simple act of flipping on a light switch triggers an incredible, coordinated effort to move power from generators across a nationally coordinated transmission grid to our homes, schools, and offices. The need for energy is innate to us as humans and agnostic to things like race, wealth, social status, or political affiliation. The energy industry is not. It’s inherently political, incredibly complicated, and chock full of confusing jargon and super-complex math that can be intimidating for even the most wonky among us.  But does it have to be this way? No. We don't think so. 

If your looking for a simple, straightforward, down-the-middle conversation about all things energy, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to the Know Power Podcast. This season will bring together leaders from across the energy spectrum.

Learn more and stay up to date at KnowPowerShow.com

Connect with our Hosts

Noha Sidhom

LinkedIn

Mike Borgatti

LinkedIn

Gabel Associates