As the energy industry turns the page to 2026, Tim and Sara look ahead at what’s coming next for the grid — from rising demand and renewable integration to the growing role of AI. This episode blends forward-looking insights with a little fun, including surprising home energy facts, a lightning round, and a few spirited debates about duck curves, elephant bellies, and “negawatts.”

The conversation features Remi Raphael, Chief AI Officer at EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute), who shares how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of power systems and what utilities should be preparing for now.

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Hosts: Tim Stafford & Sara Tupac

Topic: What will it take to power a more electric, data-driven, and AI-enabled world in 2026 and beyond?

Overview:
For the first time in decades, electricity demand is accelerating — driven by data centers, electrification, and emerging technologies. Utilities must strengthen grid resilience, integrate diverse energy resources, and adopt new tools to operate faster and smarter. This episode explores the trends, myths, and technologies that will define the next phase of the energy transition.

Highlights:

o Why the grid’s “New Year’s resolution” should be resilience and flexibility
o The biggest myths about renewable energy — and why reliability is achievable
o How flexible demand, storage, and forecasting can reshape the duck curve
o Why nuclear remains a critical source of carbon-free generation
o What “negawatts” really mean for capacity and reliability markets
o How AI-powered agents could help utilities respond faster than humans ever could

Featuring insights from EPRI Chief AI Officer Remi Raphael, this episode offers a thoughtful — and entertaining — look at where power, technology, and innovation are headed as we move into 2026.