With fleet electrification accelerating, utilities face both opportunities and challenges in managing EV demand and leveraging vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. In this episode, Mark Braby, Chief Commercial Officer at Synop, joins Power Perspectives to discuss that rapidly evolving relationship between utilities and the transportation sector.

Listen in as Mark discusses:

- The transformative role of software in uniting fleet operators and utilities for electrification success.

- Key use cases demonstrating the real-world impact of V2G technology on grid operations.

- The critical data needs of utilities to ensure grid stability amid increasing EV adoption.

- The evolving relationship between utilities and transportation over the next decade, including autonomous fleets and smart charging.

For utility leaders, fleet managers, and anyone invested in the electrification journey, this

episode is packed with actionable insights. Join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they explore how fleet electrification is reshaping the energy landscape with Mark Braby.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives-can-evs-drive-grid-stability

Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Will new transmission infrastructure ever come to pass? When will we reach a tipping point with data center energy needs? How can we determine the future of hydrogen's transformative race toward dominance? And what will *really* be the impact of decreasing energy storage costs?

Today on Energy Central's special year-end episode, we look back at a major 2024...and forward, toward what's looking to be a big 2025. Using ideas and predictions from our community's Energy Central Top Voices (check out the full list here), the Power Perspectives team is telling you about the most impactful stories of the year.

So grab your headphones and get ready to think big.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript:

Top Voices of 2024 Homepage: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/energy-central-top-voices-2024-all-network-summary

Episodes Mentioned During Episodes...

Tony Sleva: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-154-imagining-next-generation-energy-grid-tony-sleva-president-prescient

Steve Martz: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-170-navigating-complexities-integrated-planning-steve-martz-vp-integrated

Vicken Kasarjian: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-170-navigating-complexities-integrated-planning-steve-martz-vp-integrated

Veronica Ung-Kono: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-180-balancing-clean-energy-expansion-wildlife-protection-veronica-ung

David Schleicher: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-177-powering-data-center-alley-david-schleicher-president-ceo-northern

Todd Allen, Greg Keoleian: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-155-machh2-and-future-hydrogen-michigans-pioneers-todd-allen-and-greg

Idaho National Lab: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-158-decoding-iras-unlocking-nuclear-uprating-and-hydrogen-cogeneration

Prasanna Venkatesan, Arch Rao: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-174-embracing-future-residential-energy-management-prasanna-venkatesan

Amy Myers Jaffe: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-navigating-energys-post-election-crossroads-2024-AND()

Diego Ibarra: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-160-decarbonizing-across-borders-climate-future-diego-ibarra-executive

Erik Krause: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-163-zero-carbon-2030-leaving-no-customer-behind-erik-krause-director

Cynthia Klein: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-164-duke-energys-strategy-harness-iija-opportunity-cynthia-klein-director

Aaron Choo: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-176-gas-grid-energy-transition-aaron-choo-vice-president-gas-network

Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

In this episode, Mike Goggin, Senior Product Manager at SSP Innovations, joins the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast to explore how advanced GIS technology is now within reach for smaller utilities. Historically reserved for larger utilities, Esri’s Utility Network has become an essential tool for modernizing grid management. Mike shares how SSP Innovations has tailored this powerful platform to meet the unique needs of cooperatives, municipalities, and mid-sized utilities.

Listen in as Mike discusses:

- The challenges driving utilities away from legacy systems like ArcMap and geometric networks.

- Common adoption hesitations and strategies to ease the transition to the Utility Network.

- Real-world benefits of pre-configured systems and how customization can address individual utility needs.

- The Utility Network’s role in tackling the energy transition, electrification, and grid resilience challenges.

For any utility professionals looking to modernize operations while keeping costs manageable, this episode provides actionable insights and guidance. Join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they uncover how GIS innovation is empowering utilities of every size to thrive in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Key Links

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives-podcast-gis-smaller-utilities-grid-modernization-here-brought

Mike Goggin's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/mike-goggin-0/about

SSP Innovations on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/ssp

Think Differently: Why GIS and Modern Network Management are Intertwined by Mike Goggin: https://energycentral.com/o/ssp/think-differently-why-gis-and-modern-network-management-are-intertwined

Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

In this episode, Amy Myers Jaffe, Director of the Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab at NYU, joins the Power Perspectives Podcast in the wake of the November 2024 elections to discuss the most pressing issues shaping the energy landscape. With her expertise in energy geopolitics, climate risk, and sustainability, Amy offers invaluable insights into how utilities can adapt to evolving challenges while pursuing a more resilient and sustainable future.

Listen in as Amy explores:

- The intersection of federal energy policies and state climate goals amidst political changes

- Why small modular reactors (SMRs) may not be the universal solution some hope for

- How digital solutions for demand management remain an underutilized opportunity

- The role of supply chain resilience in ensuring reliable energy amid geopolitical tensions

Join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they get a crash course into these critical topics with Amy Myers Jaffe. Whether you’re a utility executive, policymaker, or energy enthusiast, this episode provides actionable strategies for tackling today’s energy challenges and securing a sustainable future.

Key Links

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-navigating-energys-post-election-crossroads-2024-and

Energy's Digital Future: Harnessing Innovation for American Resilience and National Security by Amy Myers Jaffe: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/energys-digital-future/9780231216753

Five Ways to Disaster-Proof the Energy Grid by Amy Myers Jaffe: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/climate-environment/energy-grid-extreme-weather-power-outages-c77e97e2

Amy's Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/amy-jaffe

Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

In this episode, Rob Brook, Senior Vice President and Managing Director – Americas at Neara, joins the Power Perspectives Podcast to discuss a pressing challenge for the energy sector: the growing impact of severe weather on energy infrastructure. As storms increase in frequency and intensity, Rob shares how utilities must enhance their resilience strategies and what Neara is doing to harness the power of AI and simulation to help utilities predict, prepare for, and respond to these extreme weather events.

Listen in as Rob discusses:

- How AI-driven simulations model the impacts of severe weather on utility networks

- The types of data required to build accurate simulations and how utilities manage data quality

- Insights from Neara’s collaboration with CenterPoint Energy, focusing on storm preparation post-Hurricane Beryl

- Applications of AI in utility operations beyond storm resilience, including asset management and grid modernization

- Overcoming regulatory and cost challenges to implement cutting-edge technology

For any utility stakeholders aiming to make our grid more resilient, this episode is for you. Join host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester as they explore the future of storm preparedness and grid resilience with Rob Brook.

Key Links

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-using-ai-predict-protect-grid-wide-storm-resilience

Rob Neara's Energy Central profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/robert-brook

Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

In today’s episode of the Power Perspectives Podcast, Sam Hartzman, Chief Diversity Officer at Duquesne Light Company (DLC), joins to guide a much-needed discussion of the energy industry's current state of transformation—not only in technology and sustainability but also in workplace culture. Specifically, the growing focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) sees some utilities at a crossroads, and Sam joins host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester to discuss how DLC is leading this DEI charge.

Listen in as Sam shares insights into the company's initiative, A Duty to One Another, which emphasizes a collaborative, grassroots approach to fostering inclusion. The discussion covers:

- How Duquesne Light's DEI efforts differ from traditional, top-down approaches.

- Overcoming challenges in a climate where companies are facing pressure to adjust their DEI initiatives.

- The connection between DEI and corporate performance, including financial and operational metrics.

- The role of DEI in advancing Duquesne Light’s mission for a clean energy future.

If you're curious about how a utility company is navigating the complexities of DEI while staying committed to its broader mission, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Links

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/power-perspectives-podcast-how-can-utilities-build-more-inclusive-workplace-sam

Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

To modernize infrastructure or optimize for reliability—that's the question utility leaders like Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of United Illuminating, are facing on a daily basis. The need to transition to cleaner energy sources and address the challenges of aging infrastructure are often at odds with utilities' efforts to maintain reliable power delivery. So which do you choose? And can you have it all?

Today on Power Perspectives, Frank guides host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester through key topics impacting his work in Connecticut, including...

- The relationship between utilities and regulators

- The impact of performance-based regulation

- How United Illuminating is navigating financial and operational hurdles

If you want to learn how this utility leader is steering a company through unprecedented times—all while embracing innovation and the future of clean energy in Connecticut—this episode is for you.

Key Links

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/c/pip/episode-183-how-utility-ceo-balances-innovation-reliability-frank-reynolds

Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

As the final episode in the three-part special Esri takeover series on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan-- Directors at Esri-- bring their conversation to a conclusion by focusing on two essential areas: enterprise access and collaboration, as well as the essential (and sometime frustrating) areas of data quality and governance. Pat and Bill will bring their experience to the listener in breaking down silos and improving communication across departments are critical for utility success. They share real-life examples from their experiences, like the consequences of hoarding information and how modern tools and technologies can foster collaboration both within companies and with external stakeholders such as regulators.

Listen in as this episode also touches on the role of effective data governance in ensuring data quality, discussing the importance of maintaining high accuracy and ensuring data integrity across systems. Pat and Bill explore the exciting innovations and technologies currently taking hold in the sector to automate and streamline these processes, reducing the burden on employees and allowing utilities to focus on delivering efficient, reliable services. Given how enterprise access and data quality governance are key to running a successful, modern utility, you won't want to miss this discussion.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-182-access-collaboration-and-data-quality-keys-modern-utility-pat-hohl

Latest Esri E-Book: "Successful Digital Utilities Enabled by Modern Network Information Management": go.esri.com/UN_eBook_EC

Episode 1 of this three-part series, "Episode #178: "Breaking Boundaries: Cross-Industry Innovation at IMGIS 2024" with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI]": https://energycentral.com/c/iu/episode-178-breaking-boundaries-cross-industry-innovation-imgis-2024-pat-hohl-and

Episode 2: "Episode #181: "Breaking Down Silos with GIS and Advanced Modeling in the Utility Sector" with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI]": https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-181-breaking-down-silos-gis-and-advanced-modeling-utility-sector-pat-hohl

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

Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast

Continuing the Esri takeover series of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, Bill Meehan and Pat Hohl, both Directors at Esri, use episode two of this three-part series to share insights in the rapidly changing world of utility network management. Pat and Bill share with listeners their views on how utilities are modernizing their systems to meet the challenges of an evolving energy landscape. As utilities face increasing demands from distributed energy resources (DERs), network expansions, and electrification of transportation, the need for accurate, real-time data becomes more critical than ever. In that light, this conversation covers how utilities are embracing new technologies like Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) and Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), and why the quality and governance of network data is at the heart of it all.

Listen in to get a deep dive into key topics like network modeling, the role of geospatial systems and GIS in improving data integration, and the necessity of creating a single source of truth for utility operations. This episode is packed with practical insights and real-world examples, plus the discussion teases upcoming topics such as enterprise data access and the future of AI in utility management, offering a compelling reason to tune in to future episodes.

Key Links:

Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-181-breaking-down-silos-gis-and-advanced-modeling-utility-sector-pat-hohl

Latest Esri E-Book: "Successful Digital Utilities Enabled by Modern Network Information Management": go.esri.com/UN_eBook_EC

Episode 1 of this three-part series, "Episode #178: "Breaking Boundaries: Cross-Industry Innovation at IMGIS 2024" with Pat Hohl and Bill Meehan, Directors at ESRI [Special Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Presented by ESRI]": https://energycentral.com/c/iu/episode-178-breaking-boundaries-cross-industry-innovation-imgis-2024-pat-hohl-and

Other previous podcast appearances from Pat and Bill

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

Episode 131: 'Unlocking the Power of GIS: Sharing, Understanding, and Capturing Utility Data': https://energycentral.com/o/esri/special-episode-unlocking-power-gis-sharing-understanding-and-capturing-utility

Episode 132: 'Harnessing GIS for Strategic Utility Insight': https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/special-episode-harnessing-gis-strategic-utility-insight-pat-hohl-and-bill-meehan

Episode 133: 'The Role of GIS Data, Mobility, and Digital Twins': https://energycentral.com/c/iu/special-episode-role-gis-data-mobility-and-digital-twins-pat-hohl-and-bill-meehan

As the demand for renewable energy grows, the expansion of transmission infrastructure has become a critical need for facilitating the clean energy transition. However, this expansion often runs up against the need to protect vital wildlife habitats and natural ecosystems. Striking a balance between advancing clean energy and preserving biodiversity is an increasingly complex challenge that utilities, policymakers, and environmental advocates must navigate. In this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, we welcome Veronica Ung-Kono, Staff Attorney and Clean Energy Transmission Policy Specialist at the National Wildlife Federation, to discuss how these two worlds intersect.

Listen in as Veronica shares with podcast host Jason Price and produce Matt Chester her unique perspective on how to expand the nation’s transmission infrastructure while protecting wildlife. From understanding migration patterns to safeguarding lesser-known ecosystems, Veronica explores how her team is working to ensure that clean energy development doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. Listen in as this conversation covers these critical issues and learn how early collaboration between developers and environmental advocates can lead to more sustainable outcomes.

Key Links:

Post on Energy Central with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-180-balancing-clean-energy-expansion-wildlife-protection-veronica-ung

NWF's Transmission Webpage: https://www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Climate/Climate-Change/Greenhouse-Gases/Transmission

2022 MIT Study, Sources of Opposition to renewable energy projects in the United States: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421522001471

Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast? Do you want to hear your voice on a future episode? Well starting in 2024, we’re offering you that opportunity! Head to this link where you can leave us a recorded message, including a question you’re eager to have answered on a future episode of the podcast. We’ll listen through them, pick out the right guests in our upcoming lineup to address them, and you’ll hear yourself as a part of the conversation! Energy Central on SpeakPipe: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast