Schweitzer Drive

The electric power grid has been called the largest machine in the world. Communication systems provide additional visibility and control of large electric networks but also introduce cybersecurity challenges. In this episode, Dave Whitehead talks with network communications expert Rhett Smith about a new approach that enables engineers to write their own rules for their communication networks while also making them more secure.

The products and technologies used in electric power systems need to be highly reliable. These devices must withstand high voltages, severe weather, extreme temperatures, and more to keep the power flowing to hospitals, factories, schools, and businesses—24/7. In this episode, Dave Whitehead talks with manufacturing and product service expert Gurvinder Singh about the importance of getting to root cause and how it leads to high reliability.

We've all heard terms like "contractor-grade" or "medical-grade," which convey information about the quality of a product. In this episode, Dave Whitehead talks with quality expert Adrian Genz about what it takes for a product to earn the designation of "utility-grade" and why it's important to reliability.

With the ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and around the globe, it's a good time to reconsider the role nuclear power plays in the energy mix. In this episode, Dave Whitehead talks with Bob Schuetz, CEO of Energy Northwest, about this zero-emission energy source that currently provides about 1/5 of the nation's power but has the potential to play a much bigger role in a clean-energy future.

In the latest episode, host Dave Whitehead sits in the chair normally reserved for guests on Schweitzer Drive. Join Stephanie Schweitzer, who leads SEL Marketing & Communications, as she talks with Dave about how he got interested in engineering, his path to CEO, thoughts on the future of electric power, and what he's excited about.

Historically, electric utilities independently determined their generation portfolio based on customer demand, local resources, available technologies, agreements with neighboring utilities, etc. Increasingly, government mandates related to decarbonization goals are limiting the options. In this episode, Dave Whitehead talks with energy policy expert Tom Pyle and power system protection pioneer Dr. Ed Schweitzer about how outside forces are shaping the future electric power and challenging grid reliability.

We often talk about the tools and technology that help prevent cybersecurity attacks. These are important. However, attackers are often able to gain access by someone who is just going about their daily activities, answering email or phone calls. In this episode, Dave Whitehead talks with cybersecurity expert Frank Harrill about the importance of cultivating a culture of security where every employee understands their role in protecting company assets.

There are many things that go into creating a successful business. You need a good strategy, a strong team, and a great product or service to sell. But these alone don't ensure success. In this episode, Dave Whitehead talks with business leaders David Costello and Tony Lee about an essential ingredient that fortifies all the others and can take the recipe from good to great: culture.

Electric power grids are designed to withstand a wide variety of destructive forces. Whether lightning is striking or hurricane winds are blowing, people depend on the grid to continuously deliver electricity to their homes and businesses. In this episode, Dave Whitehead talks with Travis Mooney, an electronics design and testing expert, about high-altitude electromagnetic pulses and how the industry is working together to ensure the grid is resilient against the threat.