The Grid Mod Pod | A Podcast from AEIC

Telecommunications isn’t a supporting function in grid modernization; it’s essential. It’s the engine that drives how we connect, monitor, and manage data across the entire grid. Without clear communication, we risk outages, inefficiencies, and even safety hazards. To learn more, watch this week’s episode of the Grid Mod Pod, where we’re joined by Francis Frank, an Executive Consultant on Grid Modernization for Bahamas Power and Light. Francis makes the case for why energy professionals must prioritize telecom as a pivotal element of their modernization strategies to meet growing demands and technological advancements.Here's what you'll learn about when you tune in:-How telecommunication enables situational awareness in the grid-Why a “four-lane highway” for telecom is necessary for efficiency-How the biggest opportunities lie outside the last mile of communication-Why workforce development is vital for the telecom industry-Why understanding microgrids is essential for future energy needs-Why data integrity is critical for operational success

Grid modernization isn’t always about new technology. It’s about understanding our existing assets and enhancing them - turning them into advanced distribution management systems, or ADMS, for short. To learn more, watch this week’s episode of the Grid Mod Pod, where we’re joined by Joe Clark from Duke Energy. We discussed how Duke Energy is implementing low voltage management and Fault Isolation and Service Restoration, also known as FISR. These two systems are crucial for automating service restoration and improving response times during outages.Here's what you'll learn about when you tune in:-Why modernizing the grid requires understanding existing assets.How automation significantly reduces service restoration times.-Why effective communication between IT and operations is essential.-Why conscientiousness and self-motivation are valuable traits in the industry.-Why understanding field technologies enhances project outcomes.-How grid modernization is a gradual process, not an overnight change.–Grid modernization happens inside a highly regulated, security-conscious, non-traditional business model that operates very differently than most industries. At its core are utility leaders and operation experts who are navigating new tools, regulations, and more to deliver a sustainable, affordable power grid for all. We're here to bring their voices and perspectives to the surface on the Grid Mod Pod.Each week, you’ll hear directly from the utility leaders and practitioners doing the real work of modernizing and improving our ever-evolving power grid. Each episode stays grounded in practical, on-the-ground insights around what leaders are prioritizing, how they’re building alignment, and how they're driving change. We hope you walk away from this podcast with the insights and momentum needed to spark change in our industry.This podcast is brought to you by Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC), the place for knowledge sharing across the electric utility industry. Founded by Thomas Edison, we’ve been leading the way since 1885.We’ll be back with a new episode next week. Until then, keep powering on!

How can a manual, fragmented contractor compliance process turn into a scalable, enterprise-wide solution?AJ Hester of Southern Company and Chris Stockton of Veriforce have the answer on this week’s Grid Mod Pod. Their teams collaborated to develop WorkerPass, a centralized digital solution that enables contractors to become fully pre-compliant before arriving on site during generation outages, reducing downtime, improving visibility, and strengthening safety and consistency. Their solution was so successful that Southern Company received one of AEIC’s 2025 Annual Achievement Awards.Here's what you'll learn about when you tune in:-How manual, fragmented compliance processes create hidden downtime-What true operational efficiency looks like behind the gate-Why leadership alignment and frontline engagement are both essential when implementing foundational technology inside large utilities-How strategic partnerships between utilities and vendors drive transformation-How the “crawl, walk, run” approach enables scalable modernization-Why, in today’s evolving energy landscape, if you don’t disrupt your own processes, you risk being disrupted–Grid modernization happens inside a highly regulated, security-conscious, non-traditional business model that operates very differently than most industries. At its core are utility leaders and operation experts who are navigating new tools, regulations, and more to deliver a sustainable, affordable power grid for all. We're here to bring their voices and perspectives to the surface on the Grid Mod Pod.Each week, you’ll hear directly from the utility leaders and practitioners doing the real work of modernizing and improving our ever-evolving power grid. Each episode stays grounded in practical, on-the-ground insights around what leaders are prioritizing, how they’re building alignment, and how they're driving change. We hope you walk away from this podcast with the insights and momentum needed to spark change in our industry.This podcast is brought to you by Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC), the place for knowledge sharing across the electric utility industry. Founded by Thomas Edison, we’ve been leading the way since 1885.We’ll be back with a new episode next week. Until then, keep powering on!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the rapid changes in the electric grid? You're not alone. Leaders are facing unprecedented challenges as demand soars and technology advances. This week on the Grid Mod Pod, we’re joined by Bryce Yonker, Executive Director at Grid Forward, to explore the significant shifts occurring within the electric grid sector. This conversation highlights the growing demand for electricity, the necessity for modernization, and the pivotal role of technology in shaping the future of energy supply.📌 Here's what you'll learn about when you tune in:💼 Why leaders are feeling the pressure to do more with less.📦 How supply chain complexities are impacting the electric grid.🤖 How AI presents both opportunities and challenges for utilities.🌍 Why situational awareness is critical for grid management.⚡ Why energy storage solutions are becoming essential.🔗 Why the integration of systems is necessary for operational efficiency.Grid modernization happens inside a highly regulated, security-conscious, non-traditional business model that operates very differently than most industries. At its core are utility leaders and operation experts who are navigating new tools, regulations, and more to deliver a sustainable, affordable power grid for all. We're here to bring their voices and perspectives to the surface on the Grid Mod Pod.Each week, you’ll hear directly from the utility leaders and practitioners doing the real work of modernizing and improving our ever-evolving power grid. Each episode stays grounded in practical, on-the-ground insights around what leaders are prioritizing, how they’re building alignment, and how they're driving change. We hope you walk away from this podcast with the insights and momentum needed to spark change in our industry.This podcast is brought to you by Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC), the place for knowledge sharing across the electric utility industry. Founded by Thomas Edison, we’ve been leading the way since 1885.We’ll be back with a new episode next week. Until then, keep powering on!

Picture this: you’ve just graduated from college or high school, and you have absolutely no idea how to break into the workforce. Enter: the Power Up Academy.This initiative from AEIC member company ComEd is designed to equip individuals with the technical skills needed to break into the utility industry. Laticia Holbert joined us on the Grid Mod Pod this week to tell us more about this transformative program.📌 Here's what you'll learn about when you tune in:💡 Why workforce development is essential for addressing the technical talent gap🤝 Why collaboration with community organizations is crucial for program success🌍 How the Power Up Academy enhances workplace diversity by removing barriers to entry-level roles🌟 Success stories from Power Up Academy participants🔄 Why continuous improvement is necessary to adapt to changing job market needs📈 How engaging local talent can lead to sustainable workforce development–Grid modernization happens inside a highly regulated, security-conscious, non-traditional business model that operates very differently than most industries. At its core are utility leaders and operation experts who are navigating new tools, regulations, and more to deliver a sustainable, affordable power grid for all. We're here to bring their voices and perspectives to the surface on the Grid Mod Pod.Each week, you’ll hear directly from the utility leaders and practitioners doing the real work of modernizing and improving our ever-evolving power grid. Each episode stays grounded in practical, on-the-ground insights around what leaders are prioritizing, how they’re building alignment, and how they're driving change. We hope you walk away from this podcast with the insights and momentum needed to spark change in our industry.This podcast is brought to you by Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC), the place for knowledge sharing across the electric utility industry. Founded by Thomas Edison, we’ve been leading the way since 1885.

In today’s fast-paced world, automation plays a critical role in making utility operations more efficient. It can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and empowers people to do their best work. How so?Find out on this week’s Grid Mod Pod, where we’re joined by Eric Kozak of Ameren Illinois. Eric and his team developed a solution that automated the process of paying vendor invoices. Their solution was so successful that Ameren received one of AEIC’s 2025 Annual Achievement Awards.Here's what you'll learn about when you tune in:-How robotic processing automation (RPA) can improve accuracy and reduce human errors-The unexpected benefits automation can bring to utility teams-Why cultural shifts are essential for embracing automation in the workplace-Why starting small and achieving success is crucial for automation projects-Why automation should be viewed as an opportunity for job enhancement, not elimination–Grid modernization happens inside a highly regulated, security-conscious, non-traditional business model that operates very differently than most industries. At its core are utility leaders and operation experts who are navigating new tools, regulations, and more to deliver a sustainable, affordable power grid for all. We're here to bring their voices and perspectives to the surface on the Grid Mod Pod.Each week, you’ll hear directly from the utility leaders and practitioners doing the real work of modernizing and improving our ever-evolving power grid. Each episode stays grounded in practical, on-the-ground insights around what leaders are prioritizing, how they’re building alignment, and how they're driving change. We hope you walk away from this podcast with the insights and momentum needed to spark change in our industry.This podcast is brought to you by Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC), the place for knowledge sharing across the electric utility industry. Founded by Thomas Edison, we’ve been leading the way since 1885.We’ll be back with a new episode next week. Until then, keep powering on!

Grid modernization isn’t just about new technology. It’s about people willing to challenge legacy thinking and spark change from within their respective organizations.In this episode of the Grid Mod Pod, we’re joined by Ahmed Mousa of PSEG. Ahmed shared insights from more than two decades in the utility industry, spanning field operations, transmission and distribution planning, control center operations, and academia. Drawing on experience at companies like Con Edison and teaching roles at NJIT, Rutgers University, and Columbia University, Ahmed explores what it really takes to move the grid forward.Here's what you'll learn about when you tune in:-Why having a rigid mindset is the biggest barrier to grid modernization-What FERC Order No. 2222 means for utilities, and why distributed energy resources participating in wholesale markets may be the ultimate stress test for the future grid-How to champion change inside a risk-averse utility culture-Lessons learned from deploying advanced grid technologies-Why peer networks, benchmarking, and industry collaboration are critical accelerators-How to build a resilient grid workforce–Grid modernization happens inside a highly regulated, security-conscious, non-traditional business model that operates very differently than most industries. At its core are utility leaders and operation experts who are navigating new tools, regulations, and more to deliver a sustainable, affordable power grid for all. We're here to bring their voices and perspectives to the surface on the Grid Mod Pod.Each week, you’ll hear directly from the utility leaders and practitioners doing the real work of modernizing and improving our ever-evolving power grid. Each episode stays grounded in practical, on-the-ground insights around what leaders are prioritizing, how they’re building alignment, and how they're driving change. We hope you walk away from this podcast with the insights and momentum needed to spark change in our industry.This podcast is brought to you by Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC), the place for knowledge sharing across the electric utility industry. Founded by Thomas Edison, we’ve been leading the way since 1885.We’ll be back with a new episode next week. Until then, keep powering on!

Ready to dive into the innovative world of virtual power plants, or VPPs?This week on the Grid Mod Pod, we’re joined by Kerri Carnes, Director of Customer Solutions at Arizona Public Service. We’ll be talking about the transformative impact of APS's award-winning VPP initiative, which is reshaping how utilities manage energy demand and integrate renewable resources.Here's what you'll learn about when you tune in:-How virtual power plants can significantly enhance grid performance.Why data-driven decision-making is essential for operational efficiency.-Why affordability should be a key consideration in customer programs.-Why customer experience should be prioritized in program design.-How the APS Marketplace has revolutionized customer engagement.-How learning from failures can drive innovation in the energy sector.–Grid modernization happens inside a highly regulated, security-conscious, non-traditional business model that operates very differently than most industries. At its core are utility leaders and operation experts who are navigating new tools, regulations, and more to deliver a sustainable, affordable power grid for all. We're here to bring their voices and perspectives to the surface on the Grid Mod Pod.Each week, you’ll hear directly from the utility leaders and practitioners doing the real work of modernizing and improving our ever-evolving power grid. Each episode stays grounded in practical, on-the-ground insights around what leaders are prioritizing, how they’re building alignment, and how they're driving change. We hope you walk away from this podcast with the insights and momentum needed to spark change in our industry.This podcast is brought to you by Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC), the place for knowledge sharing across the electric utility industry. Founded by Thomas Edison, we’ve been leading the way since 1885.We’ll be back with a new episode next week. Until then, keep powering on!

When you were growing up, how much did you learn about electrical safety?Probably not that much, right? The truth is that educating communities on safe electricity usage can save lives. This week on the Grid Mod Pod, we’re joined by Geoffrey Greene from Orange and Rockland Utilities about how he and his team are bridging the gap in electric safety awareness. Geoffrey and his team used a combination of public-private partnerships and entertaining lessons to help the general public understand electricity safety.Here's what you'll learn about when you tune in:-Why public safety initiatives are crucial for community well-being.-Why education about electrical safety should start at a young age.-How engaging with local emergency management can enhance safety training.-How interactive and engaging teaching methods help retention of safety information.-How collaboration with schools can foster a culture of safety among youth.-Why safety education is a shared responsibility among utilities and communities.–Grid modernization happens inside a highly regulated, security-conscious, non-traditional business model that operates very differently than most industries. At its core are utility leaders and operation experts who are navigating new tools, regulations, and more to deliver a sustainable, affordable power grid for all. We're here to bring their voices and perspectives to the surface on the Grid Mod Pod.Each week, you’ll hear directly from the utility leaders and practitioners doing the real work of modernizing and improving our ever-evolving power grid. Each episode stays grounded in practical, on-the-ground insights around what leaders are prioritizing, how they’re building alignment, and how they're driving change. We hope you walk away from this podcast with the insights and momentum needed to spark change in our industry.This podcast is brought to you by Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC), the place for knowledge sharing across the electric utility industry. Founded by Thomas Edison, we’ve been leading the way since 1885.We’ll be back with a new episode next week. Until then, keep powering on!

In the ever-evolving landscape of the energy sector, the need for innovation has never been more pressing. There's no better expert to speak on this topic than Kim Getgen, CEO and Founder of InnovationForce.This week on the Grid Mod Pod, we spoke with Kim about the complexities of modernizing the electric grid and the true essence of innovation within this critical industry. Here's what you'll learn about when you tune in:-Why innovation is about behavior and decision-making, not just technology-How risk aversion leads to cultural challenges in utilities often stem from risk aversion-Why startups play a crucial role in driving innovation, and how collaboration between utilities and startups is essential for success-Why utilities need to align incentives between innovation and operational realities.-Why clear problem statements are essential for effective innovation.-How empowering change champions can drive meaningful innovation in the industry.–Grid modernization happens inside a highly regulated, security-conscious, non-traditional business model that operates very differently than most industries. At its core are utility leaders and operation experts who are navigating new tools, regulations, and more to deliver a sustainable, affordable power grid for all. We're here to bring their voices and perspectives to the surface on the Grid Mod Pod.Each week, you’ll hear directly from the utility leaders and practitioners doing the real work of modernizing and improving our ever-evolving power grid. Each episode stays grounded in practical, on-the-ground insights around what leaders are prioritizing, how they’re building alignment, and how they're driving change. We hope you walk away from this podcast with the insights and momentum needed to spark change in our industry.This podcast is brought to you by Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC), the place for knowledge sharing across the electric utility industry. Founded by Thomas Edison, we’ve been leading the way since 1885.We’ll be back with a new episode next week. Until then, keep powering on!