Grid Forward Forum

Balancing Growth and Affordability While Building the Grid We Need Today

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:40:47 -0700

On the season opener of GridPulse, Virginia Commissioner Jehmal Hudson joins the podcast to discuss the national and local drivers behind rising energy demand and what they mean for grid planning and regulation. He explores the need for smarter transmission utilization, meeting the demand for accelerating data center facilities, thoughtful rate design for large loads, and updated regulatory processes that take innovation into account without sacrificing public accountability. As the energy landscape evolves, Judge Hudson emphasizes that affordability must remain a core outcome, and not a restraint, as decision-makers work to modernize the grid for the demands of today as well as the future.

Season 6 Finale — The Benefits of AI Technologies on Grid Modernization

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:34:19 -0800

In this season 6 finale, Luis D’Acosta, CEO of Uplight, recaps this season’s driving issues with a rapid-fire discussion with Bryce. They cover a wide range of topics:

Applying AI-driven technologies to run the grid more effectively
Mitigating wildfire risks by integrating digital and advanced monitoring solutions
Ongoing effects of the federal agencies’ changing priorities on grid modernization
The importance of scaling new technologies quickly and broadly across the grid to help curb rate increases
Optimizing the Demand Stack to enable more grid flexibility

Listen in to this expert recap of an exciting and challenging year for advancing the electric grid. And thank you for listening to this season of GridForward Forum!

AI Impacts for a Resilient Grid with Duke Energy, NextEra and PG&E

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:15:37 -0800

On the first day of the GridFWD 2025 event, leadership from some of the nation’s largest and most AI-engaged utilities joined a panel to tell our audience about their acceleration of AI use cases. Jason Glickman (EVP Engineering, Planning and Strategy, PG&E), Bonnie Titone (Senior VP and Chief Administrative Officer, Duke Energy) and Petter Skantze (Senior VP of Infrastructure Development, NextEra Energy Resources) discuss how utilities and infrastructure developers can leverage AI for their own use and accommodate the added demand from large load customers, while ensuring that their systems remain resilient.

Utilizing Dynamic Line Rating to Increase Reliability and Reduce Costs

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:42:01 -0700

Dynamic line rating (DLR) is a Grid Enhancing Technology (GET) that measures the impact of ambient conditions on the carrying capacity of a grid. When DLR is employed network wide, it improves asset utilization, reliability, resilience, and confidence in investments. Guest host Julia Selker of Grid Strategies and Vishal Kapadia, CEO of LineVision, discuss how the successful implementation of DLR can save millions of dollars, identify grid weaknesses, and help meet the need for increased capacity.

Weighing Solutions to Increase Flexibility on the Grid

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:58:50 -0700

Increasing flexibility on the electric grid is necessary as demand and capacity requirements rapidly rise. Diversifying generation portfolios with emerging technologies is a good start, and significant T&D investments in innovations like virtual power plants can help match supply with demand. Cost, construction, and timing are often challenges to increasing flexibility; therefore, what solutions are going to make the most impact to help meet energy needs? Joining us to discuss these important topics about flexibility are Dr. William (Bill) Burke, CEO at Virtual Peaker, Jessica Matlock, CEO at PNGC Power, and Darren Murtaugh, Director of Electric Distribution Strategy at ICF.

Analyzing Data Center Flexibility to Meet Growing Power Demands

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:50:04 -0700

Power demand from data centers is clearly increasing faster than current electric infrastructure and markets can accommodate. Therefore, data centers and grid operators are exploring one workaround: flexing data center loads during peak demand times. Brian Janous, of Cloverleaf Infrastructure, and Chris Pennington, of Iron Mountain Data Centers, discuss the current opportunities and challenges to data center flexibility. For example, there are options for moving workloads among facilities and leveraging the improving capabilities of battery storage. On the other hand, demand response is not a major business driver. The industry needs to define relatively simple solutions that can be deployed at scale to meet market demand.

Powering Texas: Grid Growth, Resilience & Innovation

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:02:44 -0700

In this episode of Grid Forward Forum, host Bryce Yonker speaks with Rudy Garza (CPS Energy) and David Naylor (Rayburn Electric Cooperative) about the urgent challenges and innovations in the Texas energy sector. They explore topics like grid modernization, the impact of Winter Storm Uri, growing demand from data centers, and how Texas utilities are going to have to invest billions to keep up while working to maintain affordability and reliability.

Please join us in helping provide disaster relief for the communities impacted by recent flooding in Kerr County by contributing to the Salvation Army Kerrville and the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

How State Energy Offices Are Tackling Load Growth, Affordability and Resilience on the Grid

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:21:26 -0700

State energy offices have a delicate balancing act in leading policy, tracking market signals, and encouraging economic development. All that is harder now that load growth is accelerating. David Terry, the president of National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) , discusses trends within state energy offices to help get energy onto the grid quickly to grow the economy while meeting community concerns. David and Bryce discuss how new approaches such as grid enhancing technologies, automated load management and long-duration energy storage provide new pathways. Listen in to this insider perspective on how the state energy offices are learning more, planning better and adjusting to new federal energy priorities.

Supply Chain Constraints on the Grid - And What Needs to Improve

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:16:40 -0700

Since 2020, supply chain shortages have delayed the progress of necessary grid infrastructure improvements. Consolidation in the industry means fewer vendors are available which drives up prices, extends lead times and limits capacity, especially as worldwide demand increases. Will Perrich and Stephen White of POWER Engineers provide an insider's view to current constraints on the market and what needs to be done to alleviate them. Their answers cover the gamut from standardization of key components (regionally or nationally) to changing how utilities retain inventory and plan projects. The discussion ends with a rapid fire round of rating how difficult it is to procure different grid components.

Scientific Discovery and Commercial Acceleration of Advanced Grid Solutions at PNNL

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:08:10 -0700

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) draws on signature fundamental capabilities to advance scientific discovery, improve energy resiliency, and enhance national security. On this podcast episode, Laboratory Director Steven Ashby, Ph.D., discusses key drivers and challenges that are steering the lab’s important work regarding grid resiliency and affordability. Ashby also tells our listeners about the new Grid Storage Launchpad, a one-of-a-kind Department of Energy facility to develop and test novel battery concepts at scale in a safe environment. Of course, with all these emerging technologies, there are inherent risks—wildfires, and cyberattacks to name a few. Ashby discusses these risks and the ways PNNL is working together with the industry (including by leveraging novel AI capabilities) to quantify and combat problems that can be addressed by advancing the grid.

Hardening America’s Electric Grid—An Overview of the 2025 ASCE Infrastructure Report

Mon, 19 May 2025 08:17:34 -0700

Energy infrastructure received a grade of D+ in the 2025 Report for America’s Infrastructure, published by American Society of Civil Engineers. Bryce Yonker discusses why the energy sector received a low rating with Michael Miller, vice president of technical services at Exo and a member of ASCE. Miller says the four main factors that contributed to the grade include higher load growth, systems operating closer to limits, challenges to distribution grids, and the public’s lower tolerance for power outages. Miller discusses best practices for asset inspections, the need to have a national standards, and how state legislatures can have a positive impact on hardening America’s energy infrastructure.

You can read the full report here.

The Pace of Grid Innovation Quickens in Co-op Utilities

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 17:22:07 -0700

With consumer needs and capabilities rapidly evolving, many electric co-ops are quickly pushing grid advancements to meet current and future demands. On this podcast episode, Bryan Hannegan, president/CEO of Holy Cross Energy, and Mark Gabriel, president/CEO of United Power REC, discuss how they prioritize tasks as leaders of their respective utilities during a time of transition from a hub-and-spoke business model to one more like a distributed system operator. Hear how they are using battery storage, demand flexibility, satellite data, AI, drones and other new techniques to expand flexibility, improve service and keep costs down. With the energy landscape rapidly changing, Bryan and Mark are building cultures of innovation and creativity that attract new talent and provide a greater return of investment for all their members.

Pursuing Energy Affordability With Today's Many Grid Challenges

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 07:38:47 -0700

Balancing various stakeholder interests while ensuring affordable, reliable power is the daunting task commissioners face. We spoke with Dave Danner, former commissioner at Washington UTC, about how to balance affordability against all the other demands on today's utilities. He knows: his state of Washington has experienced an increase in wildfire risks, rising rate pressures and mounting legislation to advance clean energy, all while needing to build additional transmission. Dave explains the role of the commission to consider each potential investment, support new business models, improvements in regulation, and much more.

U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak On Congress's Energy & Grid Priorities

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:15:35 -0700

Even as energy rates have steadily risen, reliability has suffered in many parts of the country over the past five years. What is the new Congress prioritizing to help alleviate this challenge? For insights, we turned to U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R, N.D.), member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce who also served as past president of NARUC and Commissioner of the North Dakota PSC. Talking with Bryce Yonker, Rep. Fedorchak discusses the need to approach grid modernization with a healthy dose of common sense—don’t retire energy assets too early, look at the lowest cost solutions and ensure any incentives are directed toward those who really need them. The Congresswoman also discusses onshoring the production of grid components, updating the tax code, using a ’scalpel’ to reduce federal expenditures and how to meet energy needs driven by AI increased demands.

Rep Fedorchak’s office has an open Request for Information (RFI) available for download requesting insights around the energy requirements from the expanding AI industry.

How Watch Duty Improves Wildfire Situational Awareness, Readiness and Response

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:48:08 -0700

When disaster strikes, situational awareness and timely information save lives and property. That's why Watch Duty was the most downloaded iOS app during three recent wildfire events. Nick Russell, Vice President of Operations, joined the podcast to discuss how this nonprofit receives and transmits information to support local responders and utilities before, during and after a disaster strikes. Procurement, validation, and accurate communication takes a large team of people, but with timely information comes the potential to improve readiness and response to wildfires.

AI: The Driver for Expanded Demand and Promising Solutions to Run the Grid Better

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 05:52:09 -0800

In this season-opener of “GridForward Forum,” we are joined by two special guests: Sean Kelly, co-founder & CEO at Amperon, and Xing Wang, global leader of grid modernization at AWS Energy and Utilities. The expansion of energy generation and transmission is a top priority for the grid landscape. Although artificial intelligence is largely driving the need for this growth, AI is also the tool that can be used to help solve many of the major energy challenges. Sean Kelly and Xing Wang discuss how AI is being used to improve forecasting despite weather extremes, streamline complex processes to shorten permitting time and interconnection queues, and provide predictive analytics and solutions for operators in real time. The era of AI on the grid is here.

Grid Forward is hosting its main GridFWD event Oct 6-8 in Monterey focused on the role of AI for the grid. Hope to see anyone interested in and working on this area there with us. More information is at https://gridforward.org/conference/gridfwd-2025/

Impacts to the Grid Under the Incoming Trump Administration, Part 2

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:31:07 -0800

The recent U.S. election has raised a lot of questions about future directions for grid-related policies and programs. We reached out to people with a good view on the new administration for their perspectives. In this second special episode, Neil Chatterjee, former FERC Chairman, overviews the impact to IRA and other significant energy legislation. He also talks about the importance of permitting reforms in light of the surge of energy demands for AI, how the incoming administration will focus on expansion of all forms of domestic energy production, and what it means for the U.S. to target ‘energy dominance’.

Impacts to the Grid Under the Incoming Trump Administration, Part 1

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:00:04 -0800

The recent U.S. election has raised a lot of questions about future directions for grid-related policies and programs. We reached out to people with a good view on the new administration for their perspectives. In this first special episode, Bryce chats with Kellie Donnelly, Executive Vice President & General Counsel of Lot Sixteen and a long time lead staff person for the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and other Hill positions. They cover how an incoming Trump administration might shift energy policy, impact key federal agencies, and change national energy priorities. Bryce and Kellie also discuss how the Republican Congress may bring back the reconciliation process in a package bill, implications of the Congressional Review Act, and how grid innovation may be impacted under the returning administration.

Season 5 Finale—Assessing the State of the Grid in 2024 with Siemens' Ruth Gratzke

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:04:29 -0700

In this season finale, Ruth Gratzke, President of Siemens Smart Infrastructure in the United States, looks back at the state of the grid in 2024 and how the industry should be planning for future needs. In rapid-fire fashion, Bryce asks Ruth about topics from each of the podcast’s episodes in Season 5 to discuss:

The importance of federal funding in moving modernization forward
Improving market structures while keeping energy low cost, equitable and sustainable
Integrating demand flexibility by investing in long-term storage solutions
The shocking surge in demand growth from the past two years
Scaling virtual power plants to meet the desired impact
Maintaining cybersecurity best practices with the introduction of AI

Thank you for listening to this season of GridForward Chats. Be on the lookout for the launch of Season 6 in 2025!

Episode 14, Season 5—Google Reaches for the Next Level of Clean Energy and Added Flexibility

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 07:47:16 -0700

The digital economy, and especially data centers, have become integral to our lives. And with that digital growth comes increased energy demand. Google’s Briana Kobor joins the podcast to discuss how Google’s significant energy demand can increasingly be served effectively by clean energy offerings. Briana discusses the Clean Transition Tariff (CTT) and how important it is for large energy-consuming customers to bring creative solutions for clean energy working directly with electric grid utility operators. The discussion also highlights what it looks like for Google, and other data center operators, to bring more energy flexibility to the table. Listen in to hear where the world driven by innovation at Google meets the reality of operating grid systems.

Episode 13, Season 5 — Regulatory Pathways to Navigate Grid Modernization, Part 2

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 09:58:05 -0700

By nature, utilities are risk adverse. Because of this, some are hesitant to accept innovative solutions to grid modernization. Strong efforts are needed to publicize the positive benefits of rate changes, data sharing and integrated planning. Part two of this discussion with Rich Sedano of RAP and Danielle Sass Byrnett of NARUC focuses on how state commissions and stakeholders can work together to efficiently and positively advance changes to the grid.

Episode 12, Season 5 — Regulatory Pathways to Navigate Grid Modernization, Part 1

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 09:54:55 -0700

Using performance-based regulatory incentives for energy efficiency proved to be successful. Should similar incentives be created for reliability? In part one of this discussion, Rich Sedano, of Regulatory Assistance Project, and Danielle Sass Byrnett, of NARUC, discuss how performance-based incentives set by state commissions may accelerate innovation and provide clearer direction to utilities for grid modernization. They also discuss advanced rate structures that move innovation forward while keeping electricity affordable for the ratepayer.

Episode 11, Season 5 – Providing World-Class Reliability and Affordable Rates While Becoming Carbon-Free

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 06:13:45 -0700

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is determined to offer 100% carbon-free energy by 2030, while maintaining world-class reliability at an affordable rate. To achieve this ambitious goal, SMUD is working with both a number of innovators to advance carbon-free energy technologies, while also asking their customers to partner with them in advanced flexibility solutions. SMUD’s CEO & General Manager Paul Lau also discusses leveraging federal resources, the impact of policy and what they are learning on the front lines of their decarbonization journey as well as addressing energy equity, company culture and what kind of a legacy he looks to leave with the industry.

Episode 10, Season 5 – Charge Forward: Ford’s Electric Vehicle and Energy Services Strategy Unveiled

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 07:23:52 -0700

This episode dives into Ford’s approach to the future of mobility through electrification and grid connectivity. We examine the company's recent initiatives, including new electric models, investment in EV infrastructure, and partnerships aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicles. Learn about the innovations Ford is bringing to the market and how they plan to meet the increasing demand for cleaner, more efficient transportation and energy options. Listen in as Ryan O’Gorman, who has 20 Plus years of experience at Ford Motor Company, gives an insider's view on Ford's commitment to sustainability and technological excellence in the EV space.

Episode 9, Season 5 — How Technology Can Boost Flexibility and Efficiency in T&D Grids

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 06:17:00 -0700

Pairing batteries with sophisticated grid controls offers the flexibility to provide multiple sources of value depending on where the battery is located and how it is utilized. Tim Allen, president and CEO of PXiSE Energy Solutions, joined Bryce on the podcast to discuss how advanced controls and markets for energy storage can overcome barriers to an efficient, decarbonized grid. Battery capacity, value definition, resource flexibility, asset utilization and federal incentives are all rapidly evolving, giving transmission and distribution entities new ways to meet competing objectives.

Episode 8, Season 5 – Scaling Up the Clean Energy Transition: A Discussion with David Crane, DOE Under Secretary for Infrastructure

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:56:19 -0700

David Crane, Under Secretary for Infrastructure at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), joined Bryce Yonker on the podcast to discuss how DOE is supporting the advancement of grid infrastructure. David discusses DOE financial and manufacturing incentives to support commercialization that is spurring progress in the industry and across the clean energy ecosystem. To help the scale up of the clean energy transition, their focus remains on three things: efficiency, electrification, and zero carbon generation sources.

Episode 7, Season 5 – Exceeding Cybersecurity Regulations to Further Reduce Risk

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:46:43 -0700

Regulatory requirements for cybersecurity are a top priority; however, regulations only cover a minimum level of security needed. Compliance to regulations does not equal security because each organization’s risks differ. On this episode guest host Steven Parker of EnergySec and Jim Schultz of Black & Veatch discuss frameworks that organizations can use to help protect themselves against the threat of cyberattacks and how assessing organizational risk tolerance can produce a customized set of standards that companies can strive to attain.

Episode 6, Season 5 – Scaling Virtual Power Plants to Their Fullest Potential

Wed, 08 May 2024 07:25:06 -0700

Maintaining a flexible energy grid is critical to modern day power. Decarbonation goals, policy changes and a migration of people due to the pandemic have all drastically changed the landscape of power supply needs in recent years. On top of that, consumers are adopting distributive energy resources, or DERS, causing the grid to no longer be a one-way system from generation to load. Instead, power sources are coming into the grid from all directions. How can power grid operators ensure DERs at scale are orchestrated to their maximum potential? How are DERs being utilized on the grid today? Listen in as Brenda Chew, director of product management at Virtual Peaker, and Franco Albi, director of regional integration at Portland General Electric, discuss the benefits of the virtual power plants in lowering cost, creating grid flexibility and reaching decarbonization goals.

Episode 5, Season 5 - How AI Can Help Us Build a More Resilient, Decarbonized, and Secure Grid

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:23:11 -0700

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to accelerate innovation in the energy grid in terms of resiliency, decarbonization and security. AI has already shown how it can analyze vast amounts of data to help grid operators make near-real-time decisions. As the grid digitizes, AI can help the industry make full use of all its energy resources and infrastructure. However, change is hard, and not everyone is comfortable with integrating AI into the electric sector. What are the main hurdles? How can the industry move forward towards a "software defined" grid in which AI models help utilities meet their goals? Guest host Hanna Grene of Microsoft leads this conversation with Marissa Hummon, CTO of Utilidata, and Marc Spieler, Sr. Director of Energy at NVIDIA.

Episode 4, Season 5 – How Rates and Markets Can Help Meet Rising Demand with APS and EEI

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:32:59 -0700

Demand for electricity has exploded over the past several years, and nowhere more so than at Arizona Public Service Company. Grid hardening, storage solutions, flexible rates, transmission projects, federal investments — all of these are part of the solution to make the grid ready for escalating demand. Yet progress needs to be scalable and affordable to meet the needs in the west and across the country. Listen in as Jeff Guldner, the leader of APS, and Philip Moeller, Executive VP at Edison Electric Institute, talk about the whole toolkit, from new market structures to successful DER programs.

Episode 3, Season 5 – Making the Grid Modern and Affordable

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 08:01:33 -0700

The National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA) represents the interests of utility consumers before state and federal regulators and in the courts. David Springe, Executive Director of NASUCA, discusses how modernizing the grid impacts affordability for the consumer. As infrastructure ages and electrification needs change, modernizing the grid is mandatory. However, these changes bring up issues concerning rate pressure, decarbonization versus lowest cost models, data centers, federal dollars, and resiliency. David discusses all this and more on this podcast episode.

Episode 2, Season 5 - Shifting Energy Market Dynamics: A Conversation with The Leaders of AESO, ERCOT and SPP

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 06:48:29 -0700

On this episode, we have three leaders from organized energy markets to address the shifting dynamics within the industry. They discuss which technologies are being developed in their various regions and how those assets are impacting the energy market. Bryce also asks our guests what they are doing to combat volatilities due to peak loads often being met. Of course, the impact of policy and regulations can either benefit or hinder the energy market. Oftentimes, the biggest challenges are social, environmental and industrial development policies, rather than energy-focused policies. The guests wrap up this episode by discussing modernization, evolving energy markets, the importance of diverse resources and the upward curve of demand.

Our guests for this episode are:

Michael Law, president and CEO of Alberta Electric System Operator
Barbara Sugg, president and CEO of Southwest Power Pool
Pablo Vegas, president and CEO of Electric Reliability Council of Texas

Episode 1, Season 5 – Discussion with the White House: The Federal Toolkit to Advance the Grid

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:40:32 -0800

To kick off this podcast season we have Whitney Muse, Senior Policy Advisor at the White House in the Office of Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation for a conversation about the federal toolkit of resources that are in place to help advance the grid. This includes billions of dollars from grants, tax credits, loans and financing for infrastructure expansion, resilience, and the clean energy transition. In addition to this, incentives are available for domestic, clean manufacturing of grid components, and there are special efforts to focus on workforce development and energy justice. Whitney also highlights some of the flagship work at the national labs, efforts supporting increased energy demand from electrification, and the role of AI on the grid. Don't miss this wide ranging conversation of the federal support in motion to assist in modernizing the grid. This season of Grid Forward Chats is supported by Virtual Peaker.

Episode 11, Season 4 – Leading the Nation’s Largest Energy Delivery Company to Invest in Local Communities

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:07:54 -0700

Even though Exelon is the largest energy delivery company in America, the company is committed to investing in local communities and helping all of their operating utilities achieve their goals. CEO Calvin Butler discusses how Exelon turns government policies into action and how it has also applied for $700 million in federal funding for infrastructure projects to address the needs of individual communities. While some grants will help close the digital divide, and others help counties achieve decarbonization goals, all are aligned to the effort to modernize the grid. Calvin also discusses how the company is progressing towards becoming net zero by 2050, driving new innovation ahead while ensuring delivery of reliable and affordable power.

Guest host Devin Hampton, CEO of UtilityAPI and Grid Forward board member, takes the mic for this chat with Calvin.

Episode 10, Season 4 – The Complex Barriers to Building Transmission Infrastructure

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:15:48 -0700

What are the barriers to building transmission infrastructure? We know them well as planning, permitting, and paying. Rob Gramlich (founder and president of Grid Strategies LLC, executive director of Americans for a Clean Energy Grid and executive director of the WATT Coalition) joins the former chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Rich Glick to unpack the complexities behind these barriers and update our listeners to the rulemaking that is in process to overcome these barriers. They also discuss how the tension between landowners and stakeholder interests can be balanced to reasonably move transmission development forward. To meet clean energy goals, stakeholders and policy makers must keep their eyes focused on this important issue.

Episode 9, Season 4 – Wildfire & The Grid and Firsthand Account of Lahaina Fires

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 08:08:59 -0700

This special episode of Grid Forward Chats starts with a conversation with Katherine Blunt, a reporter from the Wall Street Journal. Katherine recently published book California Burning which has been widely read and details PG&E in regard to the devastating California wildfires. Katherine and Bryce talk about lessons that grid stakeholders are learning as wildfires have increasing impact on energy systems, what the toolkit of mitigating wildfire risk looks like, and how utilities and various energy stakeholders can work together to address the increasing risks of wildfire relating to grid infrastructure. In the second part of the episode Bryce talks with LiAnne Drissen of Trilogy Excursions one of the largest Lahaina companies, who saw firsthand the devastation from the recent Maui wildfires. LiAnne recounts the impact of the wildfires on her family, the company and the wider community. If you would be interested to join us in contributing toward the long road ahead for Lahaina recovery please consider donations to:

Hawaii Community Foundation - https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
Maui United Way - https://mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief
Lahaina Salvation Army - https://fundraise.salvationarmyhawaii.org/give/508336
Global Empowerment Movement / Trilogy Maui Fire Fund - https://gemlink.me/TrilogyMauiFireFund

Episode 8, Season 4 – Building Out the Global Supply Chain to Support a Clean Energy Future

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 13:44:29 -0700

Henry Sanderson, Executive Director of Benchmark Mineral Intelligence and author Volt Rush, wrote the book after he became aware of the scale of the resources needed for the clean energy transition. For the supply chain to provide the materials necessary for next-generation batteries, sourcing needs to be diversified to decrease risk. Geopolitical issues must also be considered when creating a stable supply chain for the future. Automations may alleviate some supply chain pressure and allow the cost of materials to remain affordable. Henry also discusses how government policies and investments impact the speed and support behind the clean energy transition.

You can purchase a copy of Volt Rush at https://www.amazon.com/Volt-Rush-Winners-Losers-Green/dp/0861543750.

Season 4 - Crossover Episode: Post Energy Crisis, The “Need For Speed” - Live from Brussels / Eurelectric with Leo Birnbaum (CEO E.ON)

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 08:18:00 -0700

This episode is a crossover episode from Redefining Energy. We hope you enjoy listening to this discussion of the energy crisis from a European perspective. -------------------- Live from Brussels, on the 20th of June 2023, we were invited to interview Leonard Birnbaum. Since he came last on Redefining Energy (Ep50), the whole Energy Sector has been through hell with Russia invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent near-death experience of 2022. Leonard Birnbaum is the CEO of the giant German Utility E.ON and also president of Eurelectric, the sector association which represents the common interests of the electricity industry at pan-European level. We have a very lively debate about how E.ON survived the energy crisis. What changes he had to be undertaken, how luck played its part, but also the “need for speed”. Other key lessons were the end of tolerance for weaknesses, the acceleration of digitization and total engagement with their customers. We then moved the conversation to the proposed reform of the Energy Market that regulators are keen to put in place. Is it too little too late or, on the opposite, a solution in search of a problem.

Episode 6, Season 4 - Lessons Learned from Four Decades at SRP, a Discussion with Mike Hummel

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 12:09:10 -0700

Debra Smith, the General Manager and CEO of Seattle City Light, interviews Mike Hummel after his recent retirement as general manager and CEO of Salt River Project. They reflect on how the industry has changed during his career and look ahead to the exciting advancements SRP will make to provide clean, reliable energy to its customers. Mike shares about his career including some of his proudest accomplishments, lessons learned along the journey, and keys to leading others well.

Episode 5, Season 4 - The Time is Now to Create a More Flexible Grid

Thu, 18 May 2023 13:52:35 -0700

On this episode Grid Forward Advisor and guest host Ann McCabe, commissioner with the Illinois Commerce Commission, interviews Audrey Zibelman, former market operator in Australia, former regulator in NY, former investor at Google X, now an advisor to clean tech companies and organizations. They discuss how the industry can prepare the grid for future flexibility, while also protecting the interests of consumers. As higher levels of renewable energy sources are integrated into the power grid, the need for grid flexibility becomes more urgent. Consumers are showing that they will drive much of the clean energy transition, with or without government and utility incentives. Therefore, the grid must be ready for the transition as consumers decide to electrify their homes, vehicles and more. How can regulators and other key grid stakeholders keep up with the demands on the system? Listen in to learn more.

Episode 4, Season 4 - Taking an Innovative Grid Solution to Market

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 07:41:03 -0700

How do we modernize the grid when fast-moving technology innovation hits the seemingly glacial pace of change in regulated markets like energy? To explore that quandary we gathered the CEOs of an earlier stage, a growth stage and a later stage innovative grid solutions companies. Kaitlyn Albertoli of Buzz Solutions, Bill Burke of Virtual Peaker and Josh Wong of GE Digital. Listen in as they dive into market barriers, utility adoption cycle, culture of innovation, funding landscape and more. Can utilities break through the ‘death by pilot’ dilemma? Can promising solutions companies navigate complex approvals processes? How do solutions scale to meaningful commercial levels? We cover the key issues related to what it takes for game-changing solutions to come onto the electric grid.

Episode 3, Season 4 - Can Small Nuclear Play a Big Role on the Grid?

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:28:50 -0700

In this edition we explore the role of small modular nuclears (SMRs) in the energy system by talking with two industry veterans. Clayton Scott is EVP at NuScale Power, the first SMR company to receive Nuclear Regulatory Commission design approval. Ben Porath is COO at Dairyland Power Cooperative, a Midwest co-op looking to deploy SMRs on its grid. The two discuss the promise of modular nuclear power, how these systems fit into a changing energy mix, cost, safety, grid resiliency, system flexibility and more. Will SMRs play a significant role on the grid in the next 10 years? Listen in to decide for yourself. This episode hosted by Virtual Peaker.

Episode 2, Season 4 - States Driving the Grid Ahead: A Discussion with WA Governor Inslee

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:51:18 -0700

The Evergreen State has long pioneered efforts to advance the energy system. In this episode we talk with the U.S.’s longest standing governor, Jay Inslee of the state of Washington. Gov. Inslee is truly a leader on issues related to energy and the grid. We discuss the priorities for the state’s energy system, how the federal resources will impact the grid in the state, the role of state regulators, the importance of innovation, economic development opportunities and more. All of the efforts for the governor align to make sure states can do their part to progress climate action — progress he is confident we can achieve together.

Episode 1, Season 4 – Aligning Energy Systems to Climate Requirements, with RMI’s Jon Creyts

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 07:45:18 -0800

To start season 4 of the Grid Forward Chats podcast, we sit down with Jon Creyts, the new CEO of RMI. He discusses how to ensure the energy system aligns to the requirements for the climate in light of roughly $110 billion a year coming into the system over the next five to ten years thanks to recent federal legislation combined with peak oil demand occurring in regions across the world. From virtual power and decarbonized heavy industry to hydrogen and transmission, listen in to this wide-ranging discussion on the key pillars of the energy transition in the near to mid-term. This transition requires various stakeholders row in the same direction, and Jon lays out his thoughts regarding the central role that the grid plays. For more resources on recent RMI efforts, check out: Launch of VP3 https://vp3.io Tracking overall energy investments: https://rmi.org/peaking-the-series/ The promise of green jobs: https://rmi.org/insight/realizing-the-green-jobs-promise/

Episode 11, Season 3 – PG&E’s Efforts to Increase Resiliency and Serve Customers Better

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 10:35:21 -0700

The need for a more resilient power system in California, and locations across the country, is evident. In the recent past, wildfires, storms, extreme heat, and other threats have all wreaked havoc on the energy grid. Communities of the largest utility in America in Northern and Central California know this all too well. Patricia K. Poppe, Chief Executive Officer of PG&E Corporation, joined the podcast to discuss how Pacific Gas & Electric is working diligently to improve the resiliency of California’s grid and to serve their customers better. No magical solution exists that will address every issue, but with a combination of various improvements, and we cover a lot in this session, PG&E is aggressively working to leverage modern capabilities to manage their grid effectively. Grid Forward chats is supported by Itron visit Itron.com to learn more.

Episode 10, Season 3 – Strengthening Our Problem-Solving Skills with Diversity

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 11:22:16 -0700

Success for the energy sector will not come overnight but through small, meaningful steps that move the industry forward in its goal of a sustainable future. Paula Gold-Williams and Jackie Flowers joined the show to discuss the challenges facing the electric industry as it seeks to evolve with the various dynamics that are currently in motion. With more visibility to the end state and less clarity on the path to get there, they discuss why innovation is critical and how a diverse workforce is needed who can think creatively, problem solve and embrace new solutions. Paula Gold-Williams recently retired after serving as the President and CEO of CPS Energy, and is now serving in various Board and Advisory roles including on the DOE Secretary Energy Advisory Board. Jackie Flowers is the director & CEO at Tacoma Public Utilities and Board Chair of Grid Forward.

Episode 9, Season 3 – Improving Reliability and Accelerating Innovation in a Brave Little State

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 09:45:42 -0700

Over the past decade, Green Mountain Power (GMP) has prioritized finding solutions that address the climate crisis. The company holds one of the nations most aggressive goals to provide 100% renewable energy by 2030. Advancements in technology not only make this ambitious goal possible, but also provide an opportunity for reliability and resiliency improvements. Mari McClure, president and CEO, discusses the company’s distributed resource programs and grid optimization technologies that they are leading the way deploying now and working to bring to Vermont in near future. This session is supported by Virtual Peaker.

Inflation Reduction Act Has Passed — What’s in it for the Grid?

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 06:55:30 -0700

Congress has made a huge next step in supporting the advancement of the electric grid. The Inflation Reduction Act passed the House on Friday and has about four times as much energy related investments as the infrastructure package that passed last year. From tax incentives, consumers credits, rural operator support and much more this set of investments is a major package to accelerate grid investments over the next 10 years. We jump on with two reporters who are closely following this — Catherine Morehouse of Politico and Jeff St John from Canary Media — and dive into the details.

Planning Resources for Transportation Electrification in California

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 10:00:39 -0700

In quarter one of 2022, 16% of all new car sales were zero-emission vehicles. On this episode, California Public Utilities Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen and California Energy Commissioner Siva Gunda discuss the adoption of electric vehicles in California and the innovation needed for the electric grid to handle the increase in load. The commissioners also discuss four compounding challenges that the grid is facing: climate change, rapid decarbonization, changing energy sources and reckoning with equity and social justice. How can all of these challenges be solved? Only through cooperation, coordination and consensus among industry leaders.

Episode 6, Season 3 — Are we Investing Enough in The Grid

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 13:20:11 -0700

The landscape of energy is changing rapidly. Are the investments being made today enough to meet needs we put on our grid? On this episode of “Grid Forward Chats,” Gary Rackliffe, VP market development and innovation at Hitachi Energy, and Sanjeet Sanghera, head of grids and utilities at BloombergNEF, discuss the need to invest dollars into the electric system today to prepare for future demand. They also talk about centralized versus distributed generation, policies and structures that may hinder investments, the electrification of transportation and the government's role in expanding advanced grid capabilities. This episode was recorded LIVE at DistribuTECH 2022 in Dallas.

Episode 5, Season 3 – Modernizing the Grid after the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021

Thu, 26 May 2022 08:22:10 -0700

"Energy is good." This has been U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski's motto when it comes to energy policy. Murkowski's priority is to ensure that the energy sector can keep up with the changes and challenges our country is facing. In this episode, the Senator discusses the Energy Act of 2020, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, grid modernization and the benefits of bipartisan work on energy policy for Americans.

Ep 3-4 How Can we Keep Pace with the Rate of Grid Transition

Thu, 12 May 2022 16:06:38 -0700

To close the live GridFWD event April 20th in Seattle, Snohomish County PUD General Manager John Haarlow and Chief Policy Officer of Sunrun Ann Hoskins chat with Bryce. They cover wide ranging topics to examine the rate of the change on the grid, the dynamics driving those changes, barriers to overcome key obstacles, and then a listing of the solutions that need to develop and scale. You can feel the energy in the room being back together again at the packed gathering, listen into our first live edition of Grid Forward Chats. On demand recordings of a dozen sessions from the event are available -- contact gerard@gridforward.org

Ep 3-3 Grid Transformation in a Deregulated Energy Market

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 10:13:18 -0700

ENMAX, one of the leading grid operators in Alberta, is leaning into the transformation of their energy system and the acceleration of innovation. Our advisor Mischa Steiner of Awesense chats with Jana Mosley President of ENMAX Power. They discuss the dynamics of grid needs in the pandemic and fluctuating energy markets, trends in decarbonization, culture and talent needs in the industry, and how the grid capabilities advance to meet the requirements that customers have for their energy service.

Ep 3-2 Microgrids Around The World Are Changing The Power Grid

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 13:02:27 -0700

Guest host Cameron Brooks a friend of Grid Forward who runs Think Microgrid talks with Terry Mohn of General Microgrids and Hamideh Bitaraf of Hitachi Energy. Terry and Hamideh bring their hands-on experience with many of the leading microgrid deployments sharing insights on what is driving the dynamics for microgrid expansion worldwide. They touch on specific examples around the globe, share perspectives on policy and market dynamics, and highlight what is driving them personally to be a part of the exciting developments as microgrids become increasingly mainstream.

Ep 3-1Trends in Grid Innovation Investments with Hans Kobler of Energy Impact Partners

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 07:13:27 -0800

Season III of Grid Forward Chats kicks off with Energy Impact Partners' (EIP) Managing Partner and Founder Hans Kobler. 2021 was a banner year for grid and energy venture investments. Hans shares perspectives about the landscape for fund raising by grid innovation companies which seem poised for strong continued activity after reaching record levels. EIP recently raised a $1B fund which in just a few months has already committed to about 70% of its investments. Our series sponsor for Grid Forward Chats is Itron. To learn more about about building tomorrow’s active grid visit them at www.itron.com.

Ep 2-17 DOE is Serious about Advancing the Grid with David Turk

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 16:14:19 -0800

The U.S. Department of Energy has been active and busy rolling up its sleeves to engage topics for advancing capabilities of the grid. The recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (bipartisan infrastructure bill) will certainly only accelerate this work. From advanced tools for grid simulation and modeling for national resiliency to new competitions for energy storage and planning for transmission corridors, the diversity of work aligns to the complex needs of the electric grid. The Deputy Secretary will share about initiatives and priorities at the agency and how industry can engage with and benefit from the work that DOE is embarking upon.

Ep 2-16 Energy in Motion in Europe: Markets, Transition, & Recovery with Laurent Segalen

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 15:54:00 -0800

Europe has been quite active with regards to energy of late. Natural gas and other energy-related prices have been quite volatile. The green energy recovery strategy is unfolding but within a complex pandemic backdrop. The energy transition continues, although with some bumps in the road. The UK finished its Brexit and wrapped up hosting COP26 last week. Germany has a new Prime Minister. Did we say it’s been busy? Laurent Segalen is an investor in the energy transition who co-hosts the podcast Redefining Energy and will help us understand some of the complexity around energy and grid issues in motion in Europe.

Ep 2-15 Long-Duration Energy Storage Goes Public at ESS

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:23:16 -0700

ESS Inc. recently went public, raising over $300 million to scale its long-duration iron flow battery technology in the market. We talk with ESS CEO Eric Dresselhuys about the energy transition and the role of long-duration energy storage and grid flexible resources. What does this mean internationally, for the U.S., regionally, and specifically for customers buying batteries — we cover it all. We dive into value streams of energy storage, energy storage’s role in grid resiliency, market structure and dynamics, the talent pipeline, and more.

Ep 2-14 Republican Perspectives on Climate and Energy Transition: A Discussion with Conservative Climate Caucus Chair Rep. John Curtis

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 14:45:47 -0700

Congress is working on two massive legislative packages -- a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package (through the Senate) and potentially a multi-trillion dollar reconciliation spending package (drafts through House committees). Both would have significant impact for the grid and their fates seem intertwined as Congress works toward the latest imposed deadline of October 31. In this episode we talk with U.S. Congressman John Curtis of Utah, who chairs the Conservative Climate Caucus which includes 72 House members. Rep. Curtis covers the climate and energy topics important to him and a solid number of House Republicans including grid modernization capabilities, cyber security investment, nuclear fleet utilization, wildfire mitigation, grid resiliency, energy storage innovation, natural gas capacity, and much more. How can the country meet the needs of communities like Carbon County in Utah as the Biden Administration would like to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half? What breakthrough is Emery County Utah cooking up? Listen to our conversation as Congressman Curtis lays out how starting with the bipartisan infrastructure package and addressing other important areas are critical steps for the country.

Ep 2-13 Getting to Carbon Negative By 2030 -- How Does Microsoft Plan to Get There with Brian Janous

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 10:56:29 -0700

Major corporate entitles, in particular the big tech companies, are rapidly accelerating their positions in expanding clean energy and supporting the energy transition. Microsoft ramped up its commitment earlier this year to 100% clean energy for the entire reach of its company, 100% of the time, by 2030. That is certainly an ambitious target and meeting it will bring a diversity of lessons for the industry along the way. Listen is as we talk with Brian Janous, General Manager of Energy and Renewables at Microsoft on the role of their partners (including utilities), what they are learning along the way, and how they believe they can meet their significant commitments.

Ep. 2-12 Fusion Energy in the Era of Renewables with Jay Brister & Wal Van Lierop

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 13:29:26 -0700

For this session we talk with Jay Brister of General Fusion and one of their early investors and Board members Wal Van Lierop about the future of fusion energy. We hear about their recent demonstration plant in the UK, how they see the tech advancing, the difference in regulation vs fission nuclear energy, and much more. Can the future of a deeply decarbonized grid happen without fusion? Is the tech still far in the future? listen into the discussion for the latest and judge for yourself.

More from Grid Forward https://gridforward.org/

Ep 2-11 What’s at the Core of the Energy Transition with Peter Fox Penner

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 10:20:13 -0700

What if you could ask the author of 2020 book Power After Carbon, 'OK, what’s next'? Listen in as Scott Harden of Microsoft interviews Peter Fox Penner about energy policy, measuring impact and foundational clean energy technology. Want to dive in deeper on the aspects of business models in the energy transition and how they will impact each link in the system? Get a copy of Peter’s book Power After Carbon here. Produced by Grid Forward.

Ep 2-10 Commercial Funding for Grid Innovation with Jigar Shah

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 10:00:49 -0700

How does the US Department of Energy Loan Office actually work to finance clean energy? Audrey Lee of Microsoft asked the source, the new director Jigar Shah. The conversation highlights a number of breakthroughs in the energy sector and how senior debt from the federal government helps accelerate them. Hear how Jigar describes the role of the loan office, how they plan to put their billions of dollars of funds to use, and how you can get involved.

Ep 2-9 What Grid Operators Can Do For Decarbonization of Electric Systems (live recording)

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 12:08:20 -0700

To go deeper on the topic of his recent article, “Beyond solar and wind: 10 steps to meet President Biden's clean electricity target,” Bryce Yonker chats with Michael Pesin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Energy, Jennifer Potter, Hawaii PUC Commissioner; and Bill Ritter, former Colorado Governor and Director, Center for New Energy Economy. The conversation ranges from distributed energy ("In Hawaii, DERs are our one choice.") to R&D ("That's what we need to get to 100%.") to investments ("We know: hardware is hard.") and more. Don’t miss this live recording featuring three expert viewpoints in one lively discussion. Produced by Grid Forward.

Ep. 2-8 Energy and Climate Take Center Stage in Washington State Legislative Session

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 15:37:37 -0700

Representative Joe Fitzgibbon leads the the Washington State House Energy & Environment Committee and has made fighting climate change a priority for his more than 10 years in service in the state congress. The 2021 legislative session has been an especially busy one with the narrow passage of two major pieces of policy: a low carbon fuel standard as well as a carbon tax. Added to the clean energy legislation from 2019, the state has one of the most aggressive packages to set a path for decarbonization not only of the energy system but the overall state economy. Our discussion covers lessons and insights from the state's historic legislative actions with Rep Fitzgibbon guiding at the helm. Produced by Grid Forward.

Ep. 2-7 Federal Funding for Grid Modernization with Karen Wayland of GridWise Alliance

Mon, 17 May 2021 08:54:44 -0700

We got the chance to sit down with the new CEO of GridWise Alliance Karen Wayland. She shared her perspectives on the priorities for grid modernization from the new administration, as well as the possibility of significant funding for expanded capabilities for the grid through infrastructure investment via the America Jobs Plan. You'll find a lot to learn from her broad experience and perspectives in this episode. For more details see the $50B policy framework for modernization funding prepared GridWise Alliance. This podcast produced by Grid Forward.

Ep.2-6 Resiliency, Resource Diversity and Lessons from the Last Year with CAISO's Elliot Mainzer

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:27:43 -0700

In part two of our two-part discussion with Elliot Mainzer, the President and CEO of CAISO, we discuss how the organization and region are taking lessons from the last year into plans going forward. Hear insights on the importance of resource diversity, priorities for decarbonization pathways, how the region is collaborating and preparing for future stresses to the system, efforts to consider resource adequacy, and other topics. Produced by Grid Forward.

Ep. 2-5 Elliot Mainzer on CAISO's Near-Term Priorities and the Role of Regional Markets

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:23:16 -0700

In the first episode of our two-part series, we hear from new President and CEO of the California ISO Elliot Mainzer. After a longer career at Bonneville Power Administration, including the last seven years as Administrator, Elliot moved over to head up CAISO in October of 2020. Tune in to hear his thoughts on the roles of regional markets and the plans CAISO has for upcoming summer and beyond. Produced by Grid Forward.

Ep. 2-4 Taking Any Asset into Any Market with Enel X

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 07:37:24 -0700

From their start as an Italian utility to becoming a multinational energy solutions provider targeting 67 GW of capacity with clean energy resources, Enel and Enel X are leading the way in the deployment of new energy opportunities. Listen to our conversation with Surya Panditi, CEO of Enel X North America, as we explore the various leading-edge capabilities that they are bringing across the globe to help grid operators and other energy stakeholders. Produced by Grid Forward.

Ep. 2-3 Beyond 2222: The Legacy of Commissioner Chatterjee at FERC

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 08:42:22 -0700

Our new Grid Forward Chats podcast goes deep with Commissioner Neil Chatterjee of the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee. During his tenure, FERC issued significant rulings about the opportunity for aggregated DERs to access markets, interconnection for storage and related resources, expanding the potential of cloud investments, and other key topics. Listen into our discussion about the role that markets and the federal regulator plays among the rapid dynamics unfolding in the electric sector. Produced by Grid Forward.

Ep. 2-2 Making Sure FERC 2222 Meets Its Potential in a Future with Energy Storage

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 20:37:32 -0800

Dr. Ryan Wartena grew Geli to be the leading software and storage optimization solution provider over the last decade. Now Geli is part of solar leader Q CELLS where Ryan is now VP of Strategy. Listen into this fascinating discussion on the evolution of the organization as it drives open a wider space in the industry. We also dive deep on how market dynamics need to evolve to unlock big advances of the FERC Order 2222. Will storage and integrated edge solutions be entering a new frontier and bring the flexibility and resiliency our energy systems are requiring? Ryan thinks so. Listen to see if you agree. Produced by Grid Forward.

Ep. 2-1 Driving Innovation with Authentic Leadership with Debra Smith and Paula Gold-Williams

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 14:37:05 -0800

Season two of Grid Forward Chats kicks off with special guest host and a former guest Debra Smith, general manager and CEO of Seattle City Light, in discussion with Paula Gold Williams the President & CEO of CPS Energy in San Antonio Texas. As these two municipal power leaders talk, they cover various topics around the acceleration of innovation on our grid, including as Paula puts it how to "blend the tried and the true with the new.” We hope you are inspired by the authentic leadership both Paula and Debra bring to their organizations and the practical ideas they share for how we can progress our energy systems to meet rapidly evolving changes. Produced by Grid Forward.

Ep. 14 - Creating the Grid We Need for Deep Decarbonization

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 11:01:26 -0700

During the closing session of our GridFWD 2020 virtual event, Hunter Lovins (President, Natural Capitalism Solutions) led a discussion with Ralph Cavanagh of NRDC and Elliot Mainzer, the new CEO and president of the California ISO. This lively discussion covers future of distribution utilities, the role of regional markets, the impact of distributed resources, solutions for resilient systems and much more. If you haven’t heard these folks talk before (or even if you have many times) do yourself a favor and listen into this deeply thought-provoking, but also very applied, discussion. Produced by Grid Forward.

Ep. 13 - The Path to 100% Clean Energy at Xcel

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 10:54:26 -0700

Grid Forward hosted Alice Jackson, President of Xcel Energy Colorado during the opening session of our virtual GridFWD 2020 event. Listen in as she walks through what it takes for a major utility to create a roadmap to a fully clean energy future. From system modernization and electrification to transmission and regional market access, this discussion covers all the elements needed to achieve such an ambitious milestone. As one of the first major utilities to make this commitment, Xcel is poised to be a leading force for grid modernization and clean energy across the Rocky Mountain and Midwest states. Produced by Grid Forward.

Ep. 12 - Opportunities for Transmission to Unlock Deeper Renewables

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 15:39:13 -0700

Bryce chats with Lisa Grow, President and CEO of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power, the largest electric provider in the state, about their commitment to a fully clean energy mix. In the path to a clean energy future they are looking to expand transmission capacity, optimize participation in regional markets, develop modern grid capabilities and more. Hear about what Lisa thinks around the role of Idaho Power, and utilities more broadly, in the future of the electric grid. Produced by Grid Forward.

Ep. 11 - How Do 2019 Plans Work in 2021, with Colorado PUC Chair Ackermann

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 13:43:29 -0700

In this lively discussion with Colorado PUC Chair Jeffrey Ackermann we explore how well-established plans from 2019 are relevant going into 2021. Colorado is deep into energy transition areas with, for example, Xcel Energy driving for a fully decarbonized energy mix, the expansion of electrified transportation, and a modern infrastructure that can accommodate both. This chat spans many current topics around distribution system planning, allocating risk and rewards, funding innovation, empowering customers, distributed-vs-large scale solutions, and much more. And find out which one of us is a dog person vs which is a cat person — both of our companions crash the conversation! Produced by Grid Forward.

Episode 10 - Energy Market Innovation with AEMO CEO Audrey Zibelman

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:42:09 -0700

After spearing the REV proceedings in New York, Audrey Zibelman headed down under to lead the Australian Energy Market Operator which recently issued its Integrated Systems Plan for the national power market in Australia. We talk with Audrey across a wide diversity of topics: from trends in market structure and integration of deep levels of distributed assets, to how energy markets with deep renewables near zero marginal cost deal with familiar issues like minimum load and voltage regulation. If you have not heard Audrey before, buckle up for profuse insights that cut right into the most dynamic aspects of electric industry. Recorded at the Grid Forward virtual Annual Member Meeting August 20, 2020.

Episode 9 - Ensuring Grid Resiliency Through Robust Applied Research

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 15:19:12 -0700

Listen into our in-depth conversation with Carl Imhoff who beyond his role with Pacific Northwest National Labs (PNNL) leads the Grid Modernization Lab Consortium, a partnership of the U.S. national labs. PNNL and other national labs are doing both basic and applied research to make the power grid more resilient, flexible and secure. Don't know much about dynamic contingency analysis or remedial action schemes for grid operational continuity? This is a great chance to get up to speed. Working on networked phasor measurement units, future grid architectures or grid scale storage? Get a sense for how our national resources are working to move them ahead. Listen into what PNNL and the national labs are doing to support industry. Produced by Grid Forward.

Episode 8 - Expanding Renewables and Grid Modernization at Pacific Power

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 10:11:27 -0700

We chat with Stefan Bird, President and CEO of Pacific Power, a division of PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp serves customers across a number of western states and the scale of its operations is rather unique in the west. Hear about the 6,000 MW - yes, 6GW! - of renewable resources included in its most recent request for proposals. In working across hundreds of communities in the wider region, Stefan explains how the utility is putting innovation to work to continue bringing reliable, low-cost energy to its customers. Produced by Grid Forward.

Episode 7 - How to Build A More Effective Structure for Energy Ecosystems

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 08:10:03 -0700

Listen to this fascinating chat with Rich Sedano, the CEO of Regulatory Assistance Project, a non-profit that provides policy advice and technical assistance on utility and energy issues to governments around the world. We focus on issues in the US, diving headfirst into deep topics like these: the prospects for performance-based regulation expansion; breaking down silos between agencies and sectors; where energy infrastructure can support equity outcomes; how regulators and government agencies can have more active relationships with utilities and the market; encouraging the diversity of solutions for delivery of electric services; how innovation can come through utilities; shifting utility structures to optimize investments; solutions for expanding customer and grid resiliency; metrics for tracking important progress and outcomes; leveraging the power system as a strategic resource for solving wider societal challenges and more. If you are interested in any way with utility business models and regulatory and energy market structures, don't miss this discussion! Produced by Grid Forward.

Episode 6 - Bringing Innovation to Life With Customer Needs at the Core

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 07:44:28 -0700

Portland General Electric has a long history of innovation with its grid operations and community engagement. Listen to CEO Maria Pope discuss their priorities as they keep customers at the core while ensuring financial stability and putting their innovative thinking into practice. Maria covers topics announced just before the session recording including: Portland General’s new program for 500 customers to install at-home storage; how their three-substation smart grid test bed has reached 56% of customer participation with some flexible load management; projects with regional stakeholders to optimize renewable energy resources; and how they stood at the center of support of the recently passed House bill on transportation electrification support. While the health and economic crises have affected capital expenditures and operating expenses, hear how Portland General remains dedicated to having a clean, resilient system that meets the needs of the customers and communities they serve. Produced by Grid Forward.

Episode 5 - Making People Part of the Energy Solution at Uplight

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 16:09:16 -0700

Uplight merged not two but six companies in 2019. We check in with Justin Segall, founder of Simple Energy and now Chief Strategy Officer of Uplight on how all those parts are now working fully together. With the deep insights Uplight has about energy customers, we delve into how end users are doing through the pandemic, how demand side programs continue to provide grid value (and are more easily accessed) for customers, why scale matters, where innovation plays a role ahead, and more. Produced by Grid Forward.

Episode 4 - Seattle City Light Adjusts Plans and Prioritizes Customers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 18:22:20 -0700

The Seattle area was one of the earliest communities to have to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. We talk with Debra Smith, CEO and general manager of Seattle City Light, about the work that utility is doing to take care of its customers, how it is positioning its system for future grid modernization efforts, how electrification efforts may be impacted, the role that resiliency will play ahead, and much more. Produced by Grid Forward.

Episode 3 - Putting Grid Modernization to the Test in Tacoma

Mon, 18 May 2020 07:05:19 -0700

The greater Seattle area was hit early and hard by the COVID pandemic. We hear from the leader at the helm of Tacoma Public Utilities, just south of Seattle, about how their modernization efforts have gone through the health crisis unfolding and the front end of the economic fallout. Does innovation play a key role now? How are employees handling a new way that it means to be resilient? How important is the federal role in supporting grid innovation in a recovery? We tackle these and other key topics with Jackie Flowers, Director of Tacoma Public Utilities. Hosted by Grid Forward.

Episode 1 - Modernizing Regulation in Hawaii for Renewables Through and Beyond the Pandemic

Wed, 13 May 2020 20:14:22 -0700

Hawaii has been leading the country with a charge toward a clean energy future. How are the regulatory and business model elements of the electric grid in the state holding up in the face of the fallout from the global health crisis? Does the economic impacts of managing COVID complicate various efforts in motion there now? We chat with HI PUC Commissioner Jennie Potter about issues to ensure that grid systems effectively accommodate the Aloha State’s ambitious energy transition. The lessons are quite applicable far beyond the island state. Produced by Grid Forward.

Episode 2 - Regulatory and Business Model Toolkit in Dealing with COVID Impacts

Wed, 13 May 2020 20:14:06 -0700

Diving into the depths of regulatory and business models updates isn’t easy in ordinary times but in this session we get deep into the issues as it pertains to electric grid regulatory structure and evolution of associated models during the times of unprecedented impacts of the COVID crisis and recovery. Does performance-based regulation provide a good pathway now? How can utilities stay whole in these times? How can customers be protected from upward rate pressure? We dive deep into these areas and more in this Grid Forward chat with Matthew McDonnell, Consulting Director at Strategen. Produced by Grid Forward.