Explore every episode of the podcast GridPulse, a Grid Forward podcast

Can electricity become more affordable and reliable without fundamentally changing how we plan and invest in the grid? In celebration of Grid Forward's 100th podcast episode, Bryce Yonker sits down with Jigar Shah (Energy Empire), Audrey Zibelman (Zibelman Energy Advisors) and Herman Trabish (Utility Dive) to wrestle with some of the industry's toughest questions. They discuss: 

• how AI and distributed energy resources could transform grid operations,
• how the industry can rebuild public trust amid rising electricity costs and reliability concerns,
• why more coordinated grid planning is essential to managing costs,
• whether traditional electricity rate structures need to change and who should pay for grid investments,
• how to strengthen domestic energy supply chains and reduce investment risks,

and much more! Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear four grid veterans paint the really big picture for our energy system on GridPulse.

Thank you to our listeners for tuning in to our podcast over the past six years! And to our sponsor Virtual Peaker and all our guests, thank you for helping make 100 episodes possible!

Driven largely by the AI energy demands and grid reliability needs, significant investment has gone into developing long-duration energy storage solutions. The question now becomes: is the technology ready to scale across the market? Bryce Yonker interviewed two analysts and two tech innovators to unearth recent developments in the energy storage market and the barriers that still remain to roll them out more broadly. They discuss emerging technologies such as compressed-air and thermal energy storage, as well as the growing need for flexible capacity and how to make scaling these technologies work financially. Tune in as these four guests unpack this emerging technology:   

• Allison Weis, Global Head of Energy Storage at Wood Mackenzie
• Lukas Karapin-Springorum, Long-Duration Energy Storage Analyst at Currence
• Claudio Spadacini, Founder & CEO at Energy Dome
• Jason Evans, Vice President, Energy at Antora Energy

Consistently delivering affordable, reliable electricity is a hallmark of Nebraska’s public power utilities. How does that work, and how can the state maintain that track record? Three leaders from Nebraska public power utilities discuss how they are balancing costs, aging infrastructure and an increase in demand while ensuring communities continue to thrive. They also talk about grid modernization and how utilizing data and demand-side management can assist utilities in making wiser investments and give consumers more control over their energy use to save money.

Listen in as Emeka Anyanwu (CEO, Lincoln Electric System), Tom Kent (President & CEO, Nebraska Public Power District) and Javier Fernandez (President & CEO, Omaha Public Power District) explain the state of public power in Nebraska. 

For years, energy providers have operated on the basis that adding additional meters spreads energy costs and makes the grid more affordable for everyone. But is that true when a data center needs a city’s worth of electricity? Drawing on their current research in energy policy, markets and transitions, Paulina Jaramillo of Carnegie Mellon University and Abe Silverman of Johns Hopkins University discuss how rapid data center growth is challenging preconceptions about reliability and rates. They also talk about how flexibility, tariffs and new investment practices could keep the costs needed with rapid growth from falling on current customers. Listen now - you won't find a more informed discussion on the rising impact of data centers on the electric system.

For large facilities scrambling to bring new energy capacity online, waiting several years for a new grid connection is not a viable option. John Carrington, CEO of ERock, and Jesse Noffsinger, Partner at McKinsey & Company, discuss current trends in behind-the-meter (BTM) generation and how it can provide a faster solution while utilities build needed grid connections. Over the long term however, BTM resources could shift from serving individual customers to supporting the larger power system. John and Jesse also explore the challenges that come with rapid growth on the grid, including supply chain constraints, complex large-load rate structures, and how costs and benefits should be shared. Hear two expert viewpoints on this fast-evolving BTM area in this episode.

Saint John Energy exemplifies how modernizing the distribution grid can be a productive path for greater affordability and resiliency. In this episode, CEO Ryan Mitchell shares how Saint John Energy has using a range of hardware and software innovations -- such as renting high-effiiciency heating and deploying advanced demand management -- to meet growing customer demand with the lowest rates in the region. He also discusses their new Plugin Labs, a digital twin of system data designed to give innovators and developers a safe environment to test new ideas before launching software solutions. Listen in to this success story of grid modernization delivering power more efficiently and economically.

As electricity demand continues to climb, geothermal energy is emerging as a key source of reliable, around-the-clock clean power. In this episode of GridPulse, Bryce Yonker sits down with Sarah Jewett, chief operating officer at Fervo Energy, to discuss how the company is scaling the next generation of geothermal power. Sarah explains how Fervo is applying technologies pioneered in the oil and gas sector to reduce costs and accelerate deployment. They also explore locational factors, timelines, permitting, and how enhanced geothermal is poised to play a major role in the future of the electric grid. Don't miss this excellent discussion of how next-generation geothermal can help shape a clean, reliable energy grid.

Energy affordability is a growing problem across the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. In this episode, Christopher Knittel of MIT and Ryan Hledick of The Brattle Group turn to recent research to unpack the many factors pushing up electricity prices, including infrastructure replacement, climate change impact, fast-growing demand and evolving energy policies. They then lay out potential solutions using grid flexibility and energy pricing to help manage costs while advancing a reliable, capable grid. You won't find a better up-to-date explanation of the dynamic between energy affordability and grid modernization. Listen in! 

The ability to double grid capacity is here today, ready to work in existing transmission corridors. Get grounded in advanced reconductoring options in this episode with Zach Zimmerman from the AMP Coalition and Theodore Paradise, Chief Policy and Grid Strategy Office at CTC Global. They explain how advanced conductors can move more energy using existing poles and corridors or boost capacity of new projects. Utilities and grid operators can reduce grid expansion timelines, lower costs compared with new transmission builds, and even improve affordability. Listen in to this "technology whose time has come." 

Virtual power plants (VPPs) are entering a new phase. Utilities and regulators are moving beyond pilot programs and enrollment metrics toward dispatchable distributed capacity that can reliably support the grid. At the same time, new policy frameworks, funding mechanisms, and technology capabilities are accelerating deployment. In this episode, leaders from Tesla (Kevin Joyce), Virtual Peaker (Jeff Quigley) and Ohm Analytics (Madeline Turner) explore how DERs, and especially storage, are being deployed at scale to provide fast, flexible capacity. They discuss the way these systems are already reducing pressures on costs, improving reliability and helping utilities respond to quickly shifting conditions.

As the energy landscape grows more complex, utilities see new  technologies as critical to making electricity more clean, affordable and reliable. Yet how can they nurture innovation in a historically conservative industry? In this episode, Avista CEO Heather Rosentrater shares the ways her team is embedding innovation across the organization, not just within a single team, to navigating rising operational risks. Avista is empowering employees to rethink how work gets done, optimize business operations, and communicate with communities. If you're looking for inspiration for how to make innovation integral to your organization, listen to Heather's experience at Avista.

As energy demand surges, tech giants are stepping up as key partners to utilities navigating a rapidly changing grid. At CERAWeek 2026, Bryce Yonker explored this topic speaking with Hannah Green, Global Operations & GTM Leader for Energy & Resources at Microsoft, and Rayford Smith, Global Head of Power and Energy for Cloud at Google. They detailed how digital infrastructure, the cloud and AI are reshaping how utilities plan and operate the grid. From faster forecasting to smarter operations, these technologies are unlocking new efficiencies. But as new tech become embedded in critical infrastructure, building trust through strong governance, transparency and accountability is increasingly essential. Listen in to understand the evolving dynamic between these two mission-critical industries and the path to "getting it right."

As energy demand surges, how is the U.S. Department of Energy supporting breakthrough technologies to strengthen grid resilience? ARPA-E Director Conor Prochaska shares how the agency is identifying and advancing high-impact solutions, including fusion (which he thinks is getting closer), advanced nuclear, next-generation geothermal, long duration storage and more to help meet growing demand. But technology alone isn’t enough. Prochaska also highlights the critical role of public-private partnerships and faster commercialization pathways in bringing these innovations to scale. We recorded this live at CeraWeek in Houston and will be joining the ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit next week. Hope to see you in San Diego. 

What does it take to power rural America in a time of fast-changing technologies and rising demand and costs? Jim Matheson of NRECA shares insights into how electric cooperatives are adapting to meet supply chain pressures, infrastructure needs, and the rapid growth fueled by data centers and other energy demands. He also discusses the importance of federal financing and the cooperative model to maintain affordability and reliability on the rural grid. How well are U.S. co-ops suited to meet the day? Tune in to listen to our lively conversation. 

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.

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!

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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/

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’. 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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