Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Podcast Energy Central

As utilities strive to integrate more renewable energy and distributed generation into the grid, virtual power plants (VPPs) have emerged as a key innovation, redefining the traditional power plant model. The added flexibility, community tie in, and innovation are actively upending the traditional utility model, and it's the forward-looking leaders in the industry who are poised to reap the benefits. To learn more, this episode of the Power Perspectives Podcast welcomes on Vicken Kasarjian, Chief Operating Officer at MCE.

Listen in as Vicken helps podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester to explore the evolution of VPPs, their current state, and their future potential in the energy landscape. Vicken shares his insights on how MCE is leading the charge by moving beyond pilot projects to utility-scale VPP operations, showcasing their pilot in Richmond, California, discussing the unique challenges and opportunities of this transformative technology. Throughout the discussion, Vicken illuminates what sets MCE's pilot project apart and how it aims to operate like a traditional power plant. He addresses the importance of equitable access to VPP benefits across different demographics and shares customer responses, highlighting both enthusiasm and skepticism. As the grid undergoes a critical transformation with increasing electrification of homes and vehicles, Vicken discusses how VPPs can meet the rising demand and seize new opportunities.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-172-journey-pilot-utility-scale-virtual-power-plants-vicken-kasarjian

Vicken Kasarjian Profile on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/vicken-kasarjian/about

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

Nuclear energy is definitely having a resurgent moment across the power sector and the world, as more and more regions are tapping into the carbon-free source of electricity to meet reliability requirements paired with emissions reduction goals. But one of the questions that often follows the discussion of nuclear energy is safety. In the latest episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, returning guest Claire Harris, now President of Clean Energy Connections, joins the discussion to cover the critical topic of building habits for a healthy safety culture in the energy industry, in nuclear and in other areas as well.

With her extensive background in nuclear safety and performance improvement, Claire shares with host Jason Price and Producer Matt Chester her insights on how to foster a culture that prioritizes safety across all levels of a utility organization. This episode is particularly timely, being recorded during North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, and underscores the importance of safety in the energy sector, where risks such as electrocution, falls, and environmental stress are prevalent. Claire uncovers the importance of developing high standards, fostering a sense of belonging, and encouraging open communication and honest feedback within teams. This episode is a must-listen for energy professionals looking to enhance their understanding of safety culture and implement effective practices within their organizations.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-171-building-habits-healthy-safety-culture-claire-harris-president-clean

Claire Harris on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/claire-harris-0

Claire's First Appearance on the Podcast: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-109-intentional-inclusion-cleaner-energy-future-claire-harris-nb-power

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

In an ever-evolving energy landscape, strategic planning becomes paramount for utilities aiming to navigate the complexities of modernizing the grid while meeting environmental goals. In this episode of Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast, we delve into the world of integrated resource planning (IRP) with Steve Martz, Vice President of Integrated Planning at Xcel Energy. With extensive experience in the utility sector, Steve brings insights into how utilities like Xcel are redefining their visions for carbon-free electricity and net-zero natural gas service.

From the challenges of navigating regional differences to future-proofing plans amidst technological advancements and shifting customer expectations, Steve sheds light on the critical role of integrated planning in shaping the future of the power sector. Listen in as Steve takes podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester behind the scenes, unraveling the intricacies of IRP and its importance in guiding utilities towards sustainable and reliable energy futures. From the complexities of generation planning to the broader considerations of funding allocation and customer engagement, Steve offers invaluable perspectives on steering utilities through the myriad challenges and opportunities of the evolving energy landscape.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-170-navigating-complexities-integrated-planning-steve-martz-vp-integrated

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

Note: this is a two part episode so we can fit in all of these experts’ tremendous insights. This marks part 2, so if you missed part 1 we invite you to check that out first at this link: https://soundcloud.com/energycentral/quantum-safe-networks-for-utilities-part-1-with-nokias-mauricio-subieta-hansen-chan

The importance of cybersecurity for the power grid is at the forefront of all utility decision makers’ minds. As the types of threats evolve and the nature of technology used by bad actors progress, so too must the preparations and the tools deployed by utilities to ensure the grid remains secure and resilient. Among the state-of-the-art adaptations utilities must now be considering are quantum-safe networks, a leveling up of the type of necessary technologies and protocols. Taking this leap to the new era of securing the grid can be much to grasp, which is why this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast brings in the industry leaders who can address and break down the necessary precautions.

In this episode, Mauricio Subieta, Chief Technology Officer of Nokia's Energy Segment, and Hansen Chan, Product Marketing Manager at Nokia, join the podcast conversation to delve into the forefront of these digital utility topics in the face of continuing cyber threats to the grid. Listen in as Mauricio and Hansen join podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester to demystify the concept of quantum-safe networks, exploring the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity. From defining quantum threats to unraveling the evolving threat landscape, they provide crucial insights into the necessity and urgency of quantum-safe security measures for power utilities. The conversation also includes practical steps for preparedness and ultimately the transformative impact of quantum-safe networks on utility business practices. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this critical facet of modernizing the energy sector.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript:

Mauricio Subieta on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/mauricio-subieta

Hansen Chan on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/hansen-chan

Nokia on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/Nokia

Securing IEC 61850 communications:
https://pages.nokia.com/T009TB-securing-IEC-61850-communications.html

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

Note: this is a two part episode so we can fit in all of these experts’ tremendous insights. This marks part 1, with part 2 published later this same week which can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/energycentral/quantum-safe-networks-for-utilities-part-1-with-nokias-mauricio-subieta-hansen-chan-1

The importance of cybersecurity for the power grid is at the forefront of all utility decision makers’ minds. As the types of threats evolve and the nature of technology used by bad actors progress, so too must the preparations and the tools deployed by utilities to ensure the grid remains secure and resilient. Among the state-of-the-art adaptations utilities must now be considering are quantum-safe networks, a leveling up of the type of necessary technologies and protocols. Taking this leap to the new era of securing the grid can be much to grasp, which is why this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast brings in the industry leaders who can address and break down the necessary precautions.

In this episode, Mauricio Subieta, Chief Technology Officer of Nokia's Energy Segment, and Hansen Chan, Product Marketing Manager at Nokia, join the podcast conversation to delve into the forefront of these digital utility topics in the face of continuing cyber threats to the grid. Listen in as Mauricio and Hansen join podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester to demystify the concept of quantum-safe networks, exploring the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity. From defining quantum threats to unraveling the evolving threat landscape, they provide crucial insights into the necessity and urgency of quantum-safe security measures for power utilities. The conversation also includes practical steps for preparedness and ultimately the transformative impact of quantum-safe networks on utility business practices. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this critical facet of modernizing the energy sector.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-168-securing-future-quantum-safe-networks-utilities-part-1-nokia%E2%80%99s

Mauricio Subieta on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/mauricio-subieta

Hansen Chan on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/hansen-chan

Nokia on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/Nokia

Securing IEC 61850 communications:
https://pages.nokia.com/T009TB-securing-IEC-61850-communications.html

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

Technology is revolutionizing the utility sector in more ways than meets the eye. While the first place for new technology that people look to is the physical grid or the sources of generation, in this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast we dive into the role of technology in fostering transparency, efficiency, and trust within utilities. To assist in that conversation, we welcome in Kelly James, SVP and GM of Energy & Utilities at Salesforce. Kelly's extensive experience and insights shed light on the evolution of CRM to encompass energy relationship management to the integration of automation and AI for streamlining processes.

Listen in as Kelly provides to podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester her invaluable perspectives on navigating the modern utility landscape. This thought-provoking conversation covers topics such as real-time sharing of insights among stakeholders, the impact of AI on utility operations, and the crucial theme of trust in technological advancements. Gain insights into the transformative journey of utilities and discover how technology is shaping the future of energy.

Key Links:
Energy Central Post with Full Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/episode-167-crm-energy-relationship-management-and-utility-technology

Kelly James on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/kelly-james

Salesforce on Energy Central: https://energycentral.com/o/salesforce

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