Energy Solutions: A Podcast From EPSA

Electric Power Supply Association

America runs on reliable, affordable electricity - but the demands on our grid are changing. From natural gas to renewable power, electric vehicles and the competitive power markets, what are the energy solutions to cultivate cleaner air, new technology and more innovative and reliable power generation - at the least cost? Experts and voices from throughout the electric industry and government join the Electric Power Supply Association to discuss emerging trends, current issues, energy customer needs, and new projects. Discover how competition unlocks solutions to build the grid of the future.

  1. 2d ago

    Can the Grid Keep Up? A Regional Look at Electric Reliability, Costs, and Demand Growth

    How does an historic rise in electricity demand coincide with summer power needs?  In this special summer reliability roundtable, we’re taking a look at what to expect when it comes to electric bills, power grid reliability, and what it will take to build the infrastructure needed to support future growth while protecting consumers.   EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler is joined by Gavin Donohue of the Independent Power Producers of New York (IPPNY), Glen Thomas of the PJM Power Providers Group (P3), Dan Dolan of the New England Power Generators Association (NEPGA), Jan Smutny-Jones of the Independent Energy Producers Association (IEPA), Scott Miller of the Western Power Trading Forum (WPTF), and Michele Richmond of Texas Competitive Power Advocates (TCPA).  Together, they provide a regional outlook on summer reliability, discuss the realities behind rapidly growing electricity demand, and explore how different markets are preparing for a future that looks very different from the past twenty years.  The conversation examines data centers, power supply, electricity prices, transmission investment, market evolution, and the role competitive power markets can play in meeting future demand while protecting consumers.  While each region faces unique challenges, the panel agrees on one thing: reliability, affordability, and economic growth are increasingly interconnected, and the decisions being made today will shape the future of the electric grid for decades to come.  Topics include:  Summer reliability outlooks across New York, PJM, New England, California, Texas, and the West, Data centers, AI, and the realities of electricity demand growth, Resource adequacy and generation investment, Electric affordability and rising customer bills, Transmission costs and infrastructure planning, The role of competitive markets in meeting future demand, Cost allocation and protecting consumers (who pays for data center growth?), Regional market developments and policy challenges, And what industry leaders believe will be the biggest power sector story over the next year. Host: Todd Snitchler, President and CEO, EPSA  Guests:   Gavin Donohue, Independent Power Producers of New York (IPPNY) Glen Thomas, PJM Power Providers Group (P3)  Jan Smutny-Jones, Independent Energy Producers Association (IEPA)  Dan Dolan, New England Power Generators Association (NEPGA)  Scott Miller, Western Power Trading Forum (WPTF)  Michele Richmond, Texas Competitive Power Advocates (TCPA)   Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

    55 min
  2. May 18

    “I can't believe my utility bill just doubled.” Rising Demand, Rising Electric Bills, and the Case for Competition

    As electricity demand grows and states debate how to pay for new infrastructure, questions around affordability, customer choice, and financial risk are becoming central to the future of the power sector.  Consumers across the country are seeing rising electricity bills, while policymakers face increasing pressure to ensure the grid can support data centers, manufacturing growth, and electrification without placing excessive costs on households and businesses.  In this episode, Chris Ercoli, President and CEO of the Retail Energy Advancement League (REAL), joins EPSA CEO Todd Snitchler to discuss how competitive retail and wholesale power markets can help address affordability concerns while expanding customer choice and encouraging private investment.  Chris explains why REAL believes traditional utility models are struggling to keep pace with rising demand, evolving customer expectations, and the growing need for flexible energy products. He breaks down the differences between vertically integrated utility systems and competitive retail markets, why long-term structural infrastructure costs are driving prices higher, and how retail competition can give customers more control over price certainty and risk.  They also discuss why states like Missouri are debating retail choice, how data centers and load growth are reshaping infrastructure investment, and why REAL believes private capital—not ratepayers—should bear the financial risk of building new generation.  Topics include:  Why electricity affordability has become a growing concern for consumers and policymakers,  The difference between traditional utility models and competitive retailpower markets,  How customer choice can provide flexibility, price certainty, and customized energy products,  Why states are reconsidering retail competition amid rising demand growth,  The role of private capital versus ratepayer-backed utility investment,  How utilities recover infrastructure costs through the rate base,  Why large energy users are seeking direct access to competitive generation,  How states like Missouri are debating energy choice and new generation investment,  The risks associated with CWIP (Construction Work in Process) and long-term infrastructure cost recovery,  And why REAL believes competitive markets can help balance affordability, reliability, and investment needs. Host: Todd Snitchler, President and CEO, EPSA  Guest: Chris Ercoli, President and CEO, REAL Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

    44 min
  3. Apr 14

    Powering the Surge: Turbines, Data Centers, and the Race to Build the Grid

    After years of flat demand, the power sector is facing a dramatic shift. AI, hyperscale data centers, electrification, and manufacturing growth are driving a new wave of electricity demand—and putting unprecedented pressure on the grid.  Gas turbine orders are expected to peak in 2026 as developers secure equipment for more than 60 gigawatts of new gas capacity.  In this episode, Matt Neal, President of Siemens Energy North America, joins EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler to break down what this moment means from the front lines of equipment manufacturing. From turbine shortages and long lead times to supply chain constraints and workforce challenges, Matt explains why building new power infrastructure isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.  They discuss how demand from data centers is reshaping how projects are developed, why customers are reserving equipment years in advance, and how Siemens Energy is investing billions to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity. Matt also explains why gas turbines remain critical for reliability, how they support an increasingly dynamic grid while also achieving efficiency and emissions milestones, and what the system could look like by 2040.  Topics include:  Why electricity demand growth today represents a “generational shift” for the power sector,  How AI and data centers are reshaping load growth and infrastructure planning,  Why turbine lead times now stretch close to 2030 and what’s driving the bottleneck, How supply chain, workforce, and manufacturing constraints are impacting grid expansion,  The shift from traditional procurement to reservation-based equipment strategies,  Why gas turbines remain essential for reliability and grid stability,  The latest innovations and technology breakthroughs, How hyperscale data centers are changing project development and co-location strategies,  And what needs to happen across the industry to maintain reliability and affordability as demand accelerates. Host: Todd Snitchler, President and CEO, EPSA  Guest: Matt Neal, President, Siemens Energy North America  Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

    40 min

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About

America runs on reliable, affordable electricity - but the demands on our grid are changing. From natural gas to renewable power, electric vehicles and the competitive power markets, what are the energy solutions to cultivate cleaner air, new technology and more innovative and reliable power generation - at the least cost? Experts and voices from throughout the electric industry and government join the Electric Power Supply Association to discuss emerging trends, current issues, energy customer needs, and new projects. Discover how competition unlocks solutions to build the grid of the future.

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