Power Plays

CoBank
Power Plays

Welcome to Power Plays, a podcast series dedicated to the U.S. power and energy sector. Hosted by Teri Viswanath, lead energy economist with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange division, Power Plays connects you with top energy and environmental innovators, policy makers and rural electric cooperative executives for timely insights and in-depth market analysis.

  1. JUN 25

    How a Texas Co-op is Increasing Reliability with its Virtual Power Plant

    Since Winter Storm Uri left Texans in the dark four years ago, electric cooperatives and their members have actively pursued ways to harden the grid and increase community resiliency. In this episode of Power Plays, Will Nichols with Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative describes how its pilot project uses battery storage and other controllable devices to provide dispatchable generation.

    20 min

  2. MAY 28

    U.S. Power Plant New Build Cycle — a Master Class in ERCOT and PJM

    The largest grid operator in the U.S., PJM, has more than 3,000 active projects in its interconnection queue, more than four other ISOs combined. And it used to be easy to build in Texas, but ERCOT is facing the same challenges as other regions. Spearmint Energy’s Andrew Waranch and Gina Wolf examine the nuances of building ISO supply in this episode of Power Plays.

    24 min

  3. APR 30

    U.S. Power Plant New Build Cycle — a Master Class in MISO and SPP

    Why exactly is the middle of the U.S. running out of power? In this episode of Power Plays, Spearmint Energy’s Andrew Waranch and Gina Wolf examine building new supply with MISO and SPP. In these two regions, new generation project queues are lengthy and community opposition is high. We look at what it will take to build back a safe reserve of supply for consumers.

    25 min

  4. MAR 26

    How Co-ops are Maximizing DER Value for Members

    The popularity of solar panels and EVs shows DERs are here to stay, and proactive utilities are integrating them into their portfolios. In this episode of Power Plays, leaders with San Isabel Electric and Tri-State share how they are tapping into their co-op roots by connecting members with reputable contractors and offering on-bill financing and dynamic member education.

    24 min

  5. FEB 26

    Bracing for Grid Strain and Customer Impacts from Virginia’s Data Center Boom

    Electric co-ops are preparing for their toughest planning cycle yet as large loads threaten to overwhelm the system. In this episode of Power Plays, energy expert Kush Patel, a senior partner with E3, shares what lessons utilities should take away from Virginia’s rapid expansion of data centers.

    17 min

  6. JAN 22

    Profit by the Gig: How Co-ops are Leveraging Data Analytics for Broadband Success

    Need fresh ideas to boost your co-op broadband business? Ozarks Electric and United Electric share practical advice in this episode of Power Plays, explaining how data analytics drive their strategies to retain broadband customers and increase fiber business profitability.

    25 min

  7. 12/19/2024

    Can We Have Electricity That is Both Affordable and Reliable?

    As rate case filings grow, utility commissioners are pressured to keep electricity affordable — while they meet demand growth and maintain reliability. Are they striking the right balance? In this year-end episode of Power Plays, Lillian Federico and Steve Piper from S&P Global look at the structural rise in utility costs and whether an increasingly fragmented industry is agile enough to meet the challenges ahead.

    25 min

  8. 11/20/2024

    Flexible Generating Technology Comes Up to Bat

    Electricity demand is growing, weather events are worsening, and variable renewables make up a larger share of supply. The grid needs flexible generating resources. But with a years-out supply chain, where do we turn? Two manufacturers of flexible generating technology – Wärtsilä and Mainspring Energy – outline innovation and options for co-ops in this episode of Power Plays.

    23 min
See All (60)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to Power Plays, a podcast series dedicated to the U.S. power and energy sector. Hosted by Teri Viswanath, lead energy economist with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange division, Power Plays connects you with top energy and environmental innovators, policy makers and rural electric cooperative executives for timely insights and in-depth market analysis.

Information

  • Creator
    CoBank
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © CoBank
  • Show Website
    Power Plays

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