TRC Energy Talks

TRC Advanced Energy
  • 5.0 (7)
  • BUSINESS

Welcome to TRC Energy Talks, a podcast about ‘All Things Energy.’ Produced and hosted by the staff of TRC’s Advanced Energy practice. This podcast is a discussion forum for current trends in the energy industry, from decarbonization, to resiliency, to energy equity and the responsible transition to a low-carbon future.

Episodes

  1. 10/30/2025

    Equitable Workforce Development: Ep 1

    The skilled trades are at a crossroads: demand is rising, but the workforce isn’t keeping up. Our episode on equitable workforce development explores why, looking at labor shortages, outdated perceptions, and barriers that limit who enters the field. At the same time, it highlights how mentorship, training, and equity-driven recruitment can reshape the trades into accessible, rewarding careers. Tune in for a conversation about the challenges and the big opportunities shaping the future in the energy industry. Speakers: Josh Williams - Founder and President of BW Research; James Metoyer - Founder and Executive Director of EnerCity Collaborative; Tina Pham - Principal and Owner of Pham Construction Group and Iconic Tile; Cameron Starr - Customer Experience Operations Lead, Energy Trust of Oregon; Nicole Wroblewski - Director, TRC

  2. 07/08/2025

    Program Evaluation: the Key to Continuous Improvement

    Program Evaluation is the process of measuring and assessing the performance of demand side energy efficiency and load management programs, with the goal of continuous improvement. In this episode, our panel of energy industry experts discusses why performance measurement matters, and how evaluations improve programs. We discuss the regional perspectives, regulatory environments, evaluation requirements, and program drivers that inform our work. Tune in to hear about the critical role of evaluation in accelerating market transformation and ensuring that demand side programs deliver real benefits and cost savings to consumers. Speakers: -Dr. Meghan Bean, Senior Market Research Evaluation Scientist, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) -Matt Rife, C.E.M., Senior Analyst, Product Research & Evaluation, Consumers Energy -Angel Moreno, Associate Director, Advanced Energy, TRC

  3. 05/23/2024

    Utility Carbon Data Management

    Carbon accounting is of growing importance as utilities focus on reducing their own emissions, as well as the emissions of their suppliers and customers. In this podcast, our guest speakers discuss the state of carbon data management, and the standards guiding consistency in carbon accounting across utility organizations. We explore how utilities can better help customers on their decarbonization journey. Eli Gerson – Manager of Innovation, Ameren. Eli oversees Ameren Innovation's project portfolio, managing Ameren's sustainable growth efforts related to: Affordability, Economic Development, Efficient Electrification, Integrated Grid, and New Product & Service Development. Eli has an MBA from Washington University in St Louis and a B.A. in secondary education and teaching from the University of Michigan. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gersoneli/ Karl Breustedt – Senior Director of Business Development, Singularity Energy. Singularity’s platform provides an end-to-end carbon data management solution for electric utilities. Prior to joining Singularity, Karl worked at Bain & Company, where he consulted on strategy, operations, and commercial excellence for industrial and financial services clients. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Finance. https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-breustedt-6b219b105/ McGee Young – Founder, WattCarbon. McGee developed a platform that’s scaling the transition by making high impact clean energy accessible to any organization. The WattCarbon Energy Attribute Tracking System is the first ever registry designed specifically for distributed energy resources, enabling buying for any hour, from any clean energy resource. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcgeeyoung/ Patrick Hosty – Sr. Business Development Manager, Constellation Navigator. Patrick was on the founding team of Dynamhex, a carbon accounting software as a service start-up acquired by Constellation in 2022. Mr. Hosty guides Constellation Navigator’s Carbon Accounting channel partnerships. For more information, visit constellationnavigator.com/carbon-accounting. https://www.linkedin.com/in/hosty/ Maddie Emerson – Strategy & Regulatory Manager, TRC. Maddie leads initiatives within TRC’s Advanced Energy practice to drive decarbonization and energy efficiency in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors for our utility client partners. Based out of St. Louis, MO, Maddie is the host of the TRC Energy Talks Podcast, an open discussion forum for “all things energy.” https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddie-emerson-r/

    56 min

  4. 03/19/2024

    Monetizing Environmental Attributes of Building Decarbonization Programs

    How are utilities and states that are administering building decarbonization programs currently valuing the environmental attributes generated by their programs? Join industry experts with experience in wholesale energy and environmental commodity markets as we discuss energy attribute certificates (EACs), including RECs, as a key mechanism for enabling a more rapid and inclusive transition to a decarbonized built environment. Speakers Lisa Barrett – Director, Advanced Energy United. Lisa’s work focuses on removing barriers and expanding opportunities for advanced energy technologies to participate in wholesale energy markets, focusing on the Midcontinent ISO and Southwest Power Pool. She has over 15 years of experience in the energy industry, including representing distributed generation projects in renewable energy certificate, forward capacity, and real-time energy markets in New England. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-barrett-28794a10/ McGee Young – Founder, WattCarbon. MattcGee developed an energy procurement platform that’s scaling the transition by making high impact clean energy accessible to any organization. The WattCarbon Energy Attribute Tracking System is the first ever registry designed specifically for distributed energy resources, enabling buying for any hour, from any clean energy resource. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcgeeyoung/ Maddie Emerson – Strategy & Regulatory Manager, TRC. Maddie leads initiatives within TRC’s Advanced Energy practice to drive decarbonization and energy efficiency in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors for our utility client partners. Based out of St. Louis, MO, Maddie is founder and host of the TRC Energy Talks Podcast, an open discussion forum for “all things energy.” https://linkedin.com/in/maddie-emerson-r/

    1 hr

  5. 10/04/2023

    What’s Next for the Clean Energy Transition?

    What is the Clean Energy Transition, and where is it headed next? We posed this question to three energy industry veterans, all of whom launched their careers in the 1990s at the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), and who’ve remained friends in the decades since. Join this engaging conversation to hear how our industry’s priorities have evolved over the last 30 years, and some predictions on what’s coming next. Speakers: William M. Flynn – Harris Beach, PLLC. Bill leads the Harris Beach Energy Industry Team and advises clients on local, state and federal governmental affairs. Previously, Bill served as Chairman of the New York State Public Service Commission (NYS PSC), and was President of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). https://www.linkedin.com/in/billflynn/ Michael Colgrove – Executive Director, Energy Trust of Oregon. Previously, Mike spent 15 years with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) where he was director of the New York City office and multifamily programs. In that role, he led a national working group that developed ENERGY STAR® standards for multifamily high-rise buildings. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-colgrove-04763b12/ Mark Coleman – Director, Advisory & Innovation, TRC. Mark works with agencies and utilities to transform energy usage. Mark launched his career at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA. thttps://www.linkedin.com/in/markcolemannow/ Maddie Emerson (Moderator) – Strategy & Regulatory Manager within TRC’s Advanced Energy practice. Maddie leads initiatives to drive decarbonization in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors. https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddie-emerson-r/

    1h 6m

  6. 01/08/2023

    Carrots and Sticks: The Intersection of Efficiency Incentives and Building Codes

    In this episode, we discuss two large-scale tools to advance the decarbonization of buildings in the United States: 1) incentive-driven building efficiency and electrification programs, and 2) building energy codes and standards . These are “carrots and sticks” of market transformation, and they have an interesting and complex relationship. How do these tools interact in the market, and how might these interactions change as decarbonization timelines become more urgent? Find out with our team of guest experts. Speakers: Kelly Cunningham – Codes & Standards Program Manager at Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Kelly supports the evolution of energy policy in California at both the state and local level. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-cunningham-6489b148/ Jay Madden – Codes & Standards Senior Engineer at Southern California Edison (SCE). Jay also supports energy policy evolution in California and has a background as a “customer” of energy codes, working in HVAC system design. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-madden-b32ba52b/ Farhad Farahmand – Senior Project Manager, TRC. Farhad leads reach code adoption and Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standard improvements for utility and community-based projects in California. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ffarahmand/ Ian Metzger – Director of Program Design and Innovation, TRC. Ian works with utilities to design, implement, and verify performance of demand side management (DSM) incentive programs across the country. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-metzger-pe-cmvp-cem-leed-ap-73760314/ Maddie Emerson (Moderator) – Strategy & Regulatory Associate Manager within TRC’s Advanced Energy practice. https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddie-emerson-r/

    1h 3m

  7. 08/07/2022

    Heat Pumps

    In this episode, we discuss residential heat pumps, and how they represent a huge opportunity for decarbonizing energy use in the U.S. and globally. By replacing fossil-fired space and water heaters with electric heat pumps, utilities and states can fulfill climate or GHG emissions reduction goals – especially if this equipment replacement is scaled up to millions of homes and small buildings. Our discussion includes: • The Basics: an overview of heat pump technology, which can work even in cold climates. • Benefits: heat pumps can supply carbon-free, efficient heating, and the technology is ready now. • Challenges: the workforce, market structures, customer acceptance and other hurdles remain. Speakers: Dana Fischer is Manager of Utilities and Electrification, Eastern Region at Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC U.S. In his role, Dana engages with the community of utilities, delivery teams, consultants, contractors and distributors up and down the East Coast to hasten the transition of our building heating infrastructure to renewable energy with the use of high performance heat pumps. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-fischer-b1916942 Matthew Christie, a Director of Energy Efficiency at TRC, focuses on advancing the residential building sector towards net-zero, all-electric construction. His work includes designing and implementing residential new construction utility incentive programs; supporting code-readiness initiatives; engaging with heat pump manufacturers, distributors, and contractors; and developing training and education tools. https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-christie-21a03020 Maddie Emerson is a Strategy & Regulatory Associate Manager within TRC’s Advanced Energy practice. Based out of St. Louis, MO, she supports initiatives to drive decarbonization in the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors, primarily through energy efficiency and electrification. https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddie-emerson-r

    1h 1m

  8. 08/01/2022

    Transportation Electrification

    This discussion focuses on one of the biggest market shifts occurring on a global scale: transportation electrification. Join three experts from TRC as we discuss the opportunities, benefits, and challenges of electrifying passenger, non-road, and commercial fleet vehicles on a mass scale. We talk about implications including: • Grid impacts of mass electrification • Funding via the infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) • The role of utility EV and EV charging infrastructure incentive programs Speakers: Brenda Enos, based in Boston MA, is a Director of Energy Efficiency for TRC’s Advanced Energy Practice. Brenda works with utilities, businesses, government agencies, and transportation authorities to design and implement electric vehicle programs – ranging from passenger vehicles, commercial fleets, heavy duty trucks, and non-road vehicles including airport ground support equipment, forklifts, watercraft and aircraft. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendaenos Cal Silcox, based in Seattle, WA, is a Senior Consultant in TRC’s Advanced Energy practice. Cal specializes in transportation electrification, utility strategy, and policy analysis. Mr. Silcox has expertise in navigating complex policy and regulatory environments and brings over half a decade of work in the electric vehicle industry. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cal-silcox-3b869b16 Maddie Emerson is a Strategy & Regulatory Associate Manager within TRC’s Advanced Energy practice. Based out of St. Louis, MO, she supports initiatives to drive decarbonization in the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors, primarily through energy efficiency and electrification. https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddie-emerson-r

    39 min

  9. 07/09/2022

    FERC2222

    In this episode, we talk about “the good, the bad, and the ugly” of FERC Order No. 2222, an important piece of energy legislation that opens the wholesale market for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and represents an industry-transforming opportunity for decarbonization and innovation in the power industry. In this podcast, our team of St. Louis-based experts discuss the implications of this legislation: • The good: the vast opportunities presented by FERC Order No. 2222 • The bad: the costs and barriers to participation • The ugly: the details and complexity of this far-reaching order Speakers: Angela Gordon is TRC’s Regulatory & Policy Director, with 30 years of experience in the electric, natural gas, and water industries. She focuses on rates and regulatory issues, industry reforms, and demand side management program design and implementation. Angela has worked extensively in codes and standards, particularly ASHRAE 90.1 standards as applicable to multifamily and commercial buildings. https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-gordon-9684a410 Scott Steiner is Vice President of TRC’s Advanced Energy practice in the Central U.S. region. He manages a broad portfolio of demand side management programs including efficiency, demand response, and electrification. Scott has worked within a wide variety of manufacturing segments, including automotive, fuel cells, plastics processing, semiconductors, and photovoltaic cells. https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-steiner-a310604 Maddie Emerson is a Strategy & Regulatory Associate Manager within TRC’s Advanced Energy practice. Based out of St. Louis, MO, she supports initiatives to drive decarbonization in the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors, primarily through energy efficiency and electrification. https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddie-emerson-r

    51 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to TRC Energy Talks, a podcast about ‘All Things Energy.’ Produced and hosted by the staff of TRC’s Advanced Energy practice. This podcast is a discussion forum for current trends in the energy industry, from decarbonization, to resiliency, to energy equity and the responsible transition to a low-carbon future.

Information

  • Creator
    TRC Advanced Energy
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TRC Energy Talks TRC Advanced Energy