EPRI Current

EPRI

EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting how the world makes, moves, and uses energy. Each episode features insights from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the world’s preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization. Episodes also feature the practical expertise of energy industry leaders on a variety of topics and technologies that are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com

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#89
October 9 · 25 min
79. From Home Appliance to Grid Asset: The Evolution of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps have become one of the most widely discussed technologies for home efficiency and electrification, but their next evolution may be even more transformative. In this week's episode of EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman is joined by EPRI's Ron Domitrovic and Carrier Energy's Timothy Watts to discuss the next generation of heat pumps and their potential to support both homeowners and the grid. The discussion explores how technologies such as inverter-driven systems, integrated battery storage, and virtual power plant participation are expanding the role of heat pumps beyond heating and cooling. Drawing on insights from EPRI's ongoing field demonstration, the guests share what they're learning about turning residential HVAC systems into flexible energy resources while keeping customer comfort front and center, and how those learnings can help inform the broader industry's approach to integrating heat pumps as grid resources. For more episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#88
September 23 · 25 min
78. Building a Climate-Ready Grid: Strategies, Technologies, and Investments for a More Resilient Future
This week on the EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman sits down with Morgan Scott, EPRI Vice President of Electrification and Sustainable Energy Strategy, and Faith Davis, who leads Exelon's Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i), to discuss how the utility industry is adapting to a rapidly changing landscape. Together, they explore lessons learned from climate resilience efforts, emerging technologies attracting investment, and the growing role of data, AI, and innovation in planning for future risks. They also examine the intersection of resilience, infrastructure investment, and affordability, and share their vision for how climate-informed planning can help build a more reliable and adaptable energy system in the years ahead. The episode also explores the impact of EPRI's Climate READi Initiative (https://www.epri.com/research/sectors/readi), which helps establish a consistent, industry-wide approach to assessing climate risk and informing climate-ready planning. Learn more about Exelon's Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i): https://www.exeloncorp.com/community/foundation For more episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#87
September 9 · 24 min
77. Beyond the Drone: How Robotics Are Transforming the Grid
How are robotics, drones, and AI reshaping utility operations? In this episode of EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman speaks with EPRI's Dexter Lewis and Ameren's James Pierce about the growing role of robotics in electric utility inspections, the evolution of drone programs, and the opportunities and challenges ahead as utilities embrace more autonomous operations. From robotic dogs and underwater inspection vehicles to drones that collect millions of images of grid assets, utilities are expanding the use of robotics to improve safety, reduce costs, and gain deeper insights into infrastructure health. Experts discuss how drone programs have matured from early pilot projects to enterprise-wide operations, including Ameren's extensive asset inspection efforts and pioneering beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights. They also dive into emerging FAA regulations, the growing need for industry best practices, and the role of AI in transforming massive volumes of inspection data into actionable intelligence. Tune in to hear how utilities are preparing for the next generation of autonomous inspections and digital grid management. Interested in the topics discussed in this episode? Check out these EPRI resources: • EPRI Discussing the Notice of Proposed Rule Making for Part 108: Normalizing BVLOS UAS Operations https://www.epri.com/research/programs/070605/events/ae161182-5208-4d67-82dc-bf529f97263a • EPRI's Preparing for Part 108 Collaborative Research Project https://www.epri.com/research/products/000000003002034053 • EPRI's Public Labeled Imagery Dataset Supporting AI Development https://www.epri.com/thought-leadership/artificial-intelligence/data-sets/3qma0kn43rnn56ualbkmhg For more episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#86
August 27 · 21 min
76. Extreme Heat and the Future of Nuclear Reliability
What do rising river temperatures, lower water levels, and jellyfish have in common? They're all emerging challenges for nuclear power plant operations. In this episode of EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman is joined by EPRI experts Kurt Crytzer and Jonathan Black to explore how extreme heat is reshaping nuclear plant operations in Europe and beyond, and why water is one of the industry's most critical resources. From rising water temperatures and lower river levels to changing aquatic ecosystems and even jellyfish blooms, they examine how extreme weather conditions can impact cooling systems, plant performance, and grid reliability. Experts highlight EPRI's research to help utilities better anticipate, monitor, and adapt to these challenges through advanced forecasting tools and resilience-focused solutions. Interested in the topics discussed in this episode? Check out these EPRI resources: HOL A DELEJ?: Real-time dashboard of Hungary's power system and the Paks Nuclear Power Plant: https://holadelej.hu/en/ Intake Reliability Interest Group (IRIG): EPRI program focused on cooling water intake reliability and emerging operational challenges: https://www.epri.com/research/products/000000003002033455 For more episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#85
July 22 · 30 min
75. How Could Data Center Growth Affect Future Electricity Costs?
This week on the EPRI Current, we explore one of the energy sector’s most recently debated questions: Are data centers driving up electricity rates? Host Samantha Gilman is joined by Geoff Blanford and Asa Watten of EPRI’s Energy Systems and Climate Analysis team to discuss new research examining the relationship between data center growth and consumer electricity costs. Drawing on a decade of data, they examine why the relationship between rising demand and rising rates may be more complex than many assume, and why, in some cases, load growth can help improve affordability by spreading grid costs across more customers. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of AI-driven electricity demand, the challenges of building grid infrastructure fast enough to keep pace, and how flexible demand initiatives like EPRI’s DCFlex could help balance reliability, affordability, and growth. Tune in for a data-driven discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and offers fresh insight into one of the industry's most important debates. Read the full working paper: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2606.19777 Summary and key insights available here: https://restservice.epri.com/publicattachment/98650 Explore related EPRI research: Win-Win Watts: https://winwin.epri.com/ Energy Wallet: https://energywallet.epri.com/ DCFlex Initiative: https://dcflex.epri.com/ For more episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#84
June 18 · 20 min
74. What a “Super El Niño” Could Mean for the Power Sector
A potential “super El Niño” is making headlines, and for the power sector, it comes with real implications. In this episode of The EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman speaks with EPRI climate scientist Erik Smith about what’s driving the latest forecasts and how changing ocean conditions could shape weather patterns in the months ahead. From increased precipitation in California to drought risk in the Pacific Northwest and a potentially quieter Atlantic hurricane season, the discussion explores how a strong El Niño can shape regional outcomes. It also highlights how EPRI’s climate analytics and research – including the Climate Resilience and Adaptation (READi) Initiative – are equipping utilities to plan across seasonal to multi-year horizons. As forecasts evolve, the episode emphasizes the importance of staying alert, adaptable, and prepared for how quickly conditions can change. To learn more about EPRI’s Climate READi, visit: https://apps.epri.com/climate-readi-compass/en/ For more episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#83
June 3 · 32 min
73. Defining Flexibility: How Flex MOSAIC™ Creates a Shared Language for the Grid
In this week’s episode of the EPRI Current, Dave Weaver from Exelon, Clift Pompee from Compass Datacenters, and Anuja Ratnayake from EPRI join host Samantha Gilman to discuss how new approaches to flexibility can accelerate grid connections amid surging demand. Experts focus on EPRI’s recently launched Flex MOSAIC™, a framework developed through EPRI’s DCFlex initiative to define what flexibility means in practice by creating a shared, performance-based language between utilities and large load customers. By defining five distinct classes of flexibility with clear parameters such as notification time, duration, and frequency of use, Flex MOSAIC™ helps align expectations upfront and reduce the ambiguity that has historically slowed interconnection. Tune in to hear about how concepts like “headroom” and performance-based flexibility classes can help unlock existing grid capacity, reduce interconnection timelines, and support reliability. With perspectives from across the energy ecosystem, the episode highlights both the opportunity and the coordination required to enable faster, more adaptive grid integration. Learn more about EPRI’s DCFlex Initiative: https://dcflex.epri.com/ Learn more about EPRI’s Flex MOSAIC™: https://dcflex.epri.com/flex-mosaic Learn more about headroom: https://www.epri.com/research/products/000000003002034162 For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#82
May 20 · 25 min
72. Micro Data Centers and the Evolution of AI Infrastructure
In this episode of the EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman speaks with EPRI’s Director of Agentic AI and Micro Data Centers, Ben Sooter, about the growing role of distributed inference, also known as micro data centers, in the evolving AI landscape. While large, centralized data centers dominate current discussions, Sooter explains why the next wave of compute demand will shift closer to end users to support faster, latency-sensitive applications. The conversation highlights how this distributed approach could reshape grid planning, including opportunities to leverage available capacity at distribution substations and the need to better understand emerging load profiles. Sooter also discusses EPRI’s collaborative pilot efforts with NVIDIA, Prologis, and InfraPartners to explore siting, deployment, and scalability. As AI adoption accelerates, this episode examines how utilities can prepare for and help enable the next phase of digital infrastructure. For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#81
May 6 · 30 min
71. Beyond the Benchmark: Evaluating AI for Real‑World Use
How should organizations interpret AI benchmarks – and where do they fall short when moving from pilots to real‑world deployment? In this episode of EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman is joined by Jaime Sevilla, Director of Epoch AI, and Apurba Sakti, EPRI Principal Technical Leader for AI, for a deep dive into AI benchmarking and responsible adoption. The conversation explores why strong benchmark scores don’t always translate into operational readiness, the limitations of generic leaderboards, and why domain‑ and workflow-specific evaluations are critical – especially in high-consequence sectors like energy. The discussion highlights how organizations can move beyond demonstrations toward continuous, evidence‑based evaluation to ensure AI systems are reliable, transparent, and fit for real‑world use. For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#80
April 22 · 23 min
70. The Power of GETs: Unlocking Hidden Grid Capacity
Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) are gaining momentum as a practical way to maximize the efficiency and capacity of existing transmission lines. Designed to improve how the grid is monitored, managed, and operated, GETs are increasingly seen as a practical solution to growing demand, congestion, and reliability challenges. In this episode of EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman is joined by EPRI’s Anna Lafoyiannis and RMI’s Katie Siegner to explore how GETs are moving from pilot projects to broader deployment. The guests discuss technologies such as dynamic line ratings and advanced conductors, share insights from real‑world testing underway at EPRI’s labs, and examine evolving regulatory and policy drivers. From collaborative efforts like EPRI’s Grid Enhancing Technologies for a Smart Energy Transition (GET SET) initiative to emerging market signals and lessons from early adopters, the episode offers a grounded look at what it takes to scale GETs – and what utilities should consider next. To learn more about EPRI’s GET SET Initiative, visit: https://transmission.epri.com/getset/ For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#79
April 9 · 25 min
69. How Europe Is Preparing AI for Real‑World Grid Operations
Europe is accelerating the use of artificial intelligence across the energy sector – but how can utilities adopt AI safely, securely, and at scale? In this episode of EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman continues the AI-EFFECT series with a discussion exploring three of the European Union’s Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEF) projects: AI-EFFECT, EnergyGuard, and EnerTEF. Guests Adrian Kelly from EPRI Europe, Sotiris Pelekis from the Institute of Communications and Computer Systems (ICCS), and Elissaios Sarmas from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) discuss how these cross-country facilities help utilities validate, de‑risk, and operationalize AI through shared infrastructure, standardized testing, and regulatory alignment. The conversation highlights real-world utility use cases, cross-sector collaboration, and how Europe’s TEF model could inform global efforts to enable trustworthy AI in the power sector. To learn more about Europe’s Testing and Experimentation Facilities and their role in enabling reliable AI, visit: https://ai-effect.eu/ai-effect-enertef-and-energyguard-join-forces-to-advance-ai-in-energy-sector/ Explore more episodes from the AI‑EFFECT series: Episode 65: https://epricurrent.podbean.com/e/65-exploring-the-ai-effect-on-europe-s-energy-future/ Episode 52: https://epricurrent.podbean.com/e/52-what-is-the-ai-effect-on-europe-s-power-industry/ For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#78
March 25 · 31 min
Grid Talk Series on the EPRI Current: Grid Growth in the Age of Data Centers and Electrification
In the final episode of the Grid Talk Series on the EPRI Current, Maria Pope, President and CEO of Portland General Electric, joins Marty Rosenberg for a wide‑ranging conversation on how utilities are responding to historic demand growth without compromising reliability or affordability. Maria shares how PGE is using advanced analytics, grid-enhancing technologies, and large-scale battery storage to unlock new capacity from existing infrastructure and accommodate rapidly growing loads. The discussion dives into PGE’s “growth pays for growth” approach, innovative rate structures, and the role customers play in funding grid expansion, while also exploring regional market coordination, renewable integration in the Pacific Northwest, and what today’s surge in data centers signals for long‑term grid planning. In EPRI’s Take, host Samantha Gilman meets with David Porter, VP for Electrification & Sustainable Energy Strategy and executive lead for EPRI’s DCFlex initiative, about how data centers and other large loads can support grid reliability. David highlights three key flexibility opportunities at data centers – shifting compute workloads, optimizing auxiliary systems, and using backup generation and energy storage to manage peaks. The conversation also looks ahead, emphasizing the flexibility of demand across all electrified loads and the growing role of transportation electrification as a shared grid resource. Learn more about DCFlex: https://dcflex.epri.com/ For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#77
March 11 · 20 min
68. In It for the Long Haul: Nuclear LTO in a High-Demand Era
The long-term operation (LTO) of existing nuclear plants is emerging as a critical strategy for delivering reliable, carbon-free power as electricity demand accelerates across the economy. In this episode of EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman is joined by Rounette Nader, VP of New Nuclear Generation and License Renewal at Duke Energy, and EPRI’s Rob Austin, Senior Program Manager for Nuclear, to explore how LTO supports a resilient energy future. The discussion unpacks what it really takes to extend plant lifetimes to 60 years, 80 years, and possibly beyond – and why continued investment, modernization, and rigorous regulatory oversight keep plants safe and increasingly reliable. The experts tackle common misconceptions about aging plants, explain how modernization and digital upgrades support round-the-clock power, and highlight LTO’s role in meeting rapidly growing load while maintaining a skilled workforce. Together, they spotlight why long-term nuclear operation remains one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to deliver dependable, carbon-free energy at scale. To learn more about Nuclear Power Plant Long-Term Operations, visit: https://lto.epri.com/LTO To learn more about Duke Energy's nuclear fleet, visit: https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-nuclear-fleet-sets-new-all-time-reliability-record-delivers-value-for-customers#:~:text=Record%20capacity%20factor%20of%2096.9,directly%20supporting%20growing%20energy%20needs. For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#76
February 25 · 35 min
Grid Talk Series – How Fast Can the Grid Adapt to Rising Demand — And At What Cost?
Surging electricity demand is pushing the grid to its limits, prompting regulators and innovators to expand the system without sacrificing reliability or affordability. In this episode of the Grid Talk Series on The EPRI Current, Marty Rosenberg meets with Ann Rendahl, President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), a commissioner with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, and a member of EPRI's Advisory Council, to explore how state regulators are navigating rapid changes to the electric grid. Rendahl discusses the sharp rise in electricity demand and its implications for rates, infrastructure investment, and long-term reliability. They also discuss how regulators are working to protect customers from stranded costs, balance an evolving generation mix, and manage growing risks from wildfires, cybersecurity threats, and climate impacts on hydropower. To get EPRI’s Take, host Samantha Gilman speaks with Morgan Scott, EPRI’s VP of Global Outreach Partnerships, about where innovation is most urgently needed as electricity demand accelerates. Scott highlights the increasing load data centers could account for by 2030 and explains why meeting that challenge will require advances in generation, grid-enhancing technologies, and flexibility at both the customer and data center levels. She also reframes the conversation around affordability – distinguishing the rising cost of electricity from its growing value within the broader “energy wallet” for consumers. For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#75
February 11 · 29 min
67. From Pilots to Scale: Inside the Future of Fleet Electrification
As medium‑ and heavy-duty electric vehicles move rapidly from pilots to scaled deployments, utilities are navigating new pressures, opportunities, and load implications across their systems. In this episode of The EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman meets with EPRI electric transportation experts Mike Rowand and Watson Collins to explore what 2026 has in store for fleet electrification. Drawing on decades of utility experience and EV experience, they reflect on key shifts observed in 2025, from evolving market behavior to the transition from pilot projects to large-scale deployments. The conversation highlights why interest in fleet electrification remains strong, even amid broader industry uncertainty, and examines how EV load growth could eventually outpace data center demand. Mike and Watson also break down EPRI’s latest EVs2Scale planning tools – eRoadMap and GridFAST – and discuss how these resources equip utilities to plan confidently for an increasingly electric transportation future. Learn more about GridFAST: https://www.gridfast.com/about Learn more about eRoadMap: https://eroadmap.epri.com/ If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#74
January 26 · 38 min
Grid Talk Series – Navigating Grid Stress in an Era of Increasing Demand
In this episode of the Grid Talk Series on the EPRI Current, Marty Rosenberg sits down with Elliot Mainzer, President and CEO of the California ISO, to discuss how the state navigates extreme grid stress during record-breaking demand. Elliot reflects on California’s all-time peak of 52,000 megawatts during a historic heatwave and the extraordinary measures taken to keep the lights on. From emergency load reduction programs to extending the life of Diablo Canyon, the conversation highlights how flexibility and innovation are critical for reliability. Elliot shares insights on the growing role of demand response, virtual power plants, and customer engagement in preparing for rapid spikes in energy use. This discussion underscores why adaptive strategies are essential as electrification and climate extremes reshape grid operations. To get EPRI’s Take, Samantha Gilman meets with Eamonn Lannoye, Director of EPRI Europe, to discuss similar trends across global markets and the importance of regional cooperation for reliability. They explore expanding transmission needs, advances in higher‑voltage and HVDC systems, and the push to optimize existing grid capacity through grid-enhancing technologies, including EPRI’s GET SET initiative. For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#73
January 8 · 22 min
66. Best of 2025: Conversations Shaping the Future of Energy
Welcome to our first podcast episode of 2026! In this Best of 2025 episode, we’re looking back at some of our most impactful conversations from the past year. You’ll hear highlights from episodes exploring how the energy sector is navigating rapid change – from the launch of the Open Power AI Consortium (OPAI) and efforts to responsibly scale AI, to global lessons learned from the Iberian Peninsula blackout. We’ll also revisit conversations on innovative grid flexibility initiatives, such as DCFlex, the latest insights from EPRI’s Advanced Reactor Roadmap, and an unexpected yet important topic: how energy infrastructure can support wildlife conservation, including the protection of bat populations. Join us as we reflect on the moments that defined 2025 and set the stage for another year of insightful conversations on EPRI Current. Listen every other week for the latest research, real-world lessons, and industry perspectives shaping the future of energy. For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#72
Dec 19, 2025 · 38 min
Grid Talk Series – Unlocking the Power of DER for a Flexible Future
In this second episode of the GridTalk Series on the EPRI Current, host Marty Rosenberg speaks with Audrey Zibelman – former Chair of the New York Public Service Commission and CEO of the Australian Energy Market Operator – about lessons from New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative and what it may take to scale distributed energy resources (DER). Drawing on global experiences, Audrey shares insights from U.S. regulatory innovation and Australia’s efforts in rooftop solar and two-way energy systems, offering a unique perspective into how international best practices can inform U.S. strategies for resilience, affordability, and modernization. She also previews her work with the Pew Charitable Trust on a forthcoming DER playbook, focused on regulatory reform, market design, and scenario-based planning to meet surging demand from electrification and data centers. Then, join Samantha Gilman for “EPRI’s Take” with Haresh Kamath, EPRI Director of Cross-Cutting Technologies and Solutions. Haresh discusses operational challenges utilities face when integrating DER and storage, including interoperability, visibility, business models, and contracts. He highlights EPRI’s FLEXIT initiative and emphasizes the importance of industry-wide collaboration and common approaches to unlock DER’s full potential for grid flexibility and resilience. For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#71
Dec 12, 2025 · 24 min
65. Exploring the AI-EFFECT on Europe’s Energy Future
As artificial intelligence is transforming the energy sector, Europe is laying the groundwork for secure and scalable innovation. The AI-EFFECT project is establishing a European Testing and Experimentation Facility to develop, test, and validate AI applications for critical energy infrastructures. Funded by Horizon Europe, the project aims to integrate AI into critical energy infrastructures to optimize operations, reduce costs, enhance resilience, and support decarbonization efforts. In this episode of EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman is joined by Alexandra Bach from RWTH Aachen University, Meine van der Meulen from DNV, and Gianluca Lipari from EPRI Europe to explore Work Package 2 of the AI-EFFECT – the architecture and building blocks that enable distributed nodes across multiple countries. Tune in to discover why interoperability, intellectual property protection, and collaboration are essential for accelerating AI adoption in the energy sector. Plus, learn how EPRI’s global initiatives, including Open Power AI Consortium (OPAI) and AI benchmarking, are shaping the future of AI for utilities. For more information about AI-EFFECT and AI in the power industry: AI-EFFECT: https://europe.epri.com/project/ai-effect OPAI: https://msites.epri.com/opai AI Benchmarking: https://interactive.epri.com/wattworks EPRI Europe: https://europe.epri.com/ For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
#70
Nov 19, 2025 · 36 min
Grid Talk Series – Meeting Surging Energy Demand with Innovation and Resilience
Hosts Marty Rosenberg and Samantha Gilman introduce the Grid Talk Series on the EPRI Current. In this inaugural episode, Marty speaks with Gil Quiniones, President and CEO of ComEd, about the unprecedented transformation of the electric grid. Gil explains how surging demand from data centers, electrification, and manufacturing reshoring is reshaping ComEd’s strategy – and why the next decade will bring more change than the past century. Learn about ComEd’s multi-year grid modernization plan, the role of AI in boosting reliability, and how community solar, microgrids, and climate adaptation will define the future. From cybersecurity to workforce evolution, this conversation reveals what it takes to build a dynamic, interactive grid that powers communities. At the end of the episode, join host Samantha Gilman for “EPRI’s Take” with Morgan Scott, VP of Global Partnerships and Outreach. They discuss rising energy demand and the need to keep energy affordable for customers, emphasizing EPRI’s focus on flexibility and climate-informed planning to build resilience into grid investments from the start. For more information and episodes visit EPRI.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com

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