Electric Perspectives

011 Global Circuit: Accelerating Innovation for the Clean Energy Transition

Many countries and companies have announced ambitious clean energy goals – goals that will require technological innovation, investment, and increased R&D, as well as new policies. How can electric companies drive innovation to tackle some of the challenges of the energy transition? What can countries learn from each other as new technologies are designed and deployed? And how are companies managing risk during this transition, including supply chain and climate risk? Andrés Gluski, President and CEO of AES Corporation, joins this episode of the Electric Perspectives Global Circuit, recorded in June 2021.

The Global Circuit is brought to you by EEI International Programs as part of EEI’s Electric Perspectives podcast. For more information about EEI International Programs, visit www.eei.org/international

 

010 Electric Perspectives: Celebrating National Lineworker Appreciation Day

This Saturday is National Lineworker Appreciation Day, and EEI, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Utility Workers Union of America, and the National Electrical Contractors Association will join together to salute the nation’s nearly 75,000 electrical lineworkers. Lineworkers work around the clock, often in dangerous conditions, to keep the lights on for the customers and communities they serve. They also build and maintain the energy grid and stand ready to make emergency repairs to ensure that customers have access to the safe and reliable energy they need to stay connected and to power their lives.

 

In this episode, Donnie Colston, director of the IBEW’s utility department, explains why we celebrate National Lineworker Appreciation Day on July 10 and how America's lineworkers kept the lights on during a historic storm season and the pandemic. We also talk to Savoya Taylor, Commonwealth Edison’s first female overhead electrician specialist, and Cyril Ontai III, a Hawaiian Electric lineworker trainer, about what lineworkers do every day to keep the lights on and the importance of safety in their line of work. To learn more about National Lineworker Appreciation Day, visit EEI's website.

009 Electric Perspectives: Highlights from the EEI 2021 DEI Panels

Earlier this month, EEI 2021 brought together the nation's foremost thought leaders, industry executives, and policymakers for conversations about the transition to clean energy, the road to net zero carbon emissions, grid security, and other major priorities for EEI’s member companies – including our commitment to advancing racial and social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion. This episode features highlights from the panel Unleashing the Power of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, featuring former EEI Chairman Ben Fowke, the chairman and CEO of Xcel Energy, who was speaking with Eric Holder, the first Black U.S. attorney general, and the panel EEI Spotlight on DEI: Measuring Our Progress in Meeting Industry DEI Goals, featuring Georgia Power Chairman, President, and CEO Chris Womack and Apple Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson.

To view these DEI panels and other dynamic content in their entirety, go to the EEI 2021 Archives. You must be registered for the conference to access the archives. The content will be available until July 10.

008 Global Circuit: Designing the Right Solutions Using Local Context

While addressing global challenges, it is crucial to develop solutions with an understanding of regional differences and local conditions. How are electric companies approaching community-based projects? How are business models evolving to respond to regional changes? And what does the regulatory landscape need to focus on to accommodate a more dynamic industry? Siegfried Kiefer, President and CEO of Canadian Utilities, an ATCO company, joins this episode of the Electric Perspectives Global Circuit, recorded in September 2020. Last year, ATCO received the 2020 International Edison Award for its Alberta PowerLine.

The Global Circuit is brought to you by EEI International Programs as part of EEI’s Electric Perspectives podcast. For more information about EEI International Programs, visit www.eei.org/international

007 Electric Perspectives: We All Should Be Preparing for Hurricane Season

Over the past year, America’s electric companies confronted historic hurricanes, devastating wildfires, tornadoes, a powerful derecho, and a record-breaking October ice storm—not to mention a global pandemic. Each storm and each natural disaster was unique and created new challenges, and the electric power industry worked together more closely than ever to safely and efficiently restore power to customers.

In this episode, EEI Vice President of Security and Preparedness Scott Aaronson joins us to discuss how electric companies are preparing for the 2021 hurricane and wildfire season and what steps customers can take now to prepare for the possibility of power outages.

If you have questions or comments about our program, you can email us at electricperspectives@eei.org. We’d love to hear from you.

006 Global Circuit: Attracting a Skilled Workforce to Achieve Net Zero

In 2019, the UK became the first major economy in the world to pass laws committing to net zero by 2050. How are electricity distribution companies supporting this economy-wide transition? What role will customers and employees play in the coming decades? And how can the industry continue to attract the skilled workforce required to achieve these goals? Basil Scarsella, CEO of UK Power Networks, joins this episode of the Electric Perspectives Global Circuit, recorded in March 2021.

The Global Circuit is brought to you by EEI International Programs as part of EEI’s Electric Perspectives podcast. For more information about EEI International Programs, visit www.eei.org/international

005 Electric Perspectives: Partnering on the Carbon-Free Technology Initiative

Electric companies, environmental and technology groups, and other experts recognize that existing technologies can get us much of the way to a 100 percent clean energy future. Completing the work will require new, carbon-free, 24/7 technologies that are affordable for customers.

In this episode, Clean Air Task Force Executive Director Armond Cohen and Xcel Energy Director of Energy and Environmental Policy Jeff Lyng join us to talk about the Carbon-Free Technology Initiative and to outline how we can develop the carbon-free technologies that will help the world meet the challenge of climate change.

If you have questions or comments about our program, you can email us at electricperspectives@eei.org. We’d love to hear from you.

004 Electric Perspectives: On Earth Day 2021, Clean Energy Is Front and Center

Earth Day is a perfect opportunity to discuss how America’s electric companies are working to get the energy they provide as clean as they can as fast as they can, while maintaining reliability and affordability for the customers and communities they serve.

In this episode, EEI's Executive Vice President of Public Policy and External Affairs Brian Wolff and Senior Vice President of Clean Energy Emily Fisher join us to share their insights on clean energy and how we can achieve a 100 percent clean energy future.

If you have questions or comments about our program, you can email us at electricperspectives@eei.org. We’d love to hear from you.

003 Electric Perspectives: Electric Power Industry Outlook

Electricity powers our nation’s economy and our everyday lives, and America’s electric companies are committed to getting the energy they provide as clean as they can as fast as they can, reliably and affordably.

In our premier episode of Electric Perspectives, EEI President Tom Kuhn discusses climate change, clean energy, and the steps electric companies are taking to build a smarter, stronger, and cleaner energy future.

002 Global Circuit: Thriving Under Crisis with Regenerative Leadership

The world is facing several parallel crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to economic recovery to climate change. How can the concept of regeneration help us “break down and break through” these transitions collectively? And what is the role of energy executives and policymakers in shifting dynamics “from me to we”? Sustainability and leadership experts Giles Hutchins and Laura Storm join this episode of the Electric Perspectives Global Circuit, recorded in January 2021. Giles and Laura are the authors of Regenerative Leadership: The DNA of Life-Affirming 21st Century Organizations.

The Global Circuit is brought to you by EEI International Programs as part of EEI’s Electric Perspectives podcast. For more information about EEI International Programs, visit www.eei.org/international