Flux Capacitor

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) President and CEO Jim Robb joins host Francis Bradley for an end-of-year roundup on reliability issues. Jim notes that the upcoming long-term reliability report will highlight five regions at high risk of reliability issues, with nine more at moderate risk. The conversation covers the impact of data centers, extreme weather, and grid transformation on reliability. Jim emphasizes the need for more generation, better resource diversity, and improved fuel supply. They also discuss the role of NERC in educating stakeholders and the importance of timely standards development. They close the conversation with Jim’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.

Links:

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)

Jim Robb at NERC

Jim Robb on LinkedIn

Jim Robb discusses AI, data centres, and grid reliability on CNBC

Book recommendation:

• Golf is Not a Game of Perfect, by Bob Rotella

Manitoba Hydro’s President and CEO Allan Danforth joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about the challenges and changes in leadership and communication post-pandemic, and the importance of in-person interaction for building camaraderie and effective leadership. Allan highlights Manitoba Hydro’s integrated operations, the increasing demand for electricity, the need for gas and renewable energy sources, and the potential, regionally, for nuclear power. They also discuss the political dynamics of running a crown corporation, the importance of regional collaboration, and the significance of historical events in defining and understanding Canadian identity. The conversation closes with Allan’s book recommendation.

Links:

Manitoba Hydro

Manitoba Hydro’s Leadership Team

Book recommendation:

• Vimy, by Pierre Berton

Nova Scotia Power’s parent company Emera’s President and CEO Scott Balfour joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about Emera’s growth from a privatized Crown Corporation in Nova Scotia to a major North American energy player with operations in Canada, Florida, New Mexico, Grand Bahama, and Barbados. They discuss the challenges of balancing reliability, sustainability, and affordability in the energy sector, and differences in rates of return. Scott emphasized the need for honest conversations about the costs of decarbonization and the importance of nation-building projects. The conversation closes with Scott’s book recommendation.

Links:

Emera

Nova Scotia Power

TECO Tampa Electric

Scott Balfour at Emera

Scott Balfour on LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

• The Coming Wave, by Mustafa Suleyman and Michael Bhaskar: https://the-coming-wave.com/