Flux Capacitor

Francis Bradley hosts episode 138 of the Flux Capacitor podcast, featuring interviews with winners of Electricity Canada’s Faces of the Industry Award. Rob Lister, CEO of Oakville Hydro and OEC, discusses the evolution of the electricity sector, emphasizing innovation and grid modernization. He highlights Oakville Hydro’s advanced automation, reducing outage minutes and truck rolls.

Amanda Mattern, VP of Operations at ATCO Electric, shares her experiences managing wildfire response, stressing preparedness and teamwork. Both discuss the sector’s challenges, including supply chain consolidation and the impact of generational knowledge loss.

Links:

Faces of the Industry Award press release

Rob Lister on LinkedIn

Amanda Mattern on LinkedIn

Julia Muggeridge, Electricity Canada’s VP of Corporate Affairs, chats with Michael Powell, VP of Government Relations, about the release of the Government of Canada’s Electricity Strategy and what it may mean for the sector. The strategy emphasizes grid expansion, affordability, and better interconnectivity between provinces, highlighting the need for $1 trillion investment, and a focus on intra-provincial transmission and interties. The strategy also addresses the need for updated Clean Electricity Regulations (CERs) to improve affordability.

Michael and Julia discuss how Electricity Canada will work closely with members to provide detailed feedback and ensure a cohesive submission. They note that the Strategy recognizes the need to double the grid’s size by 2050.

Links:

Video of conversation

Prime Minister Carney’s Press release

Discussion document

Electricity Canada’s response

Electricity Canada Leadership Team

Michael Powell on LinkedIn

Julia Muggeridge on LinkedIn

President and CEO of FortisAlberta, Janine Sullivan, joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities faced by FortisAlberta. They talk about the impact of electrification, including the rise of electric vehicles and rooftop solar, and the need for strategic investments to meet growing demands. Janine emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology and pilot projects to innovate cost-effectively. They also discuss the challenges of managing wildfire risks and the critical role of partnerships with local communities and government agencies in supporting economic growth and infrastructure development. They close the conversation with Janine’s book recommendation.

Links:

Fortis Alberta

Janine Sullivan at FortisAlberta

Janine Sullivan on LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

· Finding Flora, by Elinor Florence