Energy Solutions: A Podcast From EPSA

AI and data centers are driving electricity demand higher just as Americans are feeling the pressure of rising energy bills. Meanwhile, utilities are seeking approval for unprecedented levels of grid investment. As state regulators gather this week for their annual Winter Policy Summit, the question is front and center: how do we keep the lights on without breaking the bank?  In this episode, Ann Rendahl—who leads state utility regulators nationwide as president of NARUC and serves as a utility commissioner in Washington State— discusses how regulators balance reliability and affordability, the tools they use to decide which investments are truly needed, and where the biggest cost pressures are emerging. Drawing on her experience working with organized wholesale power markets in the West and Midwest, she explains how competition, private investment, and early collaboration between industry and regulators can help manage costs and deliver the reliable infrastructure customers expect.  Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

With AI, data centers, and electrification are driving a surge in electricity demand, the pressure is on to keep America’s power grid reliable and affordable. The real question is whether we’ll meet this moment with competitive, market-driven investment – or shift the risk and the cost back onto consumers.  In this episode of Energy Solutions, EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler sits down with Mason Emnett, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at Constellation Energy, the nation’s largest nuclear power plant operator and largest private-sector power producer.  They discuss what’s really behind today’s energy demand forecasts, why misunderstanding new load profiles can lead to costly overreactions, what the Crane Clean Energy Center restart tells us about the future of nuclear power, what’s happening in PJM, and why competitive markets – where investors bear the risk, not consumers – matter more than ever as the U.S. enters a new era of electricity growth.  Topics include:  Why AI and data centers are changing electricity demand,  The biggest misunderstandings about new load growth,  Who should bear the risk when demand forecasts or projects are wrong,  How competitive markets protect consumer from risk better than vertically-integrated models,  What the Crane Clean Energy Center restart means for nuclear’s future,  How permitting, interconnection, and market reform can unlock private investment,  What Maryland’s CPCN process reveals about state energy policy choices,  And why abandoning competition would raise costs and slow progress.  Host: Todd Snitchler, President and CEO, EPSA  Guest: Mason Emnett, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Constellation Energy  Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

What would happen if a coordinated cyber and physical attack disrupted the systems that power daily life—not just power plants, but data centers, pipelines, and communications?  Cyber and physical threats to the electric grid are growing more advanced, more frequent, and harder to detect. The impacts can ripple far beyond the energy sector, affecting communities, public safety, and the broader economy. From sophisticated phishing to copper theft from power plants, competitive power suppliers, grid operators, and utilities must stay prepared.  In this episode of Energy Solutions, EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler sits down with one of the nation’s top grid security leaders to unpack today’s threat landscape and what it takes to strengthen the power system. Michael Ball is Senior Vice President of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and CEO of the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC). They discuss the rising role of AI in cyberattacks, how adversaries target industrial control systems, and why information sharing across the energy sector is essential.  They also cover insights from the recent national GridEx VIII exercise—as well as a new “Grid-Ex-in-a-Box" drill EPSA customized for member companies this November in Houston—and explore how competitive power suppliers can get prepared before a real crisis hits.  Topics include:  How cyber threats have become constant and increasingly sophisticated,  The rise of almost autonomous AI-enabled cyberattacks,  Physical security risks including vandalism, copper theft, and drone activity at power plants,  How adversaries target industrial control systems with advanced toolkits,   The critical role of information sharing across competitive power suppliers, utilities, and government partners,  What the E-ISAC does and how it supports industry-wide situational awareness,  Key insights from GridEx VIII,  The importance of resilient communications strategies and updated playbooks,   And what competitive power suppliers and utilities should focus on heading into 2026.  Host: Todd Snitchler, President and CEO, EPSA  Guest: Michael Ball, senior vice president, NERC, CEO, E-ISAC    Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

As AI, electrification, and manufacturing growth drive record electricity demand, the U.S. grid faces new pressures to deliver reliable, affordable power. What can other regions learn from New England — one of America’s most energy-constrained power systems?  In this episode of Energy Solutions, EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler sits down with Gordon van Welie, outgoing President and CEO of ISO New England, to reflect on 25 years of market evolution and what it takes to keep the lights on. They discuss how competitive power markets have driven investment and reliability, and why policy alignment between grid operators, states, and the federal government is key to meeting the demands of an AI-powered economy.  Topics include:  How New England’s competitive market evolved — and what’s worked best,  Why policy alignment among grid operators, states, and the federal government is critical,  The growing interdependence between gas and electric systems,  Lessons from managing fuel constraints and preparing for winter,  How transmission planning and collaboration with states can unlock progress, and  What the AI-era demand surge means for investment and reliability.  Host: Todd Snitchler, President and CEO, EPSA  Guest: Gordon van Welie, President and CEO, ISO New England  Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

The recent PJM Governors’ Conference in Philadelphia spotlighted surging electricity demand, political scrutiny, and concerns over rising power bills. Governors, regulators, and industry experts gathered to debate the future of PJM Interconnection, which directs the flow of power to 67 million people in 13 states and DC.  In this episode of Energy Solutions, EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler sits down with four panelists who were part of the conversation to go beyond the headlines and delve into why costs are rising, what states are considering, and actionable solutions to enable competitive markets to deliver reliable, cost-effective power:   Travis Kavulla, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, NRG    Marji Phillips, Senior Vice President of Wholesale Market Policy, LS Power    Glen Thomas, President, P3    Arnie Quinn, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Policy, Vistra Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

The United States is undergoing a once-in-a-generation shift in electricity demand — driven in large part by the extraordinary growth of data centers, AI development, and cloud infrastructure. These digital engines are vital to national competitiveness, economic growth, and everyday life. But delivering on their promise requires a power system that can grow with them — reliably, affordably, and sustainably.   In this episode of Energy Solutions, EPSA President Todd Snitchler sits down with Aaron Tinjum, Vice President of Energy at the Data Center Coalition, to discuss how the data center sector is planning for the future, where it intersects with power markets and energy policy, and how competitive energy providers can help deliver the electricity infrastructure that meets this historic moment. They explore how to scale reliable generation, improve permitting, align regulatory frameworks, and ensure that both consumers and innovators benefit from a modern, responsive electricity system.  Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

As electricity demand surges across the country due to data centers, electrification, and industrial growth, the U.S. power grid is under pressure to keep up. But what do the numbers really show, and where are we headed?  In this episode of Energy Solutions, EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler sits down with Angelina LaRose, Assistant Administrator for Energy Analysis at the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), to dive into what the data is telling us – from a changing resource mix to the vital role of dispatchable resources and the surprising growth in winter peak electricity demand.  She also shares how EIA maintains its neutrality, how new tools like the Energy Atlas and Electric Grid Monitor help make sense of the grid, and what to watch in the months ahead as power demand continues to rise.  Together, they tackle:  The rising electricity demand across sectors – from AI to manufacturing  The evolving generation mix, including trends in coal, solar, and storage  The critical role of natural gas and dispatchable resources  How EIA incorporates extreme weather and infrastructure constraints  Regional reliability risks and price volatility  EIA’s approach to modeling policy changes and staying neutral   📈 Whether you're a policymaker, analyst, reporter, or just curious about how energy trends take shape, this episode offers a clear, data-driven look at the forces reshaping America’s electricity landscape  Guest: Angelina LaRose, Assistant Administrator, EIA  Host: Todd Snitchler, President and CEO, EPSA  Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler talks with Stephen DeFrank, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, about how the commonwealth is managing major electricity demand growth and advancing competitive power solutions. The Chairman offers a candid look at how a restructured state like Pennsylvania is addressing surging load from data centers, manufacturing, and electrification—while staying focused on reliability and affordability.  Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

Can the grid keep up with AI, data centers, and soaring energy demand? FERC and state leaders break it down live at EPSA’s Competitive Power Summit.  Catch this conversation recorded live from EPSA’s Competitive Power Summit on April 2, 2025 with FERC Commissioner David Rosner and Georgia PSC Commissioner Tricia Pridemore. They explore how rising demand from AI and data centers is reshaping the electric grid — and why market innovation, infrastructure investment, and strong state-federal collaboration are essential to meet the moment. Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

As AI, data centers, and manufacturing drive historic electricity demand growth, how will the U.S. power the future? In this special bonus episode, Ohio Congressman Bob Latta, chair of the House Energy Subcommittee, joins Energy Solutions to discuss the urgent need for more energy, the role of nuclear power and natural gas, and why permitting reform is critical for grid modernization. Latta shares insights on rising demand from AI, the reshoring of manufacturing, and how Congress can support investment in competitive, reliable energy solutions. “Just five miles from where I’m sitting, a new data center is going up. Another town in my district is building one too. And we’re looking at energy demand rising 4.5 to 8% just this year alone.” – Bob Latta Plus, hear his thoughts on why bipartisan momentum could lead to meaningful energy policy changes in 2025. Don’t miss this conversation on what's top of mind for energy decisionmakers on Capitol Hill. Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

EV charging. Transformers. Medical imaging devices. As energy demand surges across industries, how can we ensure a smarter, more resilient, and efficient power system? In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of electrification, the role of smart technology, and the pressing challenges of supply chains and grid flexibility. Our guest, NEMA President and CEO Debra Phillips, shares insights on policy solutions, workforce development, and the technologies driving the future of electrical manufacturing. Tune in for a deep dive into the trends shaping the electroindustry and what it will take to power the next generation of innovation -- including a sneak preview of key findings from NEMA's upcoming study on just how much energy will be needed to power data centers, electric vehicles, and more.  Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

We close 2024 with a look back at some of our top episodes this year and end with a look forward into 2025 with EPSA’s President and CEO Todd Snitchler. Listen in for thoughts on gas-electric coordination from 2024’s NARUC President Julie Fedorchak, highlights from our 3rd annual Competitive Power Summit, and a glimpse into the top conversation of the year: the impact of AI, data centers, and other new technologies on load growth – and the role competitive power suppliers have in supporting the energy expansion. We’ll close out the episode with a 2024 debrief and an outlook for 2025 from EPSA President and CEO and Energy Solutions host Todd Snitchler. Guests: Julie Fedorchak, North Dakota Public Service Commission, Congresswoman-elect (ND), NARUC Jim Robb, NERC Christi Tezak, ClearView Energy Partners LLC  Kelly Speakes-Backman, Invenergy  Aftab Khan, PJM Interconnection Rep. August Pfluger, Texas (R-11)   Derrick Kulalapai, United Association Watch: Competitive Power Summit Recordings Register: EPSA Competitive Power Summit 2025 Listen: ENERGY RUSH: Expert Voices Talk Rising Power Demand  Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

Joining us for this episode is Christina Hayes, executive director of Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG), a nonprofit coalition of labor and environmental groups, clean energy buyers, renewable developers, transmission developers, and utilities. ACEG focuses on deploying high capacity transmission, which it says is the most cost effective and reliable way of decarbonizing the grid.   Hayes shares just how early she started working in public policy (the answer will surprise you), some of the top focus areas for ACEG, how she sees the energy “trilemma” working out — and just why transmission permitting is ACEG’s #1 priority.   Plus, don’t miss her joint op ed written with EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler on energy policy needs that transcend partisan divides.  Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

Pipefitters, pipeliners, and welders install and maintain the essential building blocks of the nation’s energy grid.  A labor union leader representing these essential workers, Derrick Kualapai joins us for this episode of Energy Solutions. He shares how manufacturing is changing through a shifting energy landscape and how those changes impact workers, why his industry is so essential to the nation’s energy expansion, and exactly how much power – and how many human beings – go into manufacturing the intricate parts of our infrastructure which most of us take for granted. Derrick paints a picture of what union laborers in construction and manufacturing do, how they see a “just transition” playing out, and what he wants policymakers to prioritize. Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

To meet the nation’s rising demand for electricity, we need to build a lot of power generation, and fast, and keep what we have. What’s the best way to get there? What policies and market foundations can best incentivize the investment and enable the buildout needed while mitigating costs and keeping the grid reliable?  In part 2 of the final episode of our four-part series exploring the challenge and opportunity presented by rising power demand, we interview competitive power experts and executives from Alpha Generation, Calpine Corporation, and LS Power. See Calpine's press release on expansion of generation development efforts in the PJM region. Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

To meet the nation’s rising demand for electricity, we need to build a lot of power generation, and fast, and keep what we have. What’s the best way to get there? What policies and market foundations can best incentivize the investment and enable the buildout needed while mitigating costs and keeping the grid reliable?  In part 1 of the final episode of our four-part series exploring the challenge and opportunity presented by rising power demand, we interview state and national policy leaders Texas Representative August Pfluger and Arizona Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson. Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

Meeting the rapid growth in electric demand posed by AI and data centers, manufacturing, electrification, and other factors requires a significant buildout of electric power resources on a tight timeline. Solving for decarbonization and reliability adds to the challenge – requiring not just existing generation resources, but new technologies and innovative approaches. For competitive power suppliers, the challenge is also an opportunity. Independent power producers are at the forefront of both providing existing dispatchable generation and connecting critical new resources to the grid – including battery storage, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, more efficient gas generation, and more. We hear from Competitive Power Ventures, Invenergy, and Vistra Corp. on the solutions they’re currently providing and what they’re eyeing for the future.   This is the third episode in a four-part series from Energy Solutions, exploring the challenge and opportunity presented by rising power demand, policy and market design considerations, and ways to meet the moment.  Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

Rapidly rising electric power demand driven by data centers and AI, manufacturing growth, the push to electrify the economy, and other factors means we’re going to be asking a lot of America’s energy infrastructure. What is the current state of the power grid? With reliability concerns already on the horizon, how will the need to connect and run not just new megawatts or gigawatts – but terawatts – of power impact the system? What kinds of power generation will be needed to keep the lights on, and how are system planners keeping pace? Reliability watchdog Jim Robb of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, analyst Christi Tezak, and Aftab Khan, who leads operations, planning, and security for the nation’s largest grid operator, PJM Interconnection, weigh in.  This is the second episode in a four-part series from Energy Solutions, exploring the challenge and opportunity presented by rising power demand, policy and market design considerations, and ways to meet the moment. Episode Guests:  Jim Robb, president and CEO, North American Electric Reliability Corporation Aftab Khan, executive vice president of operations, planning, & security, PJM Interconnection Christi Tezak, senior director, ClearView Energy Partners LLC The opinions and analysis presented in this episode represent the viewpoints of the speakers, not necessarily those of the Electric Power Supply Association. Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

Electric power demand has been estimated to skyrocket over the next decade, with some saying growth could double from projections made just two years ago. AI and the rush to build large energy-intensive data centers, a domestic manufacturing resurgence, and electrification trends are some of the key factors driving this thirst for electricity. In this episode, guests including Wall Street Journal reporter Jennifer Hiller, stock market analyst Anthony Crowdell, and Karen Onaran, the head of the national trade group for large industrial energy consumers, weigh in on the numbers and key drivers of load growth.  This is the first episode in a four-part series from Energy Solutions, exploring the challenge and opportunity presented by rising power demand, policy and market design considerations, and ways to meet the moment.  Episode Guests:  Anthony Crowdell, managing director, Mizhuo  Jennifer Hiller, energy reporter, The Wall Street Journal  Karen Onaran, president and CEO, Electricity Consumers Resources Council   The opinions and analysis presented in this episode represent the viewpoints of the speakers, not necessarily those of the Electric Power Supply Association. Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

Washington, D.C. may be the nation's capital, but it sources nearly all of its power generation from other states – presenting unique considerations for the head of its Public Service Commission. In this episode, DCPSC Chairman Emile Thompson shares how the district’s position gives both a local and national perspective on energy priorities. How is the Chairman thinking about the energy expansion – and how to support the three-legged stool of reliability, cost-savings, and decarbonization? What does Thompson want policymakers and regulators to keep in mind about energy and innovation? Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.