Powering the Future: Alex Santiago-Anaya on Electrification & Innovation | #22

What happens when a young engineer takes on the future of the electric grid? Alex Santiago, SMECO distribution and commercial design engineer, joins hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison to share how he's shaping the way power reaches homes, businesses, and entire communities—while tackling the biggest energy challenges of our time. From the pride of powering your local Chick-fil-A to navigating the state of Maryland's electrification push, Alex takes us inside the grid, explaining how electricity travels from generation to your outlet, and what the next decade will bring. Along the way, he offers insider insights on why your neighbor might have power when you don't, why nuclear still matters, and how innovation in battery storage could change everything. Key themes: How power really gets from plants to people The electrification boom and grid reliability Why nuclear and renewables must work together Pride, problem-solving, and serving the community Get ready for an energizing conversation that will leave you looking at every light switch, outlet, and power pole in a whole new way. Connect with SMECO: Instagram: @somdelectric X (Twitter): @somdelectric