PODCAST · technology
GridPulse, a Grid Forward podcast
by gridforward
Listen in as Bryce Yonker, executive director of Grid Forward, talks with regional and national leaders who are working to advance the electric grid. In about half an hour, GridPulse will give you candid insights, new observations and a feel for how our utilities, grid operators, government offices and technology providers think, feel and grapple with the fast evolving energy landscape.
Episodes
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Our Big 100th Episode Tackles the Big Questions for Today's Grid with Jigar Shah, Audrey Zibelman and Herman Trabish
Can electricity become more affordable and reliable without fundamentally changing how we plan and invest in the grid? In celebration of Grid Forward's 100th podcast episode, Bryce Yonker sits down with Jigar Shah (Energy Empire), Audrey Zibelman (Zibelman Energy Advisors) and Herman Trabish...
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Barriers & Solutions to Scaling Long-Duration Energy Storage
Driven largely by the AI energy demands and grid reliability needs, significant investment has gone into developing long-duration energy storage solutions. The question now becomes: is the technology ready to scale across the market? Bryce Yonker interviewed two analysts and two tech innovators…
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How Nebraska Ranks as a Top State for Energy Affordability and Reliabity: It's the Public Power Model
Consistently delivering affordable, reliable electricity is a hallmark of Nebraska’s public power utilities. How does that work, and how can the state maintain that track record? Three leaders from Nebraska public power utilities discuss how they are balancing costs, aging infrastructure and an...
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How Can Data Centers Expand Without Passing the Costs to Other Energy Users?
For years, energy providers have operated on the basis that adding additional meters spreads energy costs and makes the grid more affordable for everyone. But is that true when a data center needs a city’s worth of electricity? Drawing on their current research in energy policy, markets and...
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Solving Speed-to-Power and Future Grid Needs with Behind-the-Meter Generation
For large facilities scrambling to bring new energy capacity online, waiting several years for a new grid connection is not a viable option. John Carrington, CEO of ERock, and Jesse Noffsinger, Partner at McKinsey & Company, discuss current trends in behind-the-meter (BTM) generation and how it…
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How Grid Innovation Leads to Lower Energy Costs at Saint John Energy
Saint John Energy exemplifies how modernizing the distribution grid can be a productive path for greater affordability and resiliency. In this episode, CEO Ryan Mitchell shares how Saint John Energy has using a range of hardware and software innovations -- such as renting high-effiiciency heating...
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How Enhanced Geothermal Can Deliver Clean, "Always On" Power for Rising Energy Demands
As electricity demand continues to climb, geothermal energy is emerging as a key source of reliable, around-the-clock clean power. In this episode of GridPulse, Bryce Yonker sits down with Sarah Jewett, chief operating officer at Fervo Energy, to discuss how the company is scaling the next...
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Energy Affordability and the Grid: What Recent Research Reveals About Causes and Potential Solutions
Energy affordability is a growing problem across the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. In this episode, Christopher Knittel of MIT and Ryan Hledick of The Brattle Group turn to recent research to unpack the many factors pushing up electricity prices, including infrastructure...
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Don't Rebuild! Reconductor for Twice the Grid Capacity on Existing Corridors
The ability to double grid capacity is here today, ready to work in existing transmission corridors. Get grounded in advanced reconductoring options in this episode with Zach Zimmerman from the AMP Coalition and Theodore Paradise, Chief Policy and Grid Strategy Office at CTC Global. They explain...
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From Demand Response to Dispatchable Capacity: The Rise of Storage-Led Virtual Power Plants
Virtual power plants (VPPs) are entering a new phase. Utilities and regulators are moving beyond pilot programs and enrollment metrics toward dispatchable distributed capacity that can reliably support the grid. At the same time, new policy frameworks, funding mechanisms, and technology...
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The Grid is Not a Lab: How Avista Drives Innovation Across the Utility
As the energy landscape grows more complex, utilities see new technologies as critical to making electricity more clean, affordable and reliable. Yet how can they nurture innovation in a historically conservative industry? In this episode, Avista CEO Heather Rosentrater shares the ways her team…
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Why Tech Giants Must Build Trust as Well as Tools to Advance the Grid
As energy demand surges, tech giants are stepping up as key partners to utilities navigating a rapidly changing grid. At CERAWeek 2026, Bryce Yonker explored this topic speaking with Hannah Green, Global Operations & GTM Leader for Energy & Resources at Microsoft, and Rayford Smith, Global Head…
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The Unexplored and Unknown: How ARPA-E Is Advancing Energy Innovation
As energy demand surges, how is the U.S. Department of Energy supporting breakthrough technologies to strengthen grid resilience? ARPA-E Director Conor Prochaska shares how the agency is identifying and advancing high-impact solutions, including fusion (which he thinks is getting closer)…
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Electric Co-ops Meet the Moment as Technology Advances and Demand Surges
What does it take to power rural America in a time of fast-changing technologies and rising demand and costs? Jim Matheson of NRECA shares insights into how electric cooperatives are adapting to meet supply chain pressures, infrastructure needs, and the rapid growth fueled by data centers and…
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Balancing Growth and Affordability While Building the Grid We Need Today
On the season opener of GridPulse, Virginia Commissioner Jehmal Hudson joins the podcast to discuss the national and local drivers behind rising energy demand and what they mean for grid planning and regulation. He explores the need for smarter transmission utilization, meeting the demand for...
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Season 6 Finale — The Benefits of AI Technologies on Grid Modernization
In this season 6 finale, Luis D’Acosta, CEO of Uplight, recaps this season’s driving issues with a rapid-fire discussion with Bryce. They cover a wide range of topics: Applying AI-driven technologies to run the grid more effectively Mitigating wildfire risks by integrating digital and advanced...
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AI Impacts for a Resilient Grid with Duke Energy, NextEra and PG&E
On the first day of the GridFWD 2025 event, leadership from some of the nation’s largest and most AI-engaged utilities joined a panel to tell our audience about their acceleration of AI use cases. Jason Glickman (EVP Engineering, Planning and Strategy, PG&E), Bonnie Titone (Senior VP and Chief...
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Utilizing Dynamic Line Rating to Increase Reliability and Reduce Costs
Dynamic line rating (DLR) is a Grid Enhancing Technology (GET) that measures the impact of ambient conditions on the carrying capacity of a grid. When DLR is employed network wide, it improves asset utilization, reliability, resilience, and confidence in investments. Guest host Julia Selker of…
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Weighing Solutions to Increase Flexibility on the Grid
Increasing flexibility on the electric grid is necessary as demand and capacity requirements rapidly rise. Diversifying generation portfolios with emerging technologies is a good start, and significant T&D investments in innovations like virtual power plants can help match supply with demand.…
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Analyzing Data Center Flexibility to Meet Growing Power Demands
Power demand from data centers is clearly increasing faster than current electric infrastructure and markets can accommodate. Therefore, data centers and grid operators are exploring one workaround: flexing data center loads during peak demand times. Brian Janous, of Cloverleaf Infrastructure…
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Powering Texas: Grid Growth, Resilience & Innovation
In this episode of Grid Forward Forum, host Bryce Yonker speaks with Rudy Garza (CPS Energy) and David Naylor (Rayburn Electric Cooperative) about the urgent challenges and innovations in the Texas energy sector. They explore topics like grid modernization, the impact of Winter Storm Uri, growing...
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How State Energy Offices Are Tackling Load Growth, Affordability and Resilience on the Grid
State energy offices have a delicate balancing act in leading policy, tracking market signals, and encouraging economic development. All that is harder now that load growth is accelerating. David Terry, the president of National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) , discusses trends...
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Supply Chain Constraints on the Grid - And What Needs to Improve
Since 2020, supply chain shortages have delayed the progress of necessary grid infrastructure improvements. Consolidation in the industry means fewer vendors are available which drives up prices, extends lead times and limits capacity, especially as worldwide demand increases. Will Perrich and...
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Scientific Discovery and Commercial Acceleration of Advanced Grid Solutions at PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) draws on signature fundamental capabilities to advance scientific discovery, improve energy resiliency, and enhance national security. On this podcast episode, Laboratory Director Steven Ashby, Ph.D., discusses key drivers and challenges that are...
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Hardening America’s Electric Grid—An Overview of the 2025 ASCE Infrastructure Report
Energy infrastructure received a grade of D+ in the 2025 Report for America’s Infrastructure, published by American Society of Civil Engineers. Bryce Yonker discusses why the energy sector received a low rating with Michael Miller, vice president of technical services at Exo and a member of ASCE....
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The Pace of Grid Innovation Quickens in Co-op Utilities
With consumer needs and capabilities rapidly evolving, many electric co-ops are quickly pushing grid advancements to meet current and future demands. On this podcast episode, Bryan Hannegan, president/CEO of Holy Cross Energy, and Mark Gabriel, president/CEO of United Power REC, discuss how they...
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Pursuing Energy Affordability With Today's Many Grid Challenges
Balancing various stakeholder interests while ensuring affordable, reliable power is the daunting task commissioners face. We spoke with Dave Danner, former commissioner at Washington UTC, about how to balance affordability against all the other demands on today's utilities. He knows: his state…
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U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak On Congress's Energy & Grid Priorities
Even as energy rates have steadily risen, reliability has suffered in many parts of the country over the past five years. What is the new Congress prioritizing to help alleviate this challenge? For insights, we turned to U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R, N.D.), member of the House Committee on Energy...
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How Watch Duty Improves Wildfire Situational Awareness, Readiness and Response
When disaster strikes, situational awareness and timely information save lives and property. That's why Watch Duty was the most downloaded iOS app during three recent wildfire events. Nick Russell, Vice President of Operations, joined the podcast to discuss how this nonprofit receives and…
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AI: The Driver for Expanded Demand and Promising Solutions to Run the Grid Better
In this season-opener of “GridForward Forum,” we are joined by two special guests: Sean Kelly, co-founder & CEO at Amperon, and Xing Wang, global leader of grid modernization at AWS Energy and Utilities. The expansion of energy generation and transmission is a top priority for the grid landscape....
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Impacts to the Grid Under the Incoming Trump Administration, Part 2
The recent U.S. election has raised a lot of questions about future directions for grid-related policies and programs. We reached out to people with a good view on the new administration for their perspectives. In this second special episode, Neil Chatterjee, former FERC Chairman, overviews the...
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Impacts to the Grid Under the Incoming Trump Administration, Part 1
The recent U.S. election has raised a lot of questions about future directions for grid-related policies and programs. We reached out to people with a good view on the new administration for their perspectives. In this first special episode, Bryce chats with Kellie Donnelly, Executive Vice...
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Season 5 Finale—Assessing the State of the Grid in 2024 with Siemens' Ruth Gratzke
In this season finale, Ruth Gratzke, President of Siemens Smart Infrastructure in the United States, looks back at the state of the grid in 2024 and how the industry should be planning for future needs. In rapid-fire fashion, Bryce asks Ruth about topics from each of the podcast’s episodes in...
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Episode 14, Season 5—Google Reaches for the Next Level of Clean Energy and Added Flexibility
The digital economy, and especially data centers, have become integral to our lives. And with that digital growth comes increased energy demand. Google’s Briana Kobor joins the podcast to discuss how Google’s significant energy demand can increasingly be served effectively by clean energy...
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Episode 13, Season 5 — Regulatory Pathways to Navigate Grid Modernization, Part 2
By nature, utilities are risk adverse. Because of this, some are hesitant to accept innovative solutions to grid modernization. Strong efforts are needed to publicize the positive benefits of rate changes, data sharing and integrated planning. Part two of this discussion with Rich Sedano of RAP…
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Episode 12, Season 5 — Regulatory Pathways to Navigate Grid Modernization, Part 1
Using performance-based regulatory incentives for energy efficiency proved to be successful. Should similar incentives be created for reliability? In part one of this discussion, Rich Sedano, of Regulatory Assistance Project, and Danielle Sass Byrnett, of NARUC, discuss how performance-based...
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Episode 11, Season 5 – Providing World-Class Reliability and Affordable Rates While Becoming Carbon-Free
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is determined to offer 100% carbon-free energy by 2030, while maintaining world-class reliability at an affordable rate. To achieve this ambitious goal, SMUD is working with both a number of innovators to advance carbon-free energy technologies, while...
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Episode 10, Season 5 – Charge Forward: Ford’s Electric Vehicle and Energy Services Strategy Unveiled
This episode dives into Ford’s approach to the future of mobility through electrification and grid connectivity. We examine the company's recent initiatives, including new electric models, investment in EV infrastructure, and partnerships aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicles....
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Episode 9, Season 5 — How Technology Can Boost Flexibility and Efficiency in T&D Grids
Pairing batteries with sophisticated grid controls offers the flexibility to provide multiple sources of value depending on where the battery is located and how it is utilized. Tim Allen, president and CEO of PXiSE Energy Solutions, joined Bryce on the podcast to discuss how advanced controls and...
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Episode 8, Season 5 – Scaling Up the Clean Energy Transition: A Discussion with David Crane, DOE Under Secretary for Infrastructure
David Crane, Under Secretary for Infrastructure at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), joined Bryce Yonker on the podcast to discuss how DOE is supporting the advancement of grid infrastructure. David discusses DOE financial and manufacturing incentives to support commercialization that is...
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Episode 7, Season 5 – Exceeding Cybersecurity Regulations to Further Reduce Risk
Regulatory requirements for cybersecurity are a top priority; however, regulations only cover a minimum level of security needed. Compliance to regulations does not equal security because each organization’s risks differ. On this episode guest host Steven Parker of EnergySec and Jim Schultz of...
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Episode 6, Season 5 – Scaling Virtual Power Plants to Their Fullest Potential
Maintaining a flexible energy grid is critical to modern day power. Decarbonation goals, policy changes and a migration of people due to the pandemic have all drastically changed the landscape of power supply needs in recent years. On top of that, consumers are adopting distributive energy...
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Episode 5, Season 5 - How AI Can Help Us Build a More Resilient, Decarbonized, and Secure Grid
Artificial Intelligence has the potential to accelerate innovation in the energy grid in terms of resiliency, decarbonization and security. AI has already shown how it can analyze vast amounts of data to help grid operators make near-real-time decisions. As the grid digitizes, AI can help the...
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Episode 4, Season 5 – How Rates and Markets Can Help Meet Rising Demand with APS and EEI
Demand for electricity has exploded over the past several years, and nowhere more so than at Arizona Public Service Company. Grid hardening, storage solutions, flexible rates, transmission projects, federal investments — all of these are part of the solution to make the grid ready for escalating...
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Episode 3, Season 5 – Making the Grid Modern and Affordable
The National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA) represents the interests of utility consumers before state and federal regulators and in the courts. David Springe, Executive Director of NASUCA, discusses how modernizing the grid impacts affordability for the consumer. As...
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Episode 2, Season 5 - Shifting Energy Market Dynamics: A Conversation with The Leaders of AESO, ERCOT and SPP
On this episode, we have three leaders from organized energy markets to address the shifting dynamics within the industry. They discuss which technologies are being developed in their various regions and how those assets are impacting the energy market. Bryce also asks our guests what they are...
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Episode 1, Season 5 – Discussion with the White House: The Federal Toolkit to Advance the Grid
To kick off this podcast season we have Whitney Muse, Senior Policy Advisor at the White House in the Office of Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation for a conversation about the federal toolkit of resources that are in place to help advance the grid. This includes billions of dollars from...
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Episode 11, Season 4 – Leading the Nation’s Largest Energy Delivery Company to Invest in Local Communities
Even though Exelon is the largest energy delivery company in America, the company is committed to investing in local communities and helping all of their operating utilities achieve their goals. CEO Calvin Butler discusses how Exelon turns government policies into action and how it has also…
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Episode 10, Season 4 – The Complex Barriers to Building Transmission Infrastructure
What are the barriers to building transmission infrastructure? We know them well as planning, permitting, and paying. Rob Gramlich (founder and president of Grid Strategies LLC, executive director of Americans for a Clean Energy Grid and executive director of the WATT Coalition) joins the former...
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Episode 9, Season 4 – Wildfire & The Grid and Firsthand Account of Lahaina Fires
This special episode of Grid Forward Chats starts with a conversation with Katherine Blunt, a reporter from the Wall Street Journal. Katherine recently published book California Burning which has been widely read and details PG&E in regard to the devastating California wildfires. Katherine and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Listen in as Bryce Yonker, executive director of Grid Forward, talks with regional and national leaders who are working to advance the electric grid. In about half an hour, GridPulse will give you candid insights, new observations and a feel for how our utilities, grid operators, government offices and technology providers think, feel and grapple with the fast evolving energy landscape.
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gridforward
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does GridPulse, a Grid Forward podcast have?
GridPulse, a Grid Forward podcast currently has 99 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is GridPulse, a Grid Forward podcast about?
Listen in as Bryce Yonker, executive director of Grid Forward, talks with regional and national leaders who are working to advance the electric grid. In about half an hour, GridPulse will give you candid insights, new observations and a feel for how our utilities, grid operators, government offices...
How often does GridPulse, a Grid Forward podcast release new episodes?
GridPulse, a Grid Forward podcast has 99 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to GridPulse, a Grid Forward podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts GridPulse, a Grid Forward podcast?
GridPulse, a Grid Forward podcast is created and hosted by gridforward.
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