ThinkEnergy
by Hydro Ottawa
Every two weeks we'll speak with game-changing experts to bring you the latest on the fast-changing energy landscape, innovative technologies, eco-conscious efforts, and more. Join Hydro Ottawa's Trevor Freeman as he demystifies and dives deep into some of the most prominent topics in the energy industry.Have feedback? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to [email protected]
Episodes
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Ontario's grid of the future: are we ready for what's next?
A major shift in electricity demand is coming, and Ontario's existing grid faces a pivotal moment. From new housing and industrial development to electrification and digital infrastructure, the province needs a distribution system that can keep pace with unprecedented change. Teresa Sarkesian and...
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Canada's Water Advantage: Hydropower and Canada's Energy Future
As energy demands continue to grow, and the global fuel market's volatility increases, hydropower—or water power—becomes more and more valuable. Lorena Patterson, President and CEO of WaterPower Canada, joins host Trevor Freeman in conversation about energy bleeding together with security,...
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Summer Rewind: Grounding energy: How to scale cloud computing and data centres with Cerio
Summer rewind: When we say 'the cloud' what we mean is 'the data centre'. Globally, data centres are projected to consume over 1000 terawatt hours in 2026. What does that mean for energy production, distribution, and consumption? Guest Phil Harris, Cerio President and CEO, joins thinkenergy to…
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Summer Rewind: Talking trees with Overstory: helping utilities trim with power
Trees are a major cause of power outages. They're also a wildfire risk—when branches hit a conductor, a small spark can become a big blaze. Lynn Petesch of Overstory joins thinkenergy to talk trees, exploring how AI, satellite imagery, and vegetation intelligence help utilities prevent outages…
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The way forward with Indigenous Clean Energy
The era of top-down energy projects is over. Today demands collaboration, equity, and stakeholder engagement. And in the clean energy movement, Indigenous partnerships often lead the way. James Jenkins, Executive Director of Indigenous Clean Energy, joins thinkenergy to unpack the Regenerative...
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Driving the energy transition: the new reality of EVs in Canada
Forget range anxiety. The electric vehicle market is evolving fast. Host Trevor Freeman welcomes back Plug'n Drive CEO Cara Clairman to unpack Canada's new EV policies. They discuss the surge in used EV sales and the truth about public charging stations. Plus, learn how low-cost salt-based...
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Unpacking Electricity Canada's 2026 State of the Industry report with CEO Francis Bradley
Electricity Canada CEO Francis Bradley joins thinkenergy to unpack the 2026 State of the Industry report, Forging Canada's Electricity Future. Why is public trust in utilities peaking in light of extreme weather? Why is a single word in the Fisheries Act halting major hydro projects? They dive…
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Grounding energy: how to scale cloud computing and data centres with Cerio
When we say 'the cloud' what we mean is 'the data centre'. Globally, data centres are projected to consume over 1000 terawatt hours in 2026. What does that mean for energy production, distribution, and consumption? Guest Phil Harris, Cerio President and CEO, joins thinkenergy to shed light on...
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The future of energy from the view of a next-gen energy professional
How are we preparing the next generation of energy professionals? Kieran Graham, student of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering program at Carleton University, is set to embark on his career in the energy sector. Kieran joins thinkenergy to chat about his studies, from thermodynamics...
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Talking trees with Overstory: helping utilities trim with power
Trees are a major cause of power outages. They're also a wildfire risk—when branches hit a conductor, a small spark can become a big blaze. Lynn Petesch of Overstory joins thinkenergy to talk trees, exploring how AI, satellite imagery, and vegetation intelligence help utilities prevent outages…
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thinkenergy shorts: what's in store for Canada's energy sector in 2026?
It's a new year, so we're unpacking what 2026 could bring for Canada's energy sector. Host Trevor looks back at 2025, from shifting federal policy to rapid AI adoption. Then he scans the horizon: faster major project approvals, an east–west grid push, and new hydro and small modular reactor...
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Holiday Rewind Part 2: electrifying conversations that lit up 2025
In Part 2 of the Holiday Rewind, Trevor revisits five standout episodes from thinkenergy in 2025. The conversations focus on renewable energy, from Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and building decarbonization to energy storage, district energy, and the policy forces shaping it all. This…
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Holiday Rewind Part 1: electrifying conversations that lit up 2025
Canada's energy transition isn't coming. It's already here. As 2025 winds down, Trevor shares a holiday rewind featuring five of the most electrifying conversations from the thinkenergy podcast this year. From clean energy trends and Hydro Ottawa's investment plan to grid modernization, the rise…
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Blue energy: powering the future with Marine Renewables Canada
Waves, river currents, and tidal turbines could help power Canada's clean energy future. Trevor speaks with Elisa Obermann, Executive Director at Marine Renewables Canada, about the promise of marine energy and how countries like Canada are pursuing its potential. They explore how emerging 'blue...
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thinkenergy shorts: hydropowering Ontario's north with renewable energy
Hydropower is one of the oldest sources of renewable energy, powering Canada's first electric lights in 1881 and providing clean energy to six out of ten homes and businesses today. Ontario's north leads its next chapter. Trevor sums up how new hydro projects with First Nations transform remote...
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Growing power: connecting energy and agriculture with Dr. Rupp Carriveau
Trevor reconnects with his former professor, Dr. Rupp Carriveau from the University of Windsor, to explore how Southern Ontario's agriculture and energy sectors intersect. From powering greenhouses and managing massive industrial demand to reimagining aging wind farms and testing "atomic...
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thinkenergy shorts: how Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are reshaping the grid
Rooftop solar. Backup batteries. Smart EV chargers. Distributed energy resources (DERs) are changing the way electricity is generated, managed, and used in Ontario. In this thinkenergy short, Trevor Freeman breaks down how DERs can reduce your carbon footprint, provide backup power during…
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Consumer impact: revisiting grid modernization with Capgemini Canada
Grid modernization goes beyond smart meters. It's making the grid more responsive, customer-focused, and resilient. Andrea Nuesser, Grid Modernization Leader at Capgemini Canada, joins thinkenergy to explain how smart tech, real-time data, and evolving customer relationships are changing how...
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thinkenergy shorts: keeping the lights on through extreme weather
Fire bans. Blackouts. Heat waves. Extreme weather is hitting harder and more often. Plus, Canada's electricity demand is soaring. In thinkenergy episode 161, host Trevor Freeman breaks down how utilities plan for grid resilience, from upgrading local infrastructure to planning a national…
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Summer Rewind: Digging into Hydro Ottawa's historically large investment plan
Summer rewind: Hydro Ottawa recently unveiled its largest investment plan ever, with a five-year focus on modernizing and strengthening the grid. The way we're consuming energy is changing, and this investment plan focuses on four key areas that highlight why Hydro Ottawa is taking action, and…
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Summer Rewind: How AI impacts energy systems
Summer rewind: Greg Lindsay is an urban tech expert and a Senior Fellow at MIT. He's also a two-time Jeopardy champion and the only human to go undefeated against IBM's Watson. Greg joins thinkenergy to talk about how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we manage, consume, and produce...
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Summer Rewind: Reimagining heating and cooling with district energy systems
Summer rewind: Scott Demark, President and CEO of Zibi Community Utility, joins thinkenergy to discuss how our relationship with energy is changing. With two decades of expertise in clean energy and sustainable development, Scott suggests reimagining traditional energy applications for heating…
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Summer Rewind: Capturing lightning in a bottle with Energy Storage Canada
Summer rewind: What does Canada do with excess energy? How is it stored today and how will it be stored as the energy industry evolves? Justin Rangooni, CEO of Energy Storage Canada, shares how energy storage supports a sustainable future for Canadians—from enhanced flexibility to affordability,...
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Powering tomorrow: investing in Ottawa's energy future
Powering tomorrow: investing in Ottawa's energy future Hydro Ottawa recently unveiled its 2026-2030 investment plan focused on modernizing and strengthening the grid. The way we're consuming energy is changing, and this investment plan focuses on four key areas that highlight why Hydro Ottawa is...
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thinkenergy shorts: what factors into your monthly electricity bill?
We've all been there, trying to decode a document filled with acronyms and numbers. In this episode of thinkenergy, host Trevor Freeman pulls back the curtain on the typical Ontario electricity bill. Learn about what makes up your monthly bill and exactly where your money goes. From generation…
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Cleaner, cheaper, smarter: Ontario's Save on Energy framework explained
What does Ontario's new 12-year Save on Energy framework mean for homeowners, businesses, and the future of energy in Canada? Learn how the program supports smarter grid planning and energy use, lowers emissions, improves affordability, and helps Ontarians make the switch to cleaner technologies....
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thinkenergy shorts: the energy story hits close to home
Canada's energy conversation grows louder every day. But before we can address the national goals or even energy independence, we need to look at our local utilities and energy systems to understand their capabilities. Host Trevor Freeman walks through how the energy conversation needs to start...
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Empowering power: how AI impacts energy systems
Greg Lindsay is an urban tech expert and a Senior Fellow at MIT. He's also a two-time Jeopardy champion and the only human to go undefeated against IBM's Watson. Greg joins thinkenergy to talk about how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we manage, consume, and produce energy—from...
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Reimagining heating and cooling with district energy systems
Scott Demark, President and CEO of Zibi Community Utility, joins thinkenergy to discuss how our relationship with energy is changing. With two decades of expertise in clean energy and sustainable development, Scott suggests reimagining traditional energy applications for heating and cooling. He...
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thinkenergy shorts: the on and offs of trading electricity
Will U.S. tariffs disrupt Canada's energy sector? What is the current state of cross-border electricity trade? How can we strengthen interprovincial connections to secure a sustainable energy future in our country? Host Trevor Freeman summarizes the on and offs of Canada's electricity trade. Tune...
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Capturing lightning in a bottle with Energy Storage Canada
What does Canada do with excess energy? How is it stored today and how will it be stored as the energy industry evolves? Justin Rangooni, CEO of Energy Storage Canada, shares how energy storage supports a sustainable future for Canadians—from enhanced flexibility to affordability, large-scale…
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thinkenergy shorts: shining the light on power outages
How can you prepare for the inevitability of a power outage? What role does your utility provider play in restoring power? How are they being proactive about future outages? In this episode of thinkenergy, host Trevor Freeman shines the light on power outages and the strategies used by utilities…
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Decarbonizing Canada's buildings with the Building Decarbonization Alliance
Canada's building sector accounts for 30-40% of the nation's energy use. Bryan Fannigan from the Building Decarbonization Alliance joins thinkenergy to share how the sector can align with Canada's emission reduction goals. From policies and grid impact studies to strategies helping steer towards…
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Looking ahead at 2025 clean energy trends
The energy sector is always changing. Episode 149 of thinkenergy explores what to keep an eye on this year. Like political influence. How will the Trump administration's takeover reshape policies across the border? What are the potential impacts of federal and provincial elections here in Canada...
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Holiday Rewind Part 2: Unwrapping the energy transition
The final episode of thinkenergy in 2024 unwraps on the year's biggest topic: the energy transition. Learn how it's shaped discussions and actions across the energy sector, as we revisit the most insightful moments from past episodes, including expert insights on sustainable practices…
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Holiday Rewind Part 1: Unwrapping the best of 2024
The holiday season is here and 2024 is coming to a close. It's a good time to reflect, so we're looking back at five of the top episodes of thinkenergy in 2024. Join your host Trevor Freeman, as he unwraps the year's most important topics surrounding the future of energy in Canada. Listen in for...
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Breaking down Distributed Energy Resources, with Hydro Ottawa's Trevor Freeman
What are Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)? How important are they to the energy transition? Host Trevor Freeman shares how solar panels, batteries, and small-scale wind turbines are shifting from niche innovations to central figures in reshaping our energy infrastructure. Discover how these...
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Cybersecurity and the energy sector, with Hydro Ottawa's Jojo Maalouf
Our daily lives are more and more connected online. This includes our utility grids. Jojo Maalouf, Hydro Ottawa's Director of Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure, joins thinkenergy to discuss the role of cybersecurity in the energy sector. From cybersecurity threats, like cyber warfare and...
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The what, where, when, and how of Canada's energy transition
The energy transition is a big topic on thinkenergy. But what exactly is it? What does it mean globally, in Canada, and to you as an energy user? In this bite-sized episode, host Trevor Freeman unpacks the what, where, when, and how of the energy transition. From energy production and storage to...
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Electrifying Canada's remote communities with QUEST Canada
The climate crisis is a global challenge. But there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. While urban centres are driving discussions on electrification and policy, rural and remote communities, including many Indigenous areas, face distinct energy realities. Gemma Pinchin from QUEST Canada joins...
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Turning energy consumer interest into action with EY Global
Who is impacted by energy? We all are. Regardless of our roles, whether we work in the industry or not, we all use energy in some form or another. And we use it everyday. So, when it comes to energy transition, industry leaders must consider the end user. In episode 142 of thinkenergy, Greg...
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Decarbonizing and electrifying your home, with Sarah Grant of Goldfinch Energy
Most Canadians are eager to combat climate change. But how? One actionable area is reducing emissions from our homes. In episode 141 of thinkenergy, Sarah Grant, founder and co-owner of Goldfinch Energy, shares ways you can reduce your home's reliance on fossil fuels. Goldfinch Energy is a...
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Summer Rewind: Modernizing the Electricity Grid with the Advanced Distribution Management System
Summer rewind: If electrification is the future of energy, the grid must become more efficient and more reliable across Canada. Jenna Gillis, Manager of Distribution System Integration at Hydro Ottawa, joins thinkenergy to discuss the process. Listen to episode 136, as she shares how Ottawa's...
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Summer Rewind: Vision Quest: Modernizing Ontario's Energy Future with the EDA
Summer rewind: Ontario's electricity sector is evolving, as the province navigates the transition to cleaner energy amidst rising demand. In thinkenergy episode 135, we explore the grid's structure and key players, highlighting the crucial role of distributors (Local Distribution Companies or…
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Summer Rewind: Accelerating Canada's clean energy transition with Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors
HYDRO_ThinkEnergy_Aug5_Audio Wed, Jul 31, 2024 1:07PM • 30:42 SUMMARY KEYWORDS energy, canada, side, country, council, utility, ultimately, philip, big, clean energy, single, transition, challenge, governments, perspective, climate, decarbonize, involved, work, electricity SPEAKERS Trevor…
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Summer Rewind: Climate Communication: Motivating Change with Re.Climate
Summer rewind: What role do communicators play in motivating change? Specifically, how can they move their audiences to take action against climate change? In thinkenergy episode 122, we delve into the world of climate communication with Amber Bennett, Deputy Director of Re.Climate. Explore the...
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Summer Rewind: Decarbonizing Ontario's electricity grid with the IESO
Summer rewind: As demand for electricity increases, the need to diversify supply also rises. In Episode 120 of thinkenergy, Lesley Gallinger, CEO of Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), unpacks what's driving the transformation of the province's power system, the potential...
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Current affairs with Francis Bradley, Electricity Canada's President and CEO
Electricity Canada's President and CEO, Francis Bradley, joins thinkenergy in episode 140. Hear about the shift to sustainable electricity, including the difficulties navigating provincial and federal policies, climate change directives, and funding gaps. Plus how Electricity Canada evolved from…
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Energy Policy Deep Dive with Nicholas Rivers (Part 2)
Get to the bottom of how policy is ushering along the energy transition. In part two of the series, Associate Professor Nicholas Rivers shares how energy policies are helping shape the actions taken to address climate change. From decarbonizing buildings and transportation to the hard-to-tackle...
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Energy Policy Deep Dive with Nicholas Rivers (Part 1)
In this first of a two-part series, we unpack the vital role of policy in driving the energy transition with Nicholas Rivers, Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and the Institute of the Environment at the University of Ottawa. Join us as we explore the...
About this show
Every two weeks we'll speak with game-changing experts to bring you the latest on the fast-changing energy landscape, innovative technologies, eco-conscious efforts, and more. Join Hydro Ottawa's Trevor Freeman as he demystifies and dives deep into some of the most prominent topics in the energy industry.Have feedback? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to [email protected]
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Hydro Ottawa
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