Changing Energy: Recent Episodes
Wake Electric Membership Corporation
In this episode, Don, Kirk, Shawn, and Maria are thrilled to be back after a long break! The hosts banter about their busy schedules during the unintended hiatus, sharing stories from attending various conferences and being busy at the co-op. They also discuss the arrival of the new Tesla Cybertruck and the splash that the electric vehicle is making. Don talks about his drive out west and how that inspired him to explore what makes the state of Oklahoma an interesting case study in energy. The hosts discuss an article highlighting the states with the lowest and highest electric rates in the US. They also explore an article detailing the AI industry's insatiable demand for new data centers. Finally, they answer a listener's question about electric vehicle charging infrastructure, providing insights and updates on this rapidly evolving topic.
Story Links:"Compare Your Energy Choices and Electricity Rates by State"
"Why the AI Industry’s Thirst for New Data Centers Can’t Be Satisfied"
In this episode, Don, Kirk, Shawn, and Maria celebrate the upcoming eclipse! Everyone banters about the Annual Meeting that just occurred and talk about new safety procedures for dispatchers, as well as a conference where Don talks (again) about microgrids. Don, with assistance from Shawn, goes through a list of 10 Interesting Eclipse Facts to get everyone excited about the eclipse on April 8th! The group welcomes special guest Peter Muhoro, Chief Strategy, Technology, and Innovation Officer from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, to talk about data analytics. The group discusses the growth of data analytics within the utility industry and what the future of data analytics looks like for electric cooperatives.
In this episode, Don, Kirk, Shawn, and Maria begin by explaining their long absence. The hosts have been busy wrangling Cybertrucks, hosting MAC meetings, attending cool technology conferences, and gearing up for their annual meeting. Don and Kirk discuss TechAdvantage and the interesting panels they attended, covering generational differences in the workforce, drones, EVs, data analytics, and AI. For the main topic, the gang delves into the "AI Revolution" and explores what the future holds when working with this tool in the electric utility industry. They discuss its potential effects on everything from dispatch to member communication. The hosts draw insights from recent news headlines, providing examples of AI applications in other industries, including companies like Wendy’s and Ticketmaster.
In this episode, Don, Kirk, Shawn, and Maria celebrate the first episode of the new year! Everyone discusses their hopes for 2024 and what is coming up for the cooperative in the new year. Chief among those plans is a project involving cooperative-wide meter inspection for the first time in over ten years. The news segment covers everything from the best-selling EVs of 2023 to grant money used in NC to buy electric school buses, the recent demand on the Texas grid, and new applications for coal energy. For the main topic, Don talks about distribution automation and its many amazing applications to improve efficiency and resilience. This includes a sneak peek at a distribution automation project close to home for the cooperative!
In this episode, Don, Kirk, Shawn, and Maria open up the show with some holiday-themed banter! Kirk talks about his recent trip to Las Vegas and shares news about Nevada's "Greenlink" project and the Sphere. Shawn preps everyone for New Year's with an article discussing the evolution of the Times Square ball drop. Maria delves into the history of Christmas tree lights. Don discusses a smart outlet company that conducted research to determine the energy consumption of a single strand of Christmas tree lights. For the main topic, Don guides listeners through the NREL home solar calculator (linked on WEMC's website) and explains how to use it to determine if solar energy is a suitable option for your household. To close out the last episode of 2023, a segment from a recent event with second graders is released, featuring kids sharing their thoughts on electricity and more!
In this episode, Don, Kirk, Shawn, and Maria begin by bantering about Kirk's recent shocking electric bill, Spotify Wrapped, and the drain of Christmas lights on the grid. The gang dives into some interesting news articles, starting with a new EV that will hit the market in 2025, involving solar panels, called the Lightyear 2. The hosts then talk about a concert powered by a Ford F-150 Lightning before investigating mystical mobile microgrid innovations. For the main topic, a guest returns! Trey Mumma returns after 20 episodes to update the podcast about what he's been learning in his Environmental Science program at NC State University.
Dragon Wings microgrid video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFygHdaCJl4
In this special Halloween episode, Don, Kirk, Shawn and Maria speak about blockchain, cryptocurrency and AI and the impact it has from an energy perspective. Because it's a Halloween episode, the group talks about energy vampires that may be draining your power bill. The group welcomes special guest Bill Jordan, Vice President of Planning, System Studies and Distribution Automation at Booth & Associates. The group discusses the rise of data centers and how much energy data mining and AI really consume. Byyye!
In this episode, Don, Kirk, Shawn, and Maria provide a sneak peek at some upcoming topics to be featured on the podcast. The podcast opens with everyone stating how thrilled they are that Shawn is back! The hosts also discuss what they've been busy with since the last episode: attending conferences, working on budgets, and organizing WEMC's upcoming MAC meeting. The team then delves into a news segment where they explore an innovative energy trend – floating solar farms! They walk through the pros and cons and global locations of these installations. They also unveil the next five planned episode topics (with Kirk adding sound effects). So much to look forward to!
In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Maria (sadly without Shawn) delve into a collection of listener questions that have built up over the weeks. The group explores the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing infrastructure grant funds to establish EV charging stations in the region. They dive into the responsibilities of cooperatives in terms of data ownership and managing EV load on the grid, while also contemplating what lies ahead in the future. The team also shares some intriguing lightning anecdotes and examines the measures in place to safeguard our grid against lightning strikes. Lastly, they tackle a question regarding the ownership structure of cooperatives and the procedures for handling board elections.
In this episode, Don, Kirk, Shawn, and Maria discuss a hot topic in the utility space – EV telematics! The episode opens with some banter and a discussion about the most recent storm that affected the Wake Electric territory. Later, the group welcomes this episode’s special guest, Will Stein, Account Executive at WeaveGrid, who breaks down the importance of telematics programs and the effects they will have on the widespread integration of EVs. An upcoming telematics pilot program to be launched in Fall 2023 at Wake Electric for qualifying members is announced in collaboration with WeaveGrid.
In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn formally welcome last week's guest host, Maria, to the podcast as their fourth host. The group dives into some banter about Don's recent Hawaii trip and a visit to the new Knightdale substation. They talk through two articles: one regarding California's transmission roadmap plan and another about what experts believe needs to happen so Biden's renewable energy goals can be met. Additionally, Don and Kirk reveal an exciting interview they conducted with two Wake Electric members from the recent Home Solar and EV event, discussing their personal experiences with solar and electric vehicles.
In this Season 2 premiere episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn sit down to talk about the progression of communications in the utility space. The group welcomes special guest and Changing Energy super-fan, Kristie Aldridge, Vice President of Strategic Communications & Marketing at North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives. Maria, Wake Electric's Communications Assistant, joins in to help interview this week’s guest. The group discusses the evolution of member expectations, communicating during outages and educating consumers about the energy transition. Warning: This episode contains lighthearted banter about the food quality of Wendy’s. Our apologies to all Wendy's fans.
In this extra special episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn come together to celebrate the 20th episode of their podcast. They take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on the past 19 episodes and the memorable moments they've shared. The guys treat their listeners to a highlight reel, featuring some of the most special and beloved moments from their interviews and discussions. Join in as they relive fan-favorite segments and revisit the topics that resonated with them and their audience.
How to reach us:
Twitter: @ChangingNRG
Facebook: @ChangingNRG
Email: changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone: 919-863-6331
In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn open up the podcast by discussing new and exciting NHL energy initiatives. Later they discuss the main topic of microgrids with this week’s guest Erik Hall, the Director of Energy Services and Technology at the North Carolina Electric Cooperatives. The group takes some listener questions at the end of the podcast concerning thermostats as well as EV incentives and rebates. Hard-core listener challenge: How many times do we say “dipping our toes” in this episode?
How to reach us:
Twitter: @ChangingNRG
Facebook: @ChangingNRG
Email: changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone: 919-863-6331
In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn discuss reliability and the software technology that utilities are using to track that important parameter. Also, the group discusses the EPA and Goldman Sachs predictions of EV adoption within the next 15 years. The main topic includes a guest interview with Fred Keller, a long-time utility employee in Customer Service and Legislative Affairs. The group talks about the difference between co-ops and investor owned utilities by highlighting a recent legislative rally in Washington DC. The group closes by answering a question about regional transmission organizations.
EP: 18 Timeline
00:34 – Intros
14:14 – The News
23:47 – Main Topic: Interview with Fred Keller, a long-time utility employee in Customer Service and Legislative Affairs
41:35 – Listener Questions
47:07 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter: @ChangingNRG
Facebook: @ChangingNRG
Email: changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone: 919-863-6331
In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn discuss how Disney manages their electric grid and how that system compares to Wake Electric’s system. The group talked with Jim Musilek, VP of Innovation and Business Development of North Carolina EMC about Beneficial Electrification and its goals of saving money and reducing greenhouse gases. They end with answering a question from Wake’s Annual Meeting about the hardening of substations against sabotage.
Story Links:
Toward A New Energy Efficiency World Order
Disney World Is Legally Allowed to Build a Nuclear Plant in Florida
EP: 17 Timeline
00:18 – Intros
13:20 – The News
17:52 – Main Topic: Interview with Jim Musilek, VP of Innovation and Business Development, NCEMC
50:36 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter: @ChangingNRG
Facebook: @ChangingNRG
Email: changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone: 919-863-6331
In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn discuss an article about Tesla offering unlimited overnight charging in Texas. The main topic consists of the group talking with Derl Rhoades an electric meter professional about where we have come and where we might go with meters. They end with a listener question on how to ramp up or turn off big generation and why.
Story Links:
About 25% of U.S. power plants can start up within an hour
Tesla announces unlimited overnight charging for $30 per month
EP: 16 Timeline
00:15 – Intros
04:59 – The News
19:14 – Main Topic: Interview with Derl Rhoades of Sensus
57:40 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
In this episode, the final of a three-part series about energy news of December 2022, Don, Kirk and Shawn begin with some Lightning Box discussion, as well as news about an Oregon company, NuScale, that has received design approval for a Small Modular Reactor (SMR). For the main topic, the group discusses the achievements on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) on December 5, with soundbites of the announcement that the laboratory reached nuclear fusion ignition, stating that we a step closer to commercial fusion technology.
Story Links:
U.S. approves design for NuScale small modular nuclear reactor
Nuclear Fusion: Inside the breakthrough that could change our world | 60 Minutes
EP: 15 Timeline
00:17 – Intros
06:08 – The News
15:17 – Main Topic: Discussion of the National Ignition Facility’s achievements
26:41 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
In this special episode of a three-part series, Don, Kirk and Shawn interview Lee Ragsdale, Vice President of Energy Delivery of North Carolina EMC to review the events of Winter Storm Elliott. The group specifically shared information concerning rolling blackouts and how they are effective at balancing the grid when it is at its highest capacity.
EP: 14 Timeline
00:18 – Intros
02:54 – Episode Topic – Interview Lee Ragsdale
20:48 – Interview Recap
25:13 – Outro
Story Links:
Article – Rolling Blackouts, Explained
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
In this special episode of a three-part series, Don and Kirk interview Dennis Mabe of Randolph EMC about that cooperative’s experiences of recovering from the effects of the December 3rd, Moore County Substation attacks. Afterwards, Shawn joins the group to highlight the resiliency of utilities even during such senseless crimes.
EP: 13 Timeline
00:20 – Intros
11:30 – Episode Topic – Interview Dennis Mabe
36:37 – Interview Recap
40:38 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
In this Episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn welcome Mike Pristas, Vice President of North America Sales, of Firmatek, into the studio to highlight the main topic of Drones in the Utility Industry. The discussions begin with Thanksgiving Energy Trivia, followed by a news article about South Dakota’s fast growing wind production. The episode ends with questions about holiday lighting safety and how electric systems grow to meet growing consumer electric demand.
Story Links:
Wind is now South Dakota’s No. 1 producer of electricity, but not every day
Holiday Safety
EP: 12 Timeline
09:59 – The News
14:39 – Episode Topic – “Drones”
43:08 – Listener Questions
50:30 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
In this episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn discuss how Mary Shelley wrote the story of Dr. Frankenstein, sixty-five years before electricity was commercially distributed. The team discusses a couple of news articles regarding the recycling of electric vehicle batteries and “agri-voltaics.” As a main topic, Don compares the COViD 19 pandemic’s use of the phrase, “flattening the curve,” to both the electric and telecom industries. Finally, after several questions from listeners, the team finally does some research on what a cat whisker detector really is.
Story Links:
Who put the spark in Frankenstein’s monster?
Cool tomatoes? Agrivoltaics could help California crop, if the economics pan out
Used batteries from electric vehicles are put to good use by a new energy storage system in San Diego
EP: 11 Timeline
08:52 – The News
16:26 – Episode Topic – “Flattening the curve”
36:43 – Listener Questions
40:33 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn are joined by Wake Electric’s Operations Manager, Jeff Garrett, to talk about statistics from Hurricane Ian, which devastated parts of Cuba, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. The team discusses how utilities prepare for and respond to big storms and how technology has evolved out in the field. Jeff Garrett does explain how he once saw an outage caused by a catfish on the overhead electric lines.
EP: 10 Timeline
1:16 – Episode Topic – Hurricane Ian; Storm Prep and Response
48:22 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
Episode 9: Light ’em Up, Baby!
In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn introduce yet another animal from Kirk’s ever-growing family, Dustybuns. The team reviews two pieces of news, including a small moisture/fabric-based energy generator and a cooperative that is offering real time pricing to electric vehicle owners so they can participate in protecting the grid. The main topic is on the changing world of lighting with LEDs, and we have Mark Spizzo and Craig Shoaf, of NTS, offering their expert opinions. The show closes by addressing the controversial energy issues in Texas and California.
Story Links:
Ultra-thin device that generates electricity from air moisture
Carter Finley lighting video
This New England utility will soon pay EV owners to help to back up the grid
EP: 9 Timeline
07:21 – The News
18:39 – Episode Topic – LED Lighting with Mark Spizzo and Craig Shoaf
42:32 – Listener Questions
47:24 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
In this episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn begin with a discussion about Momo the cow, before exploring the benefits and disadvantages of offshore wind farms. The main topic includes two interviews. The first includes a conversation with local town commissioner, Dan Alston, talking about his experiences comparing the Mustang Mach E to the Tesla Model Y. The second interview includes a conversation with Trey Mumma, an upcoming Environmental Science sophomore at NC State University, to examine the major issues discussed at the college level concerning “Changing Energy.” The group answers a listener question about tracking outages in the state.
Story Links:
WEMC outage map
https://ebill.wemc.com/maps/external/OutageWebMap/
NC Electric Cooperatives outage map
https://outages.ncelectriccooperatives.com/outages/maps
Duke Energy outage map
https://outagemap.duke-energy.com/#/current-outages/ncsc
EP: 7 Timeline
05:23 – The News
18:11 – Interview – Dan Alston
37:15 – Interview – Trey Mumma
1:00:11 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
This is a quick, bonus episode to supplement Episode 6 by adding a couple short stories from Ed Wheeler.
In this episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn begin with a discussion about movies seen over the holiday weekend, as well as news about non-line-of-site drones and Tesla Powerwall projects. The main topic includes information about Utility Vegetation Management and an interview with retired, Right-of-way Supervisor, Ed Wheeler. After a few great stories from Ed, the group closes out with a new segment called, “What’s that?”
Story Links:
Beyond Line of Sight: Co-ops Await FAA Change on Utility Drones
Thousands with Tesla Powerwalls will back up the grid in a virtual power plant experiment
EP: 6 Timeline
03:52 – The News
18:30 – Episode Topic – Utility Vegetation Management
53:56 – Listener Questions
58:48 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
In this episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn begin with a discussion of the new vehicle-to-grid marketing around the Ford F150 Lightning. Then, Don is joined by three Wake Electric members that discuss their electric vehicle, rooftop solar, and battery experiences. Finally, the gang answers a very relevant question about why a utility doesn’t put all of their electric circuits underground.
Story Links:
Ford 150 Lightning site
Why Every Power Line Isn’t Underground
EP: 5 Timeline
08:50 – The News
22:33 – Episode Topic – Interviews
50:22 – Listener Questions
57:43 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
Episode 4: My Meter is So Smart…
In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn begin with a news article about moratoriums for power disconnections during the COVID Pandemic. The main topic includes more history on electric meters before busting certain myths about Smart Meters. In the question and answer segment, the team discusses benefits of underground versus overhead power lines and the future of solar power and batteries.
Story Links:
Health Impacts of Radio Frequency from Smart Meters
Myths vs. Facts: The Truth about Smart Meters
Why Every Power Line Isn’t Underground
EP: 4 Timeline
07:33 – The News
14:25 – Episode Topic – Smart Meters
51:45 – Listener Questions
56:31 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
Episode 3: Life on the Lines
In this episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn begin with news articles about the new Ford F150 Lightning and the reality of carbon offsets. The group then hosts the recently retired, Odie Pernell, a 42-year career lineman, so that he can tell the stories of life as a lineman. This episode closes with a listener question about all-electric bucket trucks.
Story Links:
‘Down Here, It’s Pickup Truck Country’
The Problem With Corporate Net-Zero Emissions Goals
Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator
EP: 3 Timeline
08:49 – Ford F150 Lightning
16:13 – Carbon Offsets
22:19 – Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator
26:59 – Episode Topic – Lineman Interview
53:35 – Linemen Appreciation Message
54:16 – Listener Questions
58:29 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
Episode 2: The Grid Is Getting Smarter
In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn begin with news articles about electric vehicles and cybersecurity. IT Manager, Steve Ballard, explains the dangers of “phishing.” The group then helps to define the “Smart Grid,” before addressing listener questions about cell phone charging and bourbon.
Story Links:
Vietnams’ VinFast to invest $2B in North Carolina EV factory
Russia exploring options for potential cyberattacks on U.S. energy sector, FBI warns
Humanity’s Long Quest to Bottle Energy
EP: 2 Timeline
06:25 – Vinfast News
12:36 – Russia Cybersecurity
22:50 – Lightning Box News
23:48 – Episode Topic - Smart Grid
43:55 – Listener Questions
53:55 – Outro
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331
Episode 1: A Little History
In this first episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn introduce the concept of the “Changing Energy” podcast. In the news segment, Don explains the difference between “fishin’” and fusion nuclear reactions. Finally, the podcast provides a brief history of electricity by sharing personal stories of Don’s father and grandfather.
How to reach us:
Twitter:@ChangingNRG
Facebook:@ChangingNRG
Email:changingenergy@wemc.com
Phone:919-863-6331