Flux Capacitor

Electric Power Engineers (EPE) Senior Director of Transmission Planning and Operations, Ahmed Rashwan, joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about EPE and his focus on the challenges of integrating renewables and large loads like AI data centers, which can fluctuate rapidly, impacting grid reliability. He emphasizes the need for adaptive plans and regulatory approaches. They close their conversation with a great book recommendation that, while ostensibly about sports, is really all about leadership and culture.Electric Power EngineersAhmed Rashwan on LinkedInBook recommendation:Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson and Hugh Delehanty

Brattle Group principals Peter Fox-Penner and Tom Chapman join host Francis Bradley to discuss the report "Clean Capital Efficiency," which addresses challenges and solutions in the electric utility sector. They talk about rapid load growth, affordability, decarbonization, the impacts of climate change, as well as the rise of data centres and the additional pressure on demand as a result. Solutions include leveraging existing technologies, integrated distribution planning, and exploring public-private partnerships to address these challenges. They close the conversation with a couple of great book recommendations.Brattle GroupClean Capital Efficiency report Peter Fox-Penner Tom Chapman Book recommendations:A History of Canada in Ten Maps: Epic Stories of Charting a Mysterious Land by Adam ShoaltsInfinite Baseball: Notes from a Philosopher at the Ballpark, by Alva Noë

Bracewell LLP’s Andrew Shaw joins host Francis Bradley for a discussion of the evolving Canada-US electricity trade relationship, highlighting the impact of tariffs and trade policies. Pre-2025, the relationship was generally positive, but post-2025, tensions have risen, particularly under President Trump's administration. They discuss the tariffs, which aim to address trade imbalances and support US manufacturing. They also touch on the potential impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, particularly the Revenge Tax and clean energy tax incentives. The conversation wraps with Andrew’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club. Links:Bracewell LLPAndrew Shaw at BracewellAndrew Shaw on LinkedIn Book recommendations:What's the Matter with Kansas? How Conservatives Won the Heart of America, by Thomas Frank

Part 2 of the Faces of the Industry award winners, reflecting a simple philosophy: the electricity sector isn’t made up of companies—it’s made up of people. In conversation with Francis Bradley, this year’s winners showcase the creativity, innovation, leadership and grace under pressure that make Canada’s electricity system. The winners on this episode are Jennifer Williams, President and CEO Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Dan Irvine, Director of Procurement and Contracts at SaskPower, and Mohamed ElNozahy, Engineering Manager – EMT Studies, from Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator.Link:Read the Faces of the Industry press release on the Electricity Canada website.

Part 1 of the Faces of the Industry award winners, reflecting a simple philosophy: the electricity sector isn’t made up of companies—it’s made up of people. In conversation with Francis Bradley, this year’s winners showcase the creativity, innovation, leadership and grace under pressure that make Canada’s electricity system. The winners on this episode are Sandra Haskins, Senior Vice President and CFO at Capital Power, Joy Brake, Senior Technical Advisor, System Planning at Nova Scotia Power, and Jeffrey Laninga, Live Line Engineer and Section Head at Manitoba Hydro.Link:Read the Faces of the Industry press release on the Electricity Canada website.

Schneider Electric Canada’s President, Emily Heitman, discusses technology, sustainability and energy efficiency with host Francis Bradley. They talk about the challenges to the sector, including fragmented policies and aging infrastructure, as well as solutions including digital tools for energy management and reporting, and incentives for green investments. Emily emphasizes the importance of balancing sustainability with profitability, and the need for modernizing supply chains in a time of geopolitical uncertainty. The conversation closes with Emily’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.Links:Schneider Electric CanadaEmily Heitman at Schneider ElectricEmily Heitman on LinkedInBook recommendations:Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman.: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slow

Electricity Canada’s Vice President of Government Relations, Michael Powell, join host Francis Bradley for a conversation about the April 28 Canadian Federal election, through a Canadian electricity lens. They talk about the election results and the campaign, the different narratives about the ballot question, the impact of the US President on the election, and what the campaign platforms had to say about electricity and energy policy. They also talk about what’s next in terms of cabinet composition and the upcoming Speech from the Throne. The conversation wraps with Michael’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club Links: Electricity Canada Michael Powell on Bluesky Michael Powell on LinkedIn Book recommendation:Lament for a Nation: The Defeat of Canadian Nationalism, by George Grant: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lament-for-a-nation-the-defeat-of-canadian-nationalism

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC)’s President and CEO, Rusty Williams, join host Francis Bradley for a conversation about the utility industry's technological advancements. They talk about spectrum allocation, rural broadband, cybersecurity, and pole attachments. Rusty highlighted the importance of spectrum allocation, and the criticality of cybersecurity standards. He also emphasized the challenges in workforce development and the impact of AI on utility operations. They close the conversation with Rusty’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club. Links:Utilities Technology Council (UTC) UTC Canadian Technology ConferenceJimmy R. (Rusty) Williams at UTCJimmy R. (Rusty) Williams on LinkedIn Book recommendations:The Leadership Genius of Elon Musk, by Dennis Kneale

Power Advisory LLC’s Managing Director, Jason Chee-Aloy, discusses the future of the electricity sector and leadership with host Francis Bradley. With extensive experience in the energy sector, Jason talks about market changes, the MOU between Newfoundland & Labrador, and Quebec, and his firm's role. The conversation touches on the need for bold leadership in the sector, and the need to be mindful of the fundamentals of electricity to unlock Canada's energy potential. They also address current US tariff challenges and hopes for reduced barriers in Canada. Links: Power Advisory Jason Chee-Aloy on LinkedIn CBC article about Churchill Falls MOU

Royal Bank's Shaz Merwat, lead author of RBC's Climate Institute report "Power Struggle: How AI is Challenging Canada's Electricity Grid," discusses with Francis Bradley the rise of AI and its impact on Canada's electricity sector. They cover AI's increasing power demand, regional differences, the economic impact of data centres, strategic policies for leveraging AI, carbon capture's role, and energy security. They conclude with Shaz's very timely book recommendation for the Flux Capacitor Book Club. Links:RBC Thought LeadershipPower Struggle: How AI is challenging Canada’s electricity gridClimate Action 2025 Report Shaz Merwat on LinkedIn

The Canadian Hydrogen Association’s President and CEO, Ivette Vera-Perez, in conversation with Francis Bradley about the hydrogen industry in Canada today, what the value chain looks like, the rainbow of different types of hydrogen, and what we are using hydrogen for, including mobility. They also talk about the future of hydrogen and the need for investment tax credits, regulatory alignment, and infrastructure development to support hydrogen's role in decarbonization and economic growth. They close the conversation with a recommendation for a book to add to the Flux Capacitor Book Club. Canadian Hydrogen AssociationIvette Vera-Perez at the Canadian Hydrogen AssociationIvette Vera-Perez on LinkedInBook recommendation:Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, by Kerry Patterson, Stephen R. Covey, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler

Chief Meteorologist with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a federal agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Sunny Wescott, in conversation with Francis Bradley about extreme weather, the impacts on infrastructure, the cyclical worsening of events, and the challenge of stabilizing the climate. They also discuss what customers should be thinking about in emergencies and opportunities for creative solutions to greater resilience. They close the conversation with a recommendation for a book to add to the Flux Capacitor Book Club. Links: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Sunny Wescott on LinkedIn Book recommendations:· The Secret World of Weather: How to Read Signs in Every Cloud, Breeze, Hill, Street, Plant, Animal, and Dewdrop, by Tristan Gooley

President of Bridgehead Security and Senior Fellow at Electricity Canada Ross Johnson in conversation with host Francis Bradley about the recently published second edition of his book “Antiterrorism and Threat Response: Planning and Implementation.“ They talk about the book's genesis and what it seeks to convey. They also discuss the role of the security practitioner, take a detour into the Vulnerability of Integrated Security Analysis (VISA) process and the Design Basis Threat concept, and discuss the need for integration of security measures. They close the conversation with a recommendation for a book to add to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.Links:Bridgehead SecurityRoss Johnson bio Ross’ book

Waterpower Canada President and CEO Lorena Patterson in conversation with host Francis Bradley about the role and current state of waterpower in Canada. They talk about the complexity of the regulatory and project approvals regimes, and the role hydropower will continue to play in Canada’s electricity future. She also shares perspectives as someone with experience in energy in a number of jurisdictions in North America. They close the conversation with an excellent recommendation for a book to add to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.Links:Lorena Patterson at Waterpower Canada: https://waterpowercanada.ca/about/#lorena-pattersonWaterpower Canada: https://waterpowercanada.ca/Lorena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenaapatterson/

NERC Senior Vice President and the CEO of the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC) in conversation with host Francis Bradley about the role of the E-ISAC and what it does to help secure the North American electricity system. They talk about the current and evolving threat environment, the importance of exercises and learning from the GridEx exercises, cyber mutual assistance, the importance of partnerships with governments and the vendor community, and what the future may look like for the E-ISAC. They close the conversation with Manny’s two book recommendations to add to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.Manny Cancel at NERC: https://www.nerc.com/AboutNERC/exec/Documents/Manny%20Cancel_execbio.pdf Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC): https://www.eisac.com/s/ GridEx VIII: https://www.eisac.com/s/gridex Manny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-cancel-19a21325/ Book recommendations:Radical Candor: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean by Kim Sc

President and CEO of PowerON Energy Solutions Keegan Tully, in conversation with host Francis Bradley about the regulatory, legislative and cost challenges of fleet electrification, how supply chains continue to slow adoption, the scope and scale of some projects, and workforce and talent attraction and retention. They close the conversation with his book recommendation to add to the Flux Capacitor Book Club Links: PowerON Energy Solutions: https://poweronenergy.ca/ PowerON & Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Electrification Infrastructure 2023 Announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mL2DrWi4-A Keegan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keegan-tully-mba-720b2023/ Book recommendation:Thinking, Fast and Slow By Daniel Kahneman: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slow

President and CEO of Electro Federation Canada Carol McGlogan, is in conversation with host Francis Bradley about the need for policy certainty on electrification, pressures on supply chains, the role of energy efficiency, trade issues and the complexity of tariffs. They also talk about how her association is helping to develop the future workforce, and they end the conversation with a book recommendation to add to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.Links: Electro Federation Canada: https://www.electrofed.com/#mobile-top Carol on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-mcglogan-8b16285/ Book recommendation:The Diamond Eye By Kate Quinn: https://www.katequinnauthor.com/books/the-diamond-eye/

President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation Ken Hartwick, in conversation with host Francis Bradley about the evolving state of electricity in Ontario. Featuring a discussion about a rapidly changing energy picture with electrification, and population growth putting additional pressure on demand for electricity. They talk about supply chain challenges given that every other jurisdiction is also seeking to electrify and decarbonize at the same time. They touch on increasing public acceptance for nuclear power, and the challenges of building large infrastructure projects. They also discuss what generation technologies will be in Ontario’s future, Indigenous partnerships, and attracting and retaining talent. They close the conversation with Ken’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.Links: Ontario Power Generation: https://www.opg.com/ Ken Hartwick at OPG: https://www.opg.com/about-us/who-we-are/executive-team/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-hartwick-icd-d-176b50a1/

President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power, Peter Gregg, in conversation with host Francis Bradley about the evolving state of electricity in Nova Scotia. Revisiting themes they spoke about three years ago on the podcast, they discuss the decarbonization of Nova Scotia’s electricity system, the impact of federal policies, the increasing frequency and impact of extreme weather. They also focus on the province’s Clean Power Plan, the failure of the Atlantic Loop initiative and what says about complex inter-jurisdictional projects, and how reliability and affordability will be front and centre as Nova Scotia aims for an 80 per cent decarbonized grid by 2030. They close the conversation with Peter’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.

President of ATCO Electric Melanie Bayley in conversation with host Francis Bradley about the state of the Alberta electricity market, the challenges of meeting decarbonization and electrification aspirations, the energy trilemma of balancing sustainability, reliability, and affordability, and how customers' relationship with the electricity system will change in the years ahead. But they start the conversation with a deep dive into wildfires, the complexity of response, impacts on communities, and prospects for the year ahead. They close the conversation with a couple of on-point book recommendations. Links: ATCO Electric: https://electric.atco.com/en-ca.htmlMelanie Bayley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-bayley-a9784985/?originalSubdomain=ca Book recommendations:California Burning: The Fall Of Pacific Gas And Electric–And What It Means For America's Power Grid, By Katherine Blunt: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670012/california-burning-by-katherine-blunt/The Fearless Organizatio