Flux Capacitor

Julia Muggeridge, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Electricity Canada, guest hosts this episode, and talks with Amanda Klein, President and CEO of Elexicon Energy. Julia asks Amanda about her background in the utility sector, what made her take the leap into the CEO role, and the new challenges facing her at Elexicon Energy, one of Ontario’s largest municipally owned energy companies. They discuss mentorship, pivotal career moments and engaging youth about the energy sector. Finally, Amanda offers her recommendation for the Book Club... providing she can finish the book one day!Book recommendation: How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks

President and CEO of EPCOR Utilities, John Elford, joins host Francis Bradley for lunch and a conversation about EPCOR, the Alberta market and the future prospects of the sector. We talk about challenges, including supply chain issues, grid resiliency, and affordability amid increased electrification and decarbonization. John emphasizes the importance of leadership, culture, and employee development in driving the company's success. They close the conversation with three book recommendations. Links:EPCOR UtilitiesJohn Elford at EPCORJohn Elford on LinkedIn Book recommendation:CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest, by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller and Vikram Malhotra

Electricity Canada’s Executive Leadership Team, VPs Julia Muggeridge, Channa Perera and Michael Powell join host Francis Bradley for a review of the 2026 State of the Canadian Electricity Industry report on the eve of its release. The report highlights the urgency to build energy infrastructure, emphasizing the need for predictable and timely approvals, and addressing regulatory challenges. They discuss key themes, including the importance of customer satisfaction, Indigenous engagement, and workforce training. They chat about calls for a Canadian electricity supply chain roadmap and investment tax credits to support growth. They also address the need for enhanced east-west grid interconnections to improve reliability and resilience against extreme weather and cyber threats. They close the conversation with three book recommendations.2026 State of the Canadian Electricity Industry reportIntertie StudyElectricity Canada The Electricity Canada Team Julia Muggeridge on LinkedIn Channa Perera on LinkedIn Michael

Marine Renewables Canada’s Executive Director Elisa Obermann joins host Francis Bradley for an update on what’s new in the marine renewables space in Canada, a space on the verge of big changes and growth. They talk about the future vision of the sector, the role marine renewables will play in remote and Indigenous communities, the current state and prospects for tidal, offshore wind, wave and river current energy. They also discuss the need for more coordinated regional planning, supply chain challenges, and the potential impacts of trade pressures. Elisa emphasizes the need for regulatory certainty to attract investment and ensure the sector's competitiveness. They close the conversation with Elisa’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club. Links: Marine Renewables Canada: Elisa Obermann at Marine Renewables Canada Elisa Obermann on LinkedIn Book recommendation:The Berry Pickers, by Amanda Peters

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) President and CEO Jim Robb joins host Francis Bradley for an end-of-year roundup on reliability issues. Jim notes that the upcoming long-term reliability report will highlight five regions at high risk of reliability issues, with nine more at moderate risk. The conversation covers the impact of data centers, extreme weather, and grid transformation on reliability. Jim emphasizes the need for more generation, better resource diversity, and improved fuel supply. They also discuss the role of NERC in educating stakeholders and the importance of timely standards development. They close the conversation with Jim’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.Links: North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)Jim Robb at NERCJim Robb on LinkedInJim Robb discusses AI, data centres, and grid reliability on CNBC Book recommendation:Golf is Not a Game of Perfect, by Bob Rotella

Manitoba Hydro’s President and CEO Allan Danforth joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about the challenges and changes in leadership and communication post-pandemic, and the importance of in-person interaction for building camaraderie and effective leadership. Allan highlights Manitoba Hydro's integrated operations, the increasing demand for electricity, the need for gas and renewable energy sources, and the potential, regionally, for nuclear power. They also discuss the political dynamics of running a crown corporation, the importance of regional collaboration, and the significance of historical events in defining and understanding Canadian identity. The conversation closes with Allan’s book recommendation.Links:Manitoba HydroManitoba Hydro’s Leadership TeamBook recommendation:Vimy, by Pierre Berton

Nova Scotia Power’s parent company Emera’s President and CEO Scott Balfour joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about Emera’s growth from a privatized Crown Corporation in Nova Scotia to a major North American energy player with operations in Canada, Florida, New Mexico, Grand Bahama, and Barbados. They discuss the challenges of balancing reliability, sustainability, and affordability in the energy sector, and differences in rates of return. Scott emphasized the need for honest conversations about the costs of decarbonization and the importance of nation-building projects. The conversation closes with Scott’s book recommendation.Links:EmeraNova Scotia PowerTECO Tampa ElectricScott Balfour at EmeraScott Balfour on LinkedInBook recommendation:The Coming Wave, by Mustafa Suleyman and Michael Bhaskar: https://the-coming-wave.com/

Toronto Hydro’s President and CEO Jana Mosley joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about Toronto Hydro’s role in ensuring electricity service to more than 3 million homes and businesses in Toronto. They talk about Hydro’s plan to invest $5 billion over the next five years to modernize its grid, address rising electricity demand, and support a number of major city projects. Jana emphasizes the importance of safety, cost-effectiveness, and technological innovation in grid modernization. They also discuss the challenges of project development, the need for regulatory reforms, and the company's alignment with the city’s net zero strategy. The conversation closes with Jana’s book recommendation.Links:Toronto HydroJana Mosley at Toronto Hydro Jana Mosley on LinkedInBook recommendation:Strengths Finder 2.0, by Tom Rath

Toronto Hydro’s President and CEO Jana Mosley joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about Toronto Hydro’s role in ensuring electricity service to more than 3 million homes and businesses in Toronto. They talk about Hydro’s plan to invest $5 billion over the next five years to modernize its grid, address rising electricity demand, and support a number of major city projects. Jana emphasizes the importance of safety, cost-effectiveness, and technological innovation in grid modernization. They also discuss the challenges of project development, the need for regulatory reforms, and the company's alignment with the city’s net zero strategy. The conversation closes with Jana’s book recommendation.Links: Toronto Hydro Jana Mosley at Toronto HydroJana Mosley on LinkedIn Book recommendation:Strengths Finder 2.0, by Tom Rath

New Brunswick Power Inc. President and CEO Lori Clark joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about NB Power’s diverse energy portfolio, including the only Canadian nuclear facility outside of Ontario. They talk about the objective to be coal-free by 2030, and the conversion of the remaining coal plant to biomass. Lori highlights the challenges of managing a very diverse generation fleet, and the plan for a 500-megawatt gas plant by 2028 to meet growing demand. They also talk about the importance of energy security and affordability. The conversation closes with Lori’s book recommendation. Links:New Brunswick PowerBelledune Clean Fuel ProjectLori Clark on LinkedInBook recommendation:How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine the Fate of Every Project, from Home Renovations to Space Exploration and Everything In Between, by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner

ATCO Energy Systems Chief Operating Officer Jason Sharpe joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about the electricity and natural gas business in Alberta, from the perspective of a regulated utility company. Jason highlights the challenges posed by wildfires and the need for operational resilience. They also discuss the importance of attracting talent to the energy sector and the potential impact of data centres on energy demand and costs. They close the conversation with Jason’s book recommendation.Links:ATCO Energy SystemsATCO Electric Jason Sharpe on LinkedIn Book recommendation:The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, by Robert Iger https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/556683/the-ride-of-a-lifetime-by-robert-iger/9780399592096

Atlantica Centre’s President Michelle Robichaud discusses with host Francis Bradley the organization's role in fostering energy collaboration in Atlantic Canada. The centre brings together industry, government, academia, and the public to shape energy policy and improve energy literacy. They talk about the region's unique energy landscape, and Michelle emphasizes the need for a unified Atlantic energy vision to address challenges like energy affordability and reliability, regional cooperation and long-term planning. Their conversation also touches on the importance of public support and education in driving the energy transition, and they close the conversation with Michelle’s book recommendation. Links:Atlantica Centre for EnergyMichelle Robichaud on LinkedIn Book recommendation:Toward Prosperity: The Transformation of Atlantic Canada's Economy, by David Campbell and Don Mills

Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s President and CEO Cory Strang discusses with host Francis Bradley the operations, challenges, and future plans of the company. They discuss the need for infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of the Tatlson hydro facility and the opportunity to connect the South and North systems in the territory. They chat about the impact of climate change on operations, and the importance of Indigenous partnerships. Cory also shares his journey from a summer student to CEO, and they close the conversation with Cory’s book recommendation. Links:Northwest Territories Power CorporationTaltson Hydro Expansion ProjectCory Strang on LinkedIn Book recommendation:Your Oxygen Mask First: 17 Habits to Help High Achievers Survive & Thrive in Leadership & Life, by Kevin N. Lawrence

President and CEO Ernest Douglas of Qulliq Energy Corporation discusses with host Francis Bradley the difficulties of supplying electricity in Nunavut’s 25 diesel-powered microgrids. He outlines the company's shift toward renewable energy through upcoming solar, wind, and hydro projects, and highlights challenges like logistics, local involvement, and housing shortages. Douglas stresses the need for innovative solutions, such as perhaps one-day small modular reactors, to reduce diesel dependence and environmental impact. The discussion ends with a book suggestion.Links:Qulliq EnergyErnest Douglas on LinkedInBook recommendation:Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't, by Simon Sinek

Former President and CEO of BC Hydro Chris O’Riley joins host Francis Bradley for a reflection on his 35 years at BC Hydro, from his start as an Engineer in Training at the hydro plant at Campbell River and the redevelopment the John Hart Generating Station, through a number of other transformative projects up to the recently completed Site C dam and generating station. They talk about BC Hydro's evolution, including its increased complexity and focus on customer service. Chris also highlights Hydro’s growing partnerships with First Nations, such as the Northwest Transmission Line project, which involves joint ownership. Chris also reflects on the future of BC Hydro and gives his take on the new leadership at the company. They close the conversation with a book recommendation. Links:BC HydroBC Hydro Executive Team Site CChris O’Riley on LinkedIn Book recommendation:Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference, by Rutger Bregman:

Grid Modernization Leader at Capgemini Canada Andrea Nuesser joins host Francis Bradley for a discussion about Capgemini’s role in the electricity sector and in the energy transition. They talk about grid modernization, incorporating new technologies to build a more affordable, resilient, and cleaner grid. They discuss technologies like Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for real-time data, and non-wires alternatives. They also unpack challenges, including regulatory uncertainty and cultural resistance, and the promise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to play a significant role in analyzing vast data and improving decision-making. They close the conversation with a book recommendation. Links:Capgemini CanadaAndrea Nuesser on LinkedInBook recommendation:Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, by Brené Brown

Senior Vice President and General Manager of Eaton Canada Chris Fluit joins host Francis Bradley for a discussion about Eaton’s role in the electricity sector and in the energy transition. We talk about the company's evolution from an automotive-focused firm to a global power management company, offering products across the electricity value chain, with a current focus on energy-efficient, sustainable solutions. Chris emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, particularly in the industrial and residential sectors. The talk inevitably turns to the impact of geopolitical tensions on supply chains and the challenges posed by the current international trade and tariff environment. They close the conversation with a book recommendation.Links:Eaton CanadaChris Fluit on LinkedInBook recommendation: Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown

Women in Renewable Energy’s President and CEO Joanna Osawe joins host Francis Bradley for a discussion about WIRE’s growth from a single chapter in Toronto to 39 chapters worldwide. WIRE focuses on advancing women and underrepresented groups in the energy sector through networking events, field trips, podcasts, and awards. They talk about the importance of early engagement with children through the WIRE Junior Ambassadors Program, and Joanna gives her take on achieving net zero by 2050, the importance of international engagement, and the need for continued efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion. They close the conversation with a book recommendation.Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE)Joanna Osawe on LinkedInBook recommendation:Bet On Me: Leading and Succeeding in Business and in Life, by Annette Verschuren

The Canadian Steel Producers Association’s President and CEO Catherine Cobden joins host Francis Bradley for a discussion about the upcoming report “Powering Canadian Steel” and the impacts of U.S. tariffs on the Canadian steel sector. They talk about the steel industry’s need for an additional 430% of electricity by 2050. Catherine emphasizes the need for trade measures to combat unfair practices and support domestic markets. They also discuss the importance of addressing permitting delays and leveraging government support like the Strategic Innovation Fund to enhance domestic production. The conversation wraps with Catherine’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book ClubLinks:Canadian Steel Producers Association: https://canadiansteel.ca Catherine Cobden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-cobden-53210b23/ Book recommendation:Resonant Leadership: Renewing Yourself and Connecting with Others Through Mindfulness, Hope and Compassion, by Richard E. Boyatzis and Annie McKee: ht

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