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The Flux Capacitor podcast features discussions with business and thought leaders of the electricity industry on the future of the business of electricity. The discussions touch on how we create, move, trade, and use energy, with each guest adding their own expertise and perspective to the conversation. What will be the impacts of technological change? How will markets and customer demands respond to new technology? What will change, both social and technological, mean for regulators, society and the electricity industry? Electricity Canada invites you to join in the conversation.
138 Episodes
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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
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: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/224849.Resonant_Leadership
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
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