The Current

We Stand For Energy, a project of the Edison Electric Institute, presents The Current, a podcast focused on providing policymakers with insights into the electric energy generation and distribution industry.

From Policy to Impact: Energy Assistance Explained

How do we ensure families can keep the lights on, and how can electric companies lead the charge? Jonathan Hirte, Director of Federal Affairs at DTE Energy, joins The Current to unpack how energy providers can play a pivotal role in expanding access to critical assistance programs like LIHEAP and Michigan’s MEAP. As August marks LIHEAP Action Month, this episode offers timely insights into how DTE supported a major expansion of the MEAP program, doubling funding, raising eligibility threshold...

08-04
16:15

The People Behind Lineworker Appreciation Day

How do lineworkers keep our electric grid resilient, reliable, and ready for the future? Drew Stover, Director of the Utility Department at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and a second-generation journeyman lineworker, joins host Kristine Telfer to discuss the critical role lineworkers play as energy demands and challenges continue to evolve. Show your appreciation for lineworkers by signing the petition: https://www.westandforenergy.com Learn more about IBEW: https...

07-10
13:10

Episode 65: Partners in Wildfire Prevention

We’re joined by Chet Wade, Communications Director of Partners in Wildfire Prevention, to discuss the coalition’s efforts to reduce the devastating impacts of wildfires through prevention and preparedness. As wildfires increasingly threaten communities nationwide, our guest highlights the need for a comprehensive national strategy focused on community protection, responsible investment, and rapid recovery, providing a valuable conversation on how we can work together to mitigate wildfire risk...

05-14
13:13

Episode 64: NARUC Executive Director Tony Clark on Energy Security & Regulation

In this episode of The Current, we speak with Tony Clark, the executive director of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), an organization that represents state utility regulators across the nation. Our discussion focuses on the significance of energy security, both now and in the future. We explore how energy policies for electric companies, policymakers, and regulators are continually evolving to meet the needs of electric customers. As a subject matter expert...

03-28
19:33

Episode 63: Washington Update on New Administration and Congress

In this episode of The Current, we reconnect with Eric Grey, Vice President of Government Relations at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). Our conversation explores how the priorities of the new administration will affect the electric power industry. Eric elaborates on important legislation that Congress is currently addressing, improvements to infrastructure, grid resiliency, and key wildfire policies.

03-13
09:52

Episode 62: Kregg Arntson on Clean Energy Challenges in Portland

On this episode of The Current, we connected with Kregg Arntson, Executive Director of the Portland General Electric Foundation. He leads Project Zero, an initiative to inspire the next generation to explore clean energy challenges in the greater Portland community. Since 2020, they have shown more than 175K students how to combat climate change, earning them the EEI’s 2024 Corporate Citizen Program award. Participants: Kristine Telford, Executive Director of External Affairs, EEI – Moderato...

01-06
21:47

Episode 61: Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector

In this episode of The Current, we delve into the vital topic of cybersecurity in the energy sector. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to explore how electric utilities are safeguarding the nation's electric grid from cyber threats. Our guests will share insights into the evolving threat landscape, the steps companies are taking to secure their systems, and how these efforts ultimately protect electric customers. Participants: Kristine Telford, Executive Dir...

10-30
20:22

Episode 60: LIHEAP Awareness Month with Veronica Stober

August is LIHEAP Action Month, which recognizes the importance of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This federally funded program provides qualifying customers with bill payment and energy assistance options. Veronica Stober, a seasoned Customer Care Advocate at Alliant Energy, joins us to spread awareness about LIHEAP, how the program works for customers, and why you should support this critical assistance program. She has over 25 years of experience in the energy sector....

08-26
07:20

Episode 59: Why Did Hurricane Beryl Take Down So Many Trees in Texas?

his week, EEI's Electric Perspectives Podcast and The Current are partnering for an episode to discuss the impacts of Hurricane Beryl and the tremendous restoration efforts that are underway. On this episode, you'll hear from StormGeo Meteorologist Justin Petrutsas — who is based in the Houston area— and Scott Aaronson, EEI Senior Vice President of Security and Preparedness, about the intensity of this hurricane as well the complex work that is underway to safely restore power to impacted cus...

07-16
18:03

Episode 58: PPL Corporation President & CEO Vince Sorgi

In this episode of The Current, EEI Executive Director of External Affairs Kristine Telford is joined by PPL Corporation President and CEO Vince Sorgi. They have an in-depth conversation about resource adequacy within the shifting energy landscape and company innovations to sustainably meet high customer demand for today and future generations.

06-25
13:46

Episode 57: Corporate Citizenship at PSEG Company

In this week's episode of the Current, Edison Electric Institutes, Kristine Telford is joined by Richard T. Thigpen, Senior Vice President of Corporate Citizenship at PSEG company. Rick provides insight into PSEG's commitment to a diverse workforce, philanthropy, and its role in helping solve serious challenges.

02-28
18:57

Episode 56: The State of Electric Transport in the U.S.

On this episode of The Current, our guests discuss the state of electric transportation in the U.S. Joining us are Kellen Schefter, Senior Director of Electric Transportation at EEI, and Scott Barrios, Manager of Electric Mobility at Entergy.

01-24
30:15

Episode 55: How to protect yourself from Utility Scams

On this episode of The Current, Edison Electric Institute's Executive Director of External Affairs Kristine Telford interviews the Utilities United Against Scams Executive Director Monica Martinez, where these industry leaders discuss utility scams and the ways that consumers can protect themselves as part of their effort to #StopScams ahead of Utility Scam Awareness Day on November 15th.

11-15
08:11

Episode 54: Jose Perez, President of Hispanics in Energy

EEI Executive Director of External Affairs Kristine Telford interviews Jose Perez, President of Hispanics in Energy on how the organization continues to grow and is working to educate & engage the Hispanic community on critical energy issues across the country.

10-13
28:30

Episode 53: Wildfire Season with Ryan Murphy

EEI Executive Director of External Affairs Kristine Telford interviews Puget Sound Energy Director of Electric Operations Ryan Murphy on wildfire mitigation efforts and measures the company is taking this wildfire season.

09-07
19:51

Episode 52: Wildfire Planning & Mitigation

This week, Mark Quinlan, the Senior Vice President of Wildfire & Emergency Operations at Pacific Gas and Electric Company, joins The Current. Kristine and Mark discuss the upcoming peak of wildfire season and how the company is preparing for this through its proactive mitigation program.

08-07
34:15

Episode 51: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

This week, Mark Wolfe, the Executive Director National Energy Assistance Directors' Association and an expert on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), joins The Current. Jeff and Mark discuss key issues facing the LIHEAP program and the recent action day in Washington, D.C.

05-12
16:05

Episode 50: The Impacts of Deregulation

This week, Ed Hirs an energy fellow at the University of Houston and a world renowned expert on deregulation joins The Current. Jeff and Ed explore the challenges and risks—including higher prices and less reliability—of deregulated electricity.

01-10
19:29

Episode 48: Key Takeaways from the Midterm Elections

This week on The Current, Phil Cox, a nationally renowned political operative, joins your host Kristine Telford to talk about the key takeaways from the midterm elections and what that means for upcoming policy debates at the state and federal level.

11-17
13:39

Episode 49: Inflation Reduction Act

This week on the Current, Kristine is joined by Eric Grey, Vice President of Government Relations at the Edison Electric Institute and Austin Keyser, Assistant to the International President of Government Affairs for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Eric and Austin provide expert analysis on the Inflation Reduction Act and its potential impact on the electric power industry.

11-08
25:43

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