Are you prepared for the evolving landscape of the electricity sector? John Cooper, an energy entrepreneur and recognized innovator in the electricity sector, joins the show to discuss the shifting dynamics of the grid and utilities. With his extensive experience in integrating decarbonization, resilience, energy self-sufficiency, transportation, building electrification and data/digitalization, John sheds light on why the traditional way of operating the grid is becoming less reliable.
Listen in to hear about the future of grid management, as well as the transition from manned operations to smart systems and data-driven decisions. You’ll learn the importance of software systems like ADMS in control rooms and the value of data processing in modernizing operations. John also explains what large business leaders can do to optimize their operations in the face of climate change. It’s time to step up and take on more responsibility to make a difference!
What You’ll Learn In Today’s Episode:
- How John became involved with energy.
- How AI can help the energy transition.
- The importance of leaning on data.
- What large business leaders can do to optimize their operations.
- How every single person can help the energy transition.
- Why business leaders are going to have to take on more responsibility.
Ideas Worth Sharing:
- “The future of running something as complex as the grid is not controlling it ever tighter and having old, experienced hands in the control room to make decisions. It’s moving to software systems like ADMS in the control room, so that we can lean on the value of data, data processing and smart systems and shift a lot of our operations from man operations to machine operations.” – John Cooper
- “For business leaders thinking they can just pay their utility bills and then leave that up to the utilities to take care of is to cede a lot of the control of your business to a third party. And I think it represents an unacceptable risk.” – John Cooper
- “Changes are afoot, and the old way of operating the grid and utilities are on the way to not being seen as stable and reliable as they used to be.” – John Cooper
Time Stamps:
00:00:25: Introduction to Renewable Rides & Energy Transition
00:00:45: Guest Intro: John Cooper, Pioneer in Smart Grids
00:01:10: John Cooper Discusses his Passions and Motivations
00:01:24: Thoughts on Change and Disruption
00:03:34: Comparing Utility Fields to Other Industries
00:04:18: Background Information: John Cooper
00:06:37: Work on the Regulatory Team at Central and Southwest
00:08:03: Introduction to Wireless Networks and Smart Grids
00:11:35: Discussing the Advanced Smart Grid Book
00:13:55: Pecan Street Project
00:16:49: Transition from Analog to Digital Systems
00:18:57: Risks Involved in Digitization of the Grid
00:20:43: Challenge of Moving to an Energy Grid Like the Internet
00:22:12: The Four D’s: Digitalization, Democratization, Decarbonization, and Decentralization
00:23:01: Addressing Transition and Interconnection Queuing
00:23:30: Introduction to Grocket: Workforce Management and Human-Machine Interconnection
00:24:18: Decarbonization Efforts and Energy Concerns
00:25:23: ESG Goals and Their Impact on Businesses
00:26:14: Considering Resilience and Facing Energy Challenges
00:27:14: The Role and Potential of Microgrids
00:30:27: Preparing for Future Power Outages
00:32:26: The Threat of Wildfires and Climate Change
00:36:01: Future Business Actions for Energy Management
00:38:02: The Impact of AI on the Energy Industry
00:42:59: The Challenge of Managing Organizational Complexity and Data
00:45:06: The Energy Transition on a Global Basis
00:47:09: Innovation Sharing in Energy Transition
00:47:37: Recovery and reading habits
00:47:52: Getting organized and preferred subscriptions
00:48:37: Balancing information consumption
00:49:03: A look at John’s career and personal life
00:50:03: Career shift towards climate change
00:51:04: Importance of passion in life
00:53:04: Takeaway from John’s insights about utilities
00:53:48: Thoughts on energy situation in businesses
00:54:17: Need for businesses to take inventory of energy-reliant systems
00:56:04: Looking forward to a future of abundant energy
00:56:16: Resources for business leaders to learn more about energy transition
Resources In Today’s Episode:
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