Changing Energy

In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn discuss an article about Tesla offering unlimited overnight charging in Texas. The main topic consists of the group talking with Derl Rhoades an electric meter professional about where we have come and where we might go with meters. They end with a listener question on how to ramp up or turn off big generation and why. Story Links: About 25% of U.S. power plan...

In this episode, the final of a three-part series about energy news of December 2022, Don, Kirk and Shawn begin with some Lightning Box discussion, as well as news about an Oregon company, NuScale, that has received design approval for a Small Modular Reactor (SMR).  For the main topic, the group discusses the achievements on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) on December 5, with soundbites...

In this special episode of a three-part series, Don, Kirk and Shawn interview Lee Ragsdale, Vice President of Energy Delivery of North Carolina EMC to review the events of Winter Storm Elliott. The group specifically shared information concerning rolling blackouts and how they are effective at balancing the grid when it is at its highest capacity. EP: 14 Timeline 00:18 – Intros 02:54 – Episode Top...

In this special episode of a three-part series, Don and Kirk interview Dennis Mabe of Randolph EMC about that cooperative’s experiences of recovering from the effects of the December 3rd, Moore County Substation attacks. Afterwards, Shawn joins the group to highlight the resiliency of utilities even during such senseless crimes. EP: 13 Timeline 00:20 – Intros 11:30 – Episode Topic – Interview Denn...

In this Episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn welcome Mike Pristas, Vice President of North America Sales, of Firmatek, into the studio to highlight the main topic of Drones in the Utility Industry. The discussions begin with Thanksgiving Energy Trivia, followed by a news article about South Dakota’s fast growing wind production. The episode ends with questions about holiday lighting safety and how electri...

In this episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn discuss how Mary Shelley wrote the story of Dr. Frankenstein, sixty-five years before electricity was commercially distributed. The team discusses a couple of news articles regarding the recycling of electric vehicle batteries and “agri-voltaics.” As a main topic, Don compares the COViD 19 pandemic’s use of the phrase, “flattening the curve,” to both the electr...

In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn are joined by Wake Electric’s Operations Manager, Jeff Garrett, to talk about statistics from Hurricane Ian, which devastated parts of Cuba, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. The team discusses how utilities prepare for and respond to big storms and how technology has evolved out in the field. Jeff Garrett does explain how he once saw an ou...

Episode 9: Light ’em Up, Baby! In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn introduce yet another animal from Kirk’s ever-growing family, Dustybuns. The team reviews two pieces of news, including a small moisture/fabric-based energy generator and a cooperative that is offering real time pricing to electric vehicle owners so they can participate in protecting the grid. The main topic is on the changing wo...

Episode 8: Summer Technology Expo

In this episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn begin with a discussion about Momo the cow, before exploring the benefits and disadvantages of offshore wind farms. The main topic includes two interviews. The first includes a conversation with local town commissioner, Dan Alston, talking about his experiences comparing the Mustang Mach E to the Tesla Model Y. The second interview includes a conversation with...

This is a quick, bonus episode to supplement Episode 6 by adding a couple short stories from Ed Wheeler.

In this episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn begin with a discussion about movies seen over the holiday weekend, as well as news about non-line-of-site drones and Tesla Powerwall projects. The main topic includes information about Utility Vegetation Management and an interview with retired, Right-of-way Supervisor, Ed Wheeler. After a few great stories from Ed, the group closes out with a new segment call...

In this episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn begin with a discussion of the new vehicle-to-grid marketing around the Ford F150 Lightning. Then, Don is joined by three Wake Electric members that discuss their electric vehicle, rooftop solar, and battery experiences. Finally, the gang answers a very relevant question about why a utility doesn’t put all of their electric circuits underground. Story Links: Fo...

Episode 4: My Meter is So Smart … In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn begin with a news article about moratoriums for power disconnections during the COVID Pandemic. The main topic includes more history on electric meters before busting certain myths about Smart Meters. In the question and answer segment, the team discusses benefits of underground versus overhead power lines and the future of so...

Episode 3: Life on the Lines In this episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn begin with news articles about the new Ford F150 Lightning and the reality of carbon offsets. The group then hosts the recently retired, Odie Pernell, a 42-year career lineman, so that he can tell the stories of life as a lineman. This episode closes with a listener question about all-electric bucket trucks. Story Links: ‘Down Here,...

Episode 2: The Grid Is Getting Smarter In this episode, Don, Kirk, and Shawn begin with news articles about electric vehicles and cybersecurity. IT Manager, Steve Ballard, explains the dangers of “phishing.” The group then helps to define the “Smart Grid,” before addressing listener questions about cell phone charging and bourbon.  Story Links: Vietnams’ VinFast to invest $2B in North Carolin...

Episode 1: A Little History In this first episode, Don, Kirk and Shawn introduce the concept of the “Changing Energy” podcast. In the news segment, Don explains the difference between “fishin’” and fusion nuclear reactions. Finally, the podcast provides a brief history of electricity by sharing personal stories of Don’s father and grandfather. How to reach us: Twitter: @ChangingNRG Facebook: @Chan...