Gridlock

In each episode of Gridlock, we talk about things that can and must be done to create and protect grid resiliency in the face of increased threats from climate change.

As we all know, preparing the grid for climate change requires a prep mentality, smart strategic planning, and having the right resources on the ground to execute these proactive climate-change plans and to have the capability to respond to urgent and unpredictable weather and other climate-change related circumstances.

Gridlock is sponsored by Koppers Utility & Industrial Products, the country’s largest American-owned wood pole manufacturer, supplying quality poles and cross-arms to utilities nationwide. Koppers' products are used by utilities of every size to help power the nation’s electrical infrastructure, from the smallest co-op to the largest investor-owned utility.

Last refreshed: July 26th, 2025 at 4:12 PM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Where will AI lead us in the fight against climate change?

Climate change is a continuously evolving field of study, accompanied by a wealth of data. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly vital role in predicting the impact climate change may have on electric utilities nationwide. Join our guest, Dan Bilello, Director of the Strategic Energy Analysis Center at National Renewable Energy Laboratory as he shares insights on climate change and the role of AI in addressing the resulting challenges for utilities.

Sep 23, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 3

Actuaries, Insurance & the Utility Industry

Climate-induced natural disasters continue to grow in frequency, size and cost, causing many utilities to rethink their approach to how they insure their businesses. Helping analyze and assist insurance companies in pricing policies is one of the primary roles of the insurance actuary. Join us for an in-depth conversation with Alp Can, actuary and Chair of the Actuaries Climate Index, a North American-based organization which helps insurers quantify the inherent financial risk a utility is likel...

May 28, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 2

Helping Co-Ops Fight Climate Change

Season 2 of Gridlock kicks off with an in-depth look at how climate change is impacting rural-based electric utilities in the U.S. Guest Claire Sierawski of the USDA helps oversee the approval and funding of multiple new government initiatives aimed at both building more grid resiliency and helping further clean energy production among co-ops in our country. Join us and learn more about both the program focus, funding levels and anticipated timeline for implementation of these initiatives.

Apr 10, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 1

Gridlock Series Trailer

Hurricanes. Ice Storms. Wildfires. Tornadoes. 2021 was not kind to electric utilities or their customers... As an industry leader, how will you adapt and shape your utility’s response as Mother Nature’s assault on the electric grid continues to intensify? How can your key vendors best help you respond? Introducing Gridlock, a Koppers-exclusive podcast series. Join expert guests including national research laboratories, government energy regulators and senior utility executives as they discuss pr...

Jun 21, 2023•2 min

Nora Mead Brownell, former FERC Commissioner and former Chair of the Board of PG&E

Nora Mead Brownell is the co-founder of ESPY Energy Solutions, LLC, a women-owned business providing innovative and highly-skilled consulting services. Ms. Brownell served as the Chair of the Board of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). She has also served on the boards of National Grid PLC, Tangent Energy, Spectra Energy Partners, New World Capital, TerViva Bioenergy, ONCOR, Comverge, Starwood Energy Fund, and the GridWise Architecture Council. In addition, Ms. Brownell has lectured at the V...

Jun 21, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Mark Petri, Director of the Electric Power Grid Program and Thomas Wall, Program Lead for Engineering & Applied Resilience at Argonne

Argonne National Laboratory is the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s multidisciplinary research center and a leader in developing and analyzing climate-related data. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America’s scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. Join our guests from Argonne, Mark Petri, Director of the Electric Power Grid Progr...

Jun 21, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Will Climate Change Impact Utilities Market Value?

As climate change continues dominating headlines, its future financial impact remains a key concern to electric utilities in the U.S. and worldwide. Join our expert climate scientists from Institutional Shareholder Services as they discuss how the increasing growth and intensity of natural disasters may impact the future market value of publicly traded utilities. Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) provides both investors and companies high-quality data, analytics and insights to help guide...

Jun 21, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 3

John Bartlett, Co-Manager Reaves Utility Income Fund

How do investors in publicly-traded electric utility stocks view the topic of climate change? Does climate change alter their current investment strategy or is it a potential deterrent to additional investment in the industry? How or does an electric utility’s decision to make climate-related investments, ranging from alternative energy to grid hardening, create the prospect of future value for investors? Join us for a wide-ranging discussion addressing these and other key climate-related topics...

Jun 21, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 4

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android