The Best in the Biz – May 2024 – [EnergyBiz Network Community Manager Digest]

Posted By: EN Todayon: May 02, 2024In: General Energy News

Thank you for checking out the EnergyBiz Network Community Manager digest. This piece compiles important articles that concern different elements of energy commerce, such as customer care and utility management. The articles referred to in this piece are just a small smattering of the content posted on Energy Central, so make sure to check the rest of the site.

Get to Know Your Community Members – This Month’s Member Spotlight

Spotlight: Bob McCallister

What sets Energy Central apart from other online industry outlets is the true community-level feel. To highlight that aspect, this spot each month will feature a quick profile of one of your fellow Community Members for you to get to know and inspire you to reach out to them: leave a comment on their recent Energy Central content, follow their profile, and build a new connection in the industry!

Name and Title: Bob McCallister, SVP Business Development at Ibex Global Solutions

Topics of Focus: Paid Search; Contact Center Management, Data Analytics

Recent Energy Central Contributions of Note:

Top Content This Month

The Case for ‘Hotter’ Nuclear is Solving the Electricity Crunch by Llewellyn King

The call for increased nuclear power is intensifying as demand surges and public backing hovers around 60%. Yet, the primary obstacle lies not in technology but in finance. Constructing new reactors is costly, and finding ways to fund them is imperative for ensuring the nation’s energy security.

“The drumbeat for more nuclear power grows louder all the time. As the demand for more electricity rises inexorably (now agreed at 2 percent a year nationally and more in specific areas), the case for a surge in nuclear power plant development becomes stronger.”

Read the full article and leave a comment or question for the author here

Modernize Electric Facilities to Maximize Safety, Reliability, and Security by Tony Sleva

In the upcoming decade, the electric energy grid is poised for a transformative shift towards distributed renewable sources and increased electrification, necessitating the introduction of new components for safety and efficiency. This transition involves replacing aging substations with modern electric warehouses, upgrading transmission lines to powerways, and transforming distribution lines into serviceways, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness and reliability.

“The electric energy grid is facing a major transition as it moves to the next generation of energy production, transmission, and distribution. In the coming decade, distributed renewable energy sources will expand, electrification of energy consumption will increase, and electric vehicle ownership will grow in popularity. As the electric grid is modernized, new components must be introduced to maximize facility safety, reliability, and security, while increasing overall maintainability and reducing infrastructure costs.”

Read the full article and leave a comment or question for the author here

Faster, faster says the Congress, go faster! by Doug Houseman

A bill introduced into Congress aims to compel FERC to expedite the process of interconnections for new generation and energy storage projects, addressing existing inefficiencies. This initiative contradicts some aspects of FERC Order 901 regarding grid stabilization. However, the bill’s specifics and feasibility are questioned, especially regarding funding for reliability solutions and the practicalities of timely construction amidst supply chain challenges.

“Bill introduced into Congress to force FERC to create rules that make interconnections go faster. Below is the core of the bill (definitions and boiler plate are missing). The bill would require FERC to figure out how to make interconnections, not just studies go faster, just as FERC has realized that there are grid stability and reliability issues that need to be addressed and likely remedies applied to the grid. ”

Read the full article and leave a comment or question for the author here

Recent Q&A in the Community

Q: What companies in the US offer quality 3rd party asset management services?

Read submitted answers and or add your own!

Q: What are utilities doing to help keep customers safe on the internet and web-tied digital software as it pertains to cybersecurity, preventing scammers, etc.? [Safer Internet Day]

Read submitted answers and or add your own!

Q: Have you published an energy-related book that our utility audience should read? Or do you have recommendations of the last industry relevant book you’ve read? [Read Across America Week]

Read submitted answers and or add your own!