The Best in the Biz – April 2025 – [EnergyBiz Network Community Manager Digest]

​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: Kate Zabriskie

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: Katie Zabriskie, President, Business Training Works, Inc.

Topics of Focus: Developing talent; Recruitment

Recent Energy Central Contributions of Note:

Top Content This Month

Energy Innovation in Alaska: Microgrids to the Rescue by Peter Asmus

Alaska’s remote communities are turning to microgrids for reliable, resilient energy in harsh conditions. This article explores how innovative microgrid solutions are transforming energy access and sustainability in the Last Frontier.

“Alaska has long been associated with the discovery of oil and natural gas. These resources provided tremendous economic benefits for the 49th state, but because they were primarily an export opportunity, this resource wealth didn’t address residents’ own high energy cost burden.”

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

Is the electric energy storage boom at risk? by Kennedy Maize

The rapid expansion of electric energy storage is reshaping the grid, but with growth comes new risks. This article examines the challenges of scaling storage safely and reliably while balancing regulatory and market dynamics.

“As renewable electricity generation – primarily solar and wind power – continues to boom, energy storage, primarily battery storage of electricity, has also soared. Is that inevitable?“

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

From Reactive to Proactive: Shifting Your Hiring Strategy for Long-Term Success by Kevin Anderson

Shifting from a reactive to a proactive hiring strategy can set your organization up for long-term success. This article explores how forward-thinking workforce planning can help energy companies stay ahead in a competitive talent market.

“Most companies don’t plan to struggle with hiring. Yet, many find themselves in a cycle of reactive hiring—scrambling to fill roles, making rushed decisions, and hoping for the best. This approach doesn’t just cost time and money; it weakens your team and limits growth.”

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

Recent Q&A in the Community

Q: What adversities are being seen across the board from field employees to management with our industry? What is being done to come to a solution for these issues?

Read submitted answers and or add your own!

Q: What are your customer-facing teams at your utilities doing to actively protect customers from scams? [International Fraud Awareness Week]

Read submitted answers and or add your own!

Relevant Recent Episodes of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast

Inside this CEO’s Energy Transition Playbook

The future of federal energy funding

Thank you for reading!

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We look forward to seeing you in the Energy Central community!​​​ ​