In this episode, we’re diving into the parallels between the energy transition and endurance events, particularly focusing on Gareth's recent 100-mile run. We’ll discuss the importance of setting audacious goals, planning meticulously, and adapting purposefully—both in ultra-marathon running and in navigating the complexities of the energy sector.

Listen in as Gareth shares his personal journey of preparation, the challenges faced, and the crucial role of community support. He reflects on the lessons learned from his training regimen, the importance of having a robust support system, and how the principles of endurance sports can translate to business strategies. We also emphasize the necessity of a structured approach, the benefits of incremental progress, and the value of recovery and reflection phases.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• The parallels between ultra marathon running and the energy transition.
• The importance of setting and achieving audacious goals in both personal and business contexts.
• How meticulous planning and adaptability are crucial for success.
• The role of community and team support in overcoming challenges.
• The benefits of a structured approach to energy transition strategies.
• The significance of recovery and reflection phases in achieving long-term goals.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• "People in corporate energy and sustainability teams feel overwhelmed by having to set goals or put a plan in place, but the key is to break the strategy down into bite-sized pieces. Then set a very consistent framework against which to operate and expect that many variables can impact staying rigid with the business strategy. Be prepared to adapt." - Gareth Evans
• "It's all well and good having a plan, but if you haven't communicated it to your team or your key stakeholders, then people can't rally around that and support each other to achieve those objectives." - Gareth Evans
• "It takes a village to get these energy transition strategies developed and then on-site energy systems and assets deployed because this not only impacts the financials of the business, it impacts operations, it impacts sustainability, it impacts the real estate investments we make." - Gareth Evans

Resources In Today's Episode:

• The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/4rubwrbd

Today, Peter Asmus, an energy analyst and expert, joins the show to discuss the rise of distributed energy resources (DERs) and microgrids. You'll learn about the importance of resilience in the energy sector and why utilities are becoming less opposed to microgrids. He also explains the impact of California wildfires on the popularity of microgrids and the necessity of standardized microgrids for large-scale deployment.

Listen in as Peter describes the complexities and misconceptions surrounding batteries and their role in energy systems. He shares exciting details about his current project on Alaska's energy innovation and the measures needed to tackle the climate crisis there. You'll also hear why being proactive with your energy is crucial for business owners and how microgrids can provide cost savings, resilience, and sustainability.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• Peter's career from journalist to analyst in the energy sector.
• The importance and implementation of distributed energy resources and microgrids.
• The resilience and reliability challenges in the energy industry.
• The importance of being prepared as a business owner.
• Why it is better to be proactive with your energy rather than reactive.
• Why microgrids are more approachable than what they seem.
• The challenges of microgrids, especially in areas affected by natural disasters.
• Peter's current project on Alaska's energy innovation and solutions for climate crisis improvement.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• "Originally, utilities would barely pay attention to solar PV installations because they were so small, and there were so few of them. They wouldn't even include it in the planning. Fast forward to now, if you don't pay attention to DERS, you’re going to have some major problems." - Peter Asmus
• "Commercial and industrial customers are probably the fastest growing market, mainly because we've had so many power outages. And one of the challenges with micro is, right now, there is not an established value for resilience." - Peter Asmus
• "The battery prices have gone down so much, so you don't have to choose between cost savings and resilience and even sustainability nowadays through a microgrid or other system." - Peter Asmus

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Peter Asmus: Website | LinkedIn
• Introduction to Energy in California by Peter Asmus
• Reaping the Wind by Peter Asmus
• Reinventing Electric Utilities by Peter Asmus
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/fszzsdac

Today on the show, Tim Echols, Commissioner of the Georgia Public Service Commission, offers insights into the future of power supply and regulatory responsibilities. How does Georgia plan to meet its explosive power demand? What are the implications of new energy companies on power distribution? Tim discusses these topics and shares his perspective on Georgia's power growth projections and the potential for on-site energy utilization.

Listen in as we explore Tim's reflections on the Vogtle plant-building process and the evolving role of Congress in energy management. Learn about the importance of net metering rules, the promise of hydrogen and battery technologies in energy storage, and the future landscape of manufacturing and data centers in Georgia.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• How Tim got involved in politics.
• How Tim measures success in his work.
• What Tim’s job entails in the day-to-day.
• Georgia's power supply challenges and strategies for meeting growing demand.
• The challenges of building the Vogtle Plant.
• If Tim would do it again knowing what he knows now.
• The evolving role of state regulators in shaping utility policies and energy innovations.
• Future trends in energy management.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “If you put everything close together, you can get some economies of scale and really make something like hydrogen work. I do think hydrogen is a shiny object. Not as shiny as batteries right now, but it's shiny and it will have its day, and I think it's going to be a great resource around the world.” - Tim Echols
• “When you add batteries to a large solar field, you've turned that energy-only asset into something you can count on. So batteries do have kind of a magical quality like that.” - Tim Echols
• “There are so many great things happening in California and we need to learn from those.” - Tim Echols

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Tim Echols: LinkedIn | X
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/2p9msaen