Episode 65: Partners in Wildfire Prevention

How do we ensure families can keep the lights on, and how can electric companies lead the charge? Jonathan Hirte, Director of Federal Affairs at DTE Energy, joins The Current to unpack how energy providers can play a pivotal role in expanding access to critical assistance programs like LIHEAP and Michigan’s MEAP. As August marks LIHEAP Action Month, this episode offers timely insights into how DTE supported a major expansion of the MEAP program, doubling funding, raising eligibility thresholds, and capping monthly customer fees.

How do lineworkers keep our electric grid resilient, reliable, and ready for the future? Drew Stover, Director of the Utility Department at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and a second-generation journeyman lineworker, joins host Kristine Telfer to discuss the critical role lineworkers play as energy demands and challenges continue to evolve.Show your appreciation for lineworkers by signing the petition: https://www.westandforenergy.comLearn more about IBEW: https://ibew.orgSubscribe to The Current podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1030480 

We’re joined by Chet Wade, Communications Director of Partners in Wildfire Prevention, to discuss the coalition’s efforts to reduce the devastating impacts of wildfires through prevention and preparedness. As wildfires increasingly threaten communities nationwide, our guest highlights the need for a comprehensive national strategy focused on community protection, responsible investment, and rapid recovery, providing a valuable conversation on how we can work together to mitigate wildfire risks and protect vulnerable communities.Learn more about Partners in Wildfire Prevention: https://preventwildfires.org/.

In this episode of The Current, we speak with Tony Clark, the executive director of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), an organization that represents state utility regulators across the nation. Our discussion focuses on the significance of energy security, both now and in the future. We explore how energy policies for electric companies, policymakers, and regulators are continually evolving to meet the needs of electric customers. As a subject matter expert, Tony explains how regulation and coordination are essential for building a strong and resilient electric grid. 

 In this episode of The Current, we reconnect with Eric Grey, Vice President of Government Relations at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). Our conversation explores how the priorities of the new administration will affect the electric power industry. Eric elaborates on important legislation that Congress is currently addressing, improvements to infrastructure, grid resiliency, and key wildfire policies.

On this episode of The Current, we connected with Kregg Arntson, Executive Director of the Portland General Electric Foundation. He leads Project Zero, an initiative to inspire the next generation to explore clean energy challenges in the greater Portland community. Since 2020, they have shown more than 175K students how to combat climate change, earning them the EEI’s 2024 Corporate Citizen Program award.Participants:Kristine Telford, Executive Director of External Affairs, EEI – ModeratorKregg Arntson, Executive Director Portland General Electric Foundation

In this episode of The Current, we delve into the vital topic of cybersecurity in the energy sector. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to explore how electric utilities are safeguarding the nation's electric grid from cyber threats. Our guests will share insights into the evolving threat landscape, the steps companies are taking to secure their systems, and how these efforts ultimately protect electric customers.Participants:Kristine Telford, Executive Director of External Affairs, EEI – ModeratorEileen Figone, Chief Information Security Officer and Director of Security, Risk and Compliance for Puget Sound EnergySharla Artz, Security and Resilience Policy Area Vice President, Xcel EnergyNotes:The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Threat Analysis Center (ETAC) pilot led by the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), is a public-private partnership that convenes experts from the federal government and the U.S. energy sector, joining analytic capabilities from the national laboratories with real-world threat insights to secure critical infrastructure and support the nation’s response to energy system threats. (Energy Threat Analysis Center | Department of Energy)The Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC) reduces cyber and physical security risk to the electric industry across North America by providing unique insights, leadership, and collaboration. (About the E-ISAC)The National Laboratories conduct research and development that addresses the Department of Energy’s core missions in energy, science, national security, and environmental stewardship. (What We Do - The National LaboratoriesThe National Laboratories)The CEO-led Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) serves as the principal liaison between the federal government and the electric power industry on efforts to prepare for, and respond to, national-level disasters or threats to critical infrastructure. The ESCC works across the sector, and with the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC), to develop actions and strategies that help protect the North American energy grid and prevent a spectrum of threats from disrupting electricity service. (ESCC - Home)

August is LIHEAP Action Month, which recognizes the importance of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This federally funded program provides qualifying customers with bill payment and energy assistance options. Veronica Stober, a seasoned Customer Care Advocate at Alliant Energy, joins us to spread awareness about LIHEAP, how the program works for customers, and why you should support this critical assistance program. She has over 25 years of experience in the energy sector. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to supporting low-income customers, ensuring they can access essential energy services in their area.

his week, EEI's Electric Perspectives Podcast and The Current are partnering for an episode to discuss the impacts of Hurricane Beryl and the tremendous restoration efforts that are underway. On this episode, you'll hear from StormGeo Meteorologist Justin Petrutsas — who is based in the Houston area— and Scott Aaronson, EEI Senior Vice President of Security and Preparedness, about the intensity of this hurricane as well the complex work that is underway to safely restore power to impacted customers.

In this episode of The Current, EEI Executive Director of External Affairs Kristine Telford is joined by PPL Corporation President and CEO Vince Sorgi. They have an in-depth conversation about resource adequacy within the shifting energy landscape and company innovations to sustainably meet high customer demand for today and future generations.