Energy Changemakers Podcast

• Why Energy Companies Struggle To Tell Their Story

  Why do many energy companies struggle to connect with stakeholders despite strong technical credentials? Why is it so hard for them to tell their story, and what could make it easier?Elisa Wood brings together two communications experts who have helped a range of organizations find their stories: energy writer-editor Jay Hodgkins and podcast strategist Scott Smith. Why stories are remembered and spec sheets are notHow to frame renewables amid misinformation and political headwindsWhen to avoid acronyms and insider termsWays to adapt your message across formats like podcasts, blogs, and webinarsThe simple, human description of “spinning reserves” and why it mattersThree quick rules any subject matter expert can use to communicate betterHow consistent narratives build credibility through government policy cycles Why imperfection reads as human, especially in an AI-polished world.Listeners come away with concise rules for subject matter experts, guidance on differentiation in crowded B2B markets, and examples of translating technical precision into benefits that matter to customers, regulators, and community leaders. The throughline is simple communication that is truthful, human and focused on outcomes.“People do not remember facts. They remember stories.”“Fight fire with water. Lead with facts and aim them at the people who can act.”“Your customer is the hero. You are the guide.”“Acronyms are the enemy of attention.”“There is always a way to tell the same truth in a way that fits the moment.”“Keep it short. Your audience does not care as much as you do.”“Pick the channel after you define the message.”“Imperfections read as human. That is an advantage now.”“If we add renewables without stability tools, the grid can wobble. Batteries fix the wobble.”“Differentiate by benefit, not by feature.”Elisa WoodJournalist and host of Energy Changemakers. She covers distributed energy, microgrids, and the decentralized grid and leads Energy Changemakers Content Services.Jay HodgkinsFreelance energy writer and editor who helps companies translate complex energy topics into messages that customers and regulators understand. Jay and Elisa are long-time collaborators, previously at Real Energy Writers and now at Energy Changemakers.Scott SmithPresident and Chief Podcasting Officer at Penbury Consulting. Formerly with Gartner, where he led podcasts and moderated prospect-facing webinars. Specializes in spoken-word strategy and helping experts tell memorable stories.What You’ll LearnNotable QuotesWho’s On The Mic

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• What It Takes to Curb Data Center Energy Use

  Are data center forecasts overblown? Will energy efficiency trim megawatts and even gigawatts off predictions? And if so, what must data centers do to significantly curb their energy use? In this episode, host Elisa Wood talks with Mike Slevin of Fluke about what it really takes to make data centers more efficient. They discuss how small, everyday improvements in equipment performance add up to big savings, the growing role of solar and microgrids, and how the shift to DC power could change the game for the industry.Why “micro gains” in maintenance can lead to major energy savingsThe difference between short-term fixes and long-term technology shiftsHow solar, microgrids, and DC systems are reshaping power strategiesRegional differences in sustainability and innovationWhat grid operators can do right now to prepare for rising data center demandMike Slevin is a Business Unit Manager at Fluke, a company known worldwide for its electronic test and measurement tools. Mike works with data centers and industrial clients to improve energy efficiency, safety, and reliability through better monitoring and maintenance practices.Fluke CorporationEnergyChangemakers.comCall to ActionIf you found this episode helpful, follow The Energy Changemakers Podcast and leave a review. Join the conversation about grid edge innovation at EnergyChangemakers.com.Key TopicsGuest BioResources

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• Is Utility Corruption Impeding Energy Innovation?

  Utility monopolies were meant to keep the lights on, but have they also opened the door to corruption that slows energy innovation?Elisa talks with Dick Munson, veteran clean-energy advocate and author of Power Corrupts, about the scandals that rocked utilities like Commonwealth Edison and FirstEnergy, why the century-old monopoly structure invites abuse, and how bribery and dark money can stall the transition to cleaner, distributed power.How billion-dollar bailouts in Illinois and Ohio exposed deep utility corruptionWhy state-sanctioned monopolies create perverse incentives and resist prosumer techPractical reforms—from transparency to shareholder-funded lobbying—that could break the cycleWhy “clean government” is essential for a clean-energy futureDick Munson’s book: Power CorruptsMore on Elisa Wood and Energy Changemakers: energychangemakers.comFollow Elisa on LinkedIn: Elisa WoodRelated reading: Citizens United decision overview | Environmental Defense FundListen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Your favorite podcast app

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• How to Speed Microgrid Development for Data Centers

  Two energy giants come together with a new strategyThe global data center boom is colliding head-on with one of the most pressing bottlenecks in the energy sector: access to reliable, timely power. In this episode, host Elisa Wood sits down with Jim Mozell, senior director of strategic partnerships at Siemens Energy, and Juan Colina, data center and IT segment leader at Eaton, to discuss how together they are trying to overcome interconnection delays and provide “speed to power” for microgrids.While many data center developers scramble for quick fixes—from reviving retired plants to chasing speculative nuclear projects—these two energy giants came together to propose a “power to chip” approach. The result, they say, is faster deployment timelines, optimized efficiency, and a more financially sustainable way to meet AI-driven compute demand.This conversation explores:●  Why interconnection delays (often 7–9 years) are driving data centers to rethink power strategies●  How Siemens and Eaton’s microgrid design enables modular, onsite generation—scalable from 250 MW to a gigawatt●  The critical role of redundancy, efficiency, and combined-cycle technology in meeting massive compute demand●  How data centers can shift from being heavy consumers to becoming good grid citizens●  Global regulatory challenges and opportunities across the U.S. and Europe●  Why slowing down the “frenzy buying” of energy deals could save operators money and optimize long-term sustainabilityAbout the GuestsJim MozellSenior Director of Strategic Partnerships, Siemens EnergyJim leads collaborations that address global energy challenges through scalable, efficient technology. At Siemens Energy, he works on integrating advanced power generation systems into industrial applications, including the fast-growing data center sector.Juan ColinaData Center & IT Segment Leader, EatonJuan is responsible for shaping Eaton’s global strategy for powering next-generation data centers. With expertise in modularization, resilience, and electrical distribution, he focuses on helping operators scale sustainably while ensuring reliability from “onsite generation to chip.”The market panic around securing power for data centersWhy Eaton and Siemens chose a modular microgrid approachTechnical components: Siemens’ SGT-800 turbines, batteries, and Eaton’s switchgear/UPS solutionsHow modular scaling helps manage CapEx and growth timelinesThe opportunity cost of waiting for grid connections vs. generating onsiteFinancial viability and efficiency as essential long-term considerationsRegulatory hurdles in Europe and North AmericaFuture vision: campuses and hub-and-spoke models supported by optimized onsite powerRelevant LinksEnergy Changemakers PodcastSiemens EnergyEaton Data Centers📩 Have questions or insights? Email Elisa at [email protected] to keep the conversation going.Call to ActionKey Topics CoveredIf you’re interested in how local energy innovations are reshaping the grid—and the future of data centers—subscribe to Energy Changemakers wherever you listen to podcasts. Leave us a review to help others discover the show, and join our newsletter community at energychangemakers.com to stay ahead of the curve.

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• What It Really Takes to Make a Customer-Centric Electricity System

  Guest: Bruce Nordman, Retired Research Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryAfter nearly 40 years at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Bruce Nordman has stepped into retirement — leaving with some big ideas about the future of our electricity system. In this episode, host Elisa Wood speaks with Bruce about the insights he’s gathered over his career and why he believes the grid has strayed from its original purpose: serving customers.Bruce argues that today’s electricity system is structured around the needs of the grid, rather than those of the consumer. He makes the case for a reimagined model—one where electricity behaves more like the internet: plug-and-play, universal, and simple for the end user. From networking electricity inside buildings to creating globally harmonized standards, Bruce shares a vision for how to make energy systems both more efficient and more customer-friendly.This conversation covers:Bruce’s pioneering work on the energy use of electronics and IT networks at LBNLHow a “lightbulb moment” in 2010 changed the trajectory of his careerWhy electricity should be networked like the internet—universal, seamless, and behind-the-scenesThe hidden complexity of today’s demand response and why it burdens customers unnecessarilyWhy virtual power plants miscast customers as power plants rather than treating them as customersThe three essential ingredients for a truly customer-centric electricity system:Dynamic pricingCommunications infrastructureAutomation at the device levelLessons from Scandinavia, California, and Australia—and why no place has yet put all the pieces togetherWhat global harmonization would mean for future innovation and affordabilityBruce also shares his optimism about what lies ahead and why he believes the greatest barrier isn’t technology—it’s changing the way we think about the grid.Bruce Nordman recently retired after nearly four decades as a research scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. His work has focused on energy efficiency in electronics and IT networks, the intersection of digital technology with electricity use, and advancing standards to support smarter, more sustainable systems. His innovative thinking has shaped policy, regulation, and the way we view the customer’s role in the grid. Today, Bruce continues to consult and advocate for globally harmonized, customer-centered approaches to the electricity sector.Learn more about Bruce Nordman on LinkedIn or at brucenordman.com Join the Energy Changemakers community: energychangemakers.comFollow host Elisa Wood on LinkedInIf you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe to the Energy Changemakers Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Want to shape the dialogue on the decentralized grid? Sign up for our newsletter at energychangemakers.com.Together, we can build a grid that’s local, equitable, and clean.About the GuestResources & LinksCall to Action

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