Listen on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher
In this episode:
Guest: Jim Robb, president and CEO, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)
Host: Todd Snitchler, president and CEO, Electric Power Supply Association
With February’s Winter Storm Uri power outages in Texas, calls for energy conservation in California, and even threats to system reliability in New England, a changing electric grid, cyber threats and extreme weather events bring new challenges for keeping the lights on. Jim Robb, president and CEO of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation joins Energy Solutions to share why the power system is under stress — and why it’s time to recommit to reliability as the energy landscape evolves.
“The flag that we flew, that we threw down was, ‘Make sure that you manage the pace and the cadence at which this transition occurs’… The day you wake up and throw the switch and the lights don’t come on that’s the definition of a bad day.”
Jim Robb, president and CEO, North American Electric Reliability Corporation
Follow along with a transcript of the episode here.
Highlights
[3:28] “The last year has been extraordinary.” Jim Robb shares what’s contributing to reliability challenges in California, Texas and throughout the U.S.
[6:19] “Make sure you manage the pace of change.”
[10:27] Jim explains what goes into creating NERC’s reliability assessments.
[14:17] Jim shares recommendations for Congress.
[21:34] “We’re on the front lines of a global war.” Addressing cyber security threats to electric reliability.
[25:58] “A badge of honor for the industry.” Reflecting on the COVID-19 Pandemic response.
[32:04] Jim shares NERC’s top three priorities for creating a more reliable electric grid.
Production
Producer, Audio Editor: Christina Nyquist, communications director, Electric Power Supply Association
Production Associate: Sarah Krieger, communications associate, Electric Power Supply Association
Learn more:
In the Battle of Competing Energy Policy Goals, Reliability is at the Top of the List | EPSA Power Facts Blog | May 28, 2021
Competitive Solutions: Reliable Power | EPSA
Summer Assessment Warns of Potential Energy Shortfalls | North American Reliability Corporation | May 26, 2021
“Reliability, Resiliency, and Affordability of Electric Service in the United States
Amid the Changing Energy Mix and Extreme Weather Events” | Testimony of James B. Robb Before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate | March 11, 2021
