What Utilities and DER Companies Don't Get about Each Other - Part 1

In this episode of the Energy Changemakers podcast, host Elisa Wood engages in a rich discussion with Bill Prindle, a senior energy and climate leader. Bill brings over 40 years of industry experience and provides a unique perspective on the evolving roles of utilities and distributed energy resource (DER) companies in the modern grid. They delve into the financial models that govern investor-owned utilities, the complexities of grid regulation, the state's role in energy policy, and the historical context that has led to the current fragmented energy market. Bill explains the challenges and opportunities that DER companies and utilities face in working together, with a focus on their financial models, regulatory constraints, and the evolving technology landscape. The conversation also explores the impact of restructuring, the importance of integrated resource planning, and the technical and operational hurdles in integrating DERs into the grid.

00:00 Introduction to Energy Changemakers Podcast

00:27 Meet Bill Prindle: Energy and Climate Leader

01:57 Understanding Utilities' Perspective on DERs

06:46 Challenges and Opportunities in the Energy Sector

14:53 Historical Context of the Utility Industry

18:52 Restructuring and Its Impact on DERs

35:33 Interconnection Issues and Solutions

41:50 Conclusion and Next Steps
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