Schweitzer Drive

Oct 25 2024 67 ep. 30 mins 48
Schweitzer Drive Podcast artwork

Schweitzer Drive explores what goes on between the generation of electricity and the light switch. Join Dave Whitehead as he interviews the entrepreneurs, innovators, and experts who are inventing the future of electric power.

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New Nuclear: Flexible, Scalable, and Safe

Oct 25 2024 39 mins  
Historically, nuclear power plants have been easy to identify by the massive water-cooling towers that have been the hallmark of these generation sites for decades. However, that’s changing. In this episode, guest host Nicholas Seeley talks with Brian Gitt from Oklo, a company developing next-generation nuclear technology, including a smaller nuclear reactor that’s housed in wh

New Nuclear: Smaller, Safer, Cheaper

Sep 20 2024 47 mins  
Nuclear power is the largest source of low-carbon energy in the United States and Europe. Its potential to provide a clean, steady—and increasing—baseload is currently unmatched. In this episode, Dave Whitehead talks with Eric Williams, senior vice president and design authority at TerraPower, the Bill Gates-founded company building the only advanced, non-light-water reactor i

Keeping the Lights On: Microgrids and the Benefits of Localized Power

Aug 09 2024 34 mins  
Even a very short power outage can have dire consequences for a hospital, transportation system, or large campus. This is where microgrids can add real value. In this episode, Dave Whitehead talks with microgrid expert Dr. Mahmoud Kabalan about these small, stand-alone power systems that can keep electricity flowing regardless of what’s happening on the bulk power grid.

Hydroelectricity: The Carbon-Free Powerhouse of the Pacific Northwest Energy Mix

Jul 19 2024 42 mins  
About 50 percent of energy generated in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States comes from hydroelectric power. According to Rick Dunn, general manager of Benton PUD, that puts the region in an unbelievably unique position. In this episode, host Dave Whitehead talks with Rick about the impact hydro has on reliability and rates, the politicization of the resource, and why

Health Is Power: The Value of Affordable, Transparent, Quality Healthcare

Jun 14 2024 24 mins  
It might seem like a stretch to talk about the healthcare system on a podcast about electric power. However, more than three million Americans report to energy sector jobs every day, and we all depend on these folks for the steady flow of electricity in our homes, businesses, hospitals, and data centers. In this episode, Dave Whitehead talks with SEL Senior Director of Health & W

Finding the Right Fit: Early-Career Rotations for Long-Term Success

May 24 2024 34 mins  
In this episode, host Dave Whitehead chats with SEL Engineers Lyssa Blood and Cameron Blegen. Both in the third year of their careers, Lyssa and Cameron talk about their experience in the SEL Engineer Rotation Program which allowed them to explore different jobs before settling into their full-time roles. They offer advice to those just starting engineering careers and to employer

Shortening the Supply Chain: Strong Partnerships Bring Us Closer

Apr 26 2024 30 mins  
In this episode, guest host Diane Maceri, supply chain director at SEL, talks with Tyler Gould, senior electronic sales engineer at Phoenix Contact and Tom Schrader, president of Interconnect Sales, about why good partnerships are key to a more secure supply chain and moving manufacturing to the U.S.

Politics, Climate, Class: Changing the Power Grid Conversation

Mar 29 2024 34 mins  
In this episode, author, filmmaker and podcaster Robert Bryce talks about his new docuseries Juice: Power, Politics & The Grid with guest host David Costello, SEL chief sales & customer service officer.

Building a Better Substation

Feb 29 2024 27 mins  
The shift to renewables and growing demand for electricity are driving utilities to problem-solve like never before. In this episode, host Dave Whitehead talks with Philip VanSant, manager of T&D Services, System Protection at Dominion Energy, about how the utility has come up with an innovative method to construct and commission new digital substations in an efficient and cost-eff

Celebrating Innovation: Insights From the National Inventors Hall of Fame

Jan 15 2024 21 mins  
Rini Paiva, executive vice president of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, joins Dave to discuss the common traits inventors share, the importance of honoring their work, and how they're inspiring future innovators.