CFC Solutions Cast

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Jun 2026

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CFC's podcast is focused on highlighting financial and energy industry insights that matter most to the electric cooperative network.

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60 recent

June 5, 2026Episode 797 min

AI Use Rises as Co-ops Manage Risk, Governance, Oversight

CFC Director, Alliances and Research Amy LaVigna outlines practical AI uses for cooperatives with guardrails, showing how leadership can balance innovation with oversight. Related content:Watch the video of this episode, "AI Use Rises as Co-ops Manage Risk, Governance, Oversight."Listen to the CFC Solutions Cast podcast episode, "Keeping It Human: AI and the Future of Member Service."Read the CFC Financial Feature, "Uncovering the Latest Constraint in the AI Economy."For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

May 22, 2026Episode 784 min

Microgrids Shift Resilience from Assets to Outcomes

CFC Senior Energy Industry Analyst Alisha Pinto examines how utilities are using microgrids to rethink resilience, prioritizing outcomes like uptime, faster recovery and continuity over one-time asset investments. Related content:Watch the video of this episode, "Microgrids Shift Resilience from Assets to Outcomes."Read the Solutions article, "Wired for Resilience: Microgrids Solve Reliability Issues."For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

May 7, 2026Episode 775 min

Why Deterrence, Resilience Matter in Physical Security

CFC Director of Utility Research & Policy Brian Sloboda shares what electric cooperatives can do to protect utility infrastructure and how they should focus their physical security efforts. Related content:Watch the video of this episode, "Why Deterrence, Resilience Matter in Physical Security."Read the Solutions article, "Mid-Year Trends Update: Physical Security."For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

April 22, 2026Episode 765 min

Wildfire Mitigation Is Now a Financial, Governance Issue

CFC Senior Energy Industry Analyst Alisha Pinto examines how wildfires are becoming not just a serious safety and operational risk for electric cooperatives, but also a financial threat and governance issue that insurance companies and credit rating agencies are watching closely. Related content:Watch the video of this episode, "Wildfire Mitigation Is Now a Financial, Governance Issue"Read the Solutions article, "Missoula EC Responds to Rising Wildfire Risk"Read the Solutions article, "Co-ops Harness the Power of Data for Wildfire Protection"For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

April 8, 2026Episode 755 min

What Co-ops Should Know About Changing Power Supply Dynamics

CFC Energy and Data Analyst Chris Whittle takes a closer look at how a shift in federal policy toward reliability and phase-out of key tax incentives is shaping power supply dynamics and what this means for electric cooperatives. Related content:Watch the video of this episode, "What Co-ops Should Know About Changing Power Supply Dynamics"Read the Solutions article, "As Load Growth Accelerates, Utilities Tap Private Capital"Read the Solutions article, "Power Supply Trends To Watch in 2026: Renewables, Coal" For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

March 27, 2026Episode 7323 min

Cooperative Innovation ‘Essential’ in Today’s Environment

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn discusses how innovation in electric cooperatives should be tied to the specific challenges in a co-op’s environment, guided by long-term strategy rather than the status quo. Watch the video of this episode, "Cooperative Innovation ‘Essential’ in Today’s Environment."For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.Learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

March 16, 2026Episode 726 min

Virtual Power Plants: Strategic Opportunity, Not Strategic Imperative

CFC Director, Utility Research & Policy Brian Sloboda offers a pragmatic outlook on virtual power plants over the short-term and their implications for electric cooperatives.Related content:Watch the video of this episode, "Virtual Power Plants: Strategic Opportunity, Not Strategic Imperative"Read the Solutions article, "Exploring Virtual Power Plants: Key Considerations for Leaders."Download CFC's issue brief, "Co-ops See Movement Toward Virtual Power Plants." For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

March 5, 2026Episode 714 min

AI Use Policies Key To Leveraging Its Potential

CFC Director of Utility Research & Policy Brian Sloboda looks at how artificial intelligence (AI) use policies can help electric cooperatives get the most benefit from using AI while keeping human beings firmly in control.Related content:Watch the video of this episode, "AI Use Policies Key To Leveraging Its Potential."Read the Solutions article, "Turning AI Into Member Value."Download CFC's issue brief, "Powering the AI Boom: What Data Center Growth Means for Electric Cooperatives." For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

February 27, 2026Episode 7010 min

Managing the Risks of Data Centers

Join CFC researchers Sam Kem and Chris Whittle as they look at the risks of building large-scale, long-duration infrastructure to fuel AI computing power with uncertain future demand.Mentioned on the show:The Data Center Surge: What 2026’s Fastest-Growing Sector Means for UtilitiesEconomic & Market Watch: ⁠A Buyer's Market for CreditEconomic & Market Watch: ⁠Don't Budget for AI Costs to Hold SteadyFor questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.Contact the Economic & Market Watch team at economicresearch@nrucfc.coop.Visit us, download the dashboard and explore other Solutions media on our website, nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

February 25, 2026Episode 695 min

What Data Center Growth Means for Co-ops

CFC Energy and Data Analyst Chris Whittle explores data center-driven load growth forecasts, market constraints and how electric cooperatives can best position themselves for success.Related content:Watch the CFC Solutions Cast video of this episode, "What Data Center Growth Means for Electric Co-ops." Read the CFC Solutions Cooperative News article, "The Data Center Surge: What 2026's Fastest-Growing Sector Means for Utilities."Download CFC's issue brief, "Powering the AI Boom: What Data Center Growth Means for Electric Cooperatives." For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting the Solutions website under the Energy & Tech page, nrucfc.coop/Solutions.