Flux Capacitor

Hosted by Francis Bradley

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147

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Flux Capacitor podcast features discussions with business and thought leaders of the electricity industry on the future of the business of electricity. The discussions touch on how we create, move, trade, and use energy, with each guest adding their own expertise and perspective to the conversation. What will be the impacts of technological change? How will markets and customer demands respond to new technology? What will change, both social and technological, mean for regulators, society and the electricity industry? Electricity Canada invites you to join in the conversation.

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60 recent

June 14, 202636 min

Episode 139: Faces of the Industry 2026, Part 2, Gary Brunet and Maryna Korsei

On part 2 of the Faces of the Industry award, host Francis Bradley discusses the award, which recognizes six professionals for their leadership in the electricity sector, and features conversations with two of the winners. Gary Brunet, a Senior Project Engineer at TransAlta, discusses the rehabilitation of the 85-year-old Cascade Hydro facility using fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) technology, completing the project in six weeks with zero safety incidents. Maryna Korsei, a SeniorLeader at BC Hydro, emphasizes the importance of supply chain resilience, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions and the need for diversified suppliers. Both discuss the challenges and innovations in their respective fields.Links:Faces of the Industry award press releaseGary Brunet on LinkedInMaryna Korsei on LinkedIn

June 7, 202631 min

Episode 138: Faces of the Industry 2026, Part 1, Rob Lister and Amanda Mattern

Francis Bradley hosts episode 138 of the Flux Capacitor podcast, featuring interviews with winners of Electricity Canada's Faces of the Industry Award. Rob Lister, CEO of Oakville Hydro and OEC, discusses the evolution of the electricity sector, emphasizing innovation and grid modernization. He highlights Oakville Hydro's advanced automation, reducing outage minutes and truck rolls. Amanda Mattern, VP of Operations at ATCO Electric, shares her experiences managing wildfire response, stressing preparedness and teamwork. Both discuss the sector's challenges, including supply chain consolidation and the impact of generational knowledge loss.Links:Faces of the Industry Award press releaseRob Lister on LinkedInAmanda Mattern on LinkedIn

May 19, 202622 min

Episode 137: PM Carney launches the National Electricity Strategy, with Julia Muggeridge and Michael Powell

Julia Muggeridge, Electricity Canada’s VP of Corporate Affairs, chats with Michael Powell, VP of Government Relations, about the release of the Government of Canada’s Electricity Strategy and what it may mean for the sector. The strategy emphasizes grid expansion, affordability, and better interconnectivity between provinces, highlighting the need for $1 trillion investment, and a focus on intra-provincial transmission and interties. The strategy also addresses the need for updated Clean Electricity Regulations (CERs) to improve affordability. Michael and Julia discuss how Electricity Canada will work closely with members to provide detailed feedback and ensure a cohesive submission. They note that the Strategy recognizes the need to double the grid's size by 2050. Links:Video of conversation Prime Minister Carney’s Press releaseDiscussion documentElectricity Canada’s responseElectricity Canada Leadership TeamMichael Powell on LinkedInJulia Muggeridge on LinkedIn

April 16, 202642 min

Episode 136: FortisAlberta and the rapidly changing distribution business, with Janine Sullivan

President and CEO of FortisAlberta, Janine Sullivan, joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities faced by FortisAlberta. They talk about the impact of electrification, including the rise of electric vehicles and rooftop solar, and the need for strategic investments to meet growing demands. Janine emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology and pilot projects to innovate cost-effectively. They also discuss the challenges of managing wildfire risks and the critical role of partnerships with local communities and government agencies in supporting economic growth and infrastructure development. They close the conversation with Janine’s book recommendation. Links:Fortis AlbertaJanine Sullivan at FortisAlbertaJanine Sullivan on LinkedIn Book recommendation:· Finding Flora, by Elinor Florence

March 8, 202636 min

Episode 135: International Women's Day special with Amanda Klein and Julia Muggeridge

Julia Muggeridge, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Electricity Canada, guest hosts this episode, and talks with Amanda Klein, President and CEO of Elexicon Energy. Julia asks Amanda about her background in the utility sector, what made her take the leap into the CEO role, and the new challenges facing her at Elexicon Energy, one of Ontario’s largest municipally owned energy companies. They discuss mentorship, pivotal career moments and engaging youth about the energy sector. Finally, Amanda offers her recommendation for the Book Club... providing she can finish the book one day!Book recommendation: How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks

February 24, 202640 min

Episode 134: EPCOR Utilities, electricity, water and leadership, with John Elford

President and CEO of EPCOR Utilities, John Elford, joins host Francis Bradley for lunch and a conversation about EPCOR, the Alberta market and the future prospects of the sector. We talk about challenges, including supply chain issues, grid resiliency, and affordability amid increased electrification and decarbonization. John emphasizes the importance of leadership, culture, and employee development in driving the company's success. They close the conversation with three book recommendations. Links:EPCOR UtilitiesJohn Elford at EPCORJohn Elford on LinkedIn Book recommendation:CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest, by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller and Vikram Malhotra

January 27, 202652 min

Episode 133: The State of the Canadian Electricity Industry 2026 with the Electricity Canada Executive Team

Electricity Canada’s Executive Leadership Team, VPs Julia Muggeridge, Channa Perera and Michael Powell join host Francis Bradley for a review of the 2026 State of the Canadian Electricity Industry report on the eve of its release. The report highlights the urgency to build energy infrastructure, emphasizing the need for predictable and timely approvals, and addressing regulatory challenges. They discuss key themes, including the importance of customer satisfaction, Indigenous engagement, and workforce training. They chat about calls for a Canadian electricity supply chain roadmap and investment tax credits to support growth. They also address the need for enhanced east-west grid interconnections to improve reliability and resilience against extreme weather and cyber threats. They close the conversation with three book recommendations.2026 State of the Canadian Electricity Industry reportIntertie StudyElectricity Canada The Electricity Canada Team Julia Muggeridge on LinkedIn Channa Perera on LinkedIn Michael Powell on LinkedInBook recommendations:Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection, by John GreenIndigenous Relations: Insights, Tips & Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality, by Bob Joseph, Cynthia F. JosephIntermezzo, by Sally Rooney

January 19, 202647 min

Episode 132: An Update and Vision for Marine Renewables in Canada with Elisa Obermann

Marine Renewables Canada’s Executive Director Elisa Obermann joins host Francis Bradley for an update on what’s new in the marine renewables space in Canada, a space on the verge of big changes and growth. They talk about the future vision of the sector, the role marine renewables will play in remote and Indigenous communities, the current state and prospects for tidal, offshore wind, wave and river current energy. They also discuss the need for more coordinated regional planning, supply chain challenges, and the potential impacts of trade pressures. Elisa emphasizes the need for regulatory certainty to attract investment and ensure the sector's competitiveness. They close the conversation with Elisa’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club. Links: Marine Renewables Canada: Elisa Obermann at Marine Renewables Canada Elisa Obermann on LinkedIn Book recommendation:The Berry Pickers, by Amanda Peters

December 19, 202524 min

Episode 131: Understanding the Coming Resource Adequacy Crisis with NERC’s Jim Robb

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) President and CEO Jim Robb joins host Francis Bradley for an end-of-year roundup on reliability issues. Jim notes that the upcoming long-term reliability report will highlight five regions at high risk of reliability issues, with nine more at moderate risk. The conversation covers the impact of data centers, extreme weather, and grid transformation on reliability. Jim emphasizes the need for more generation, better resource diversity, and improved fuel supply. They also discuss the role of NERC in educating stakeholders and the importance of timely standards development. They close the conversation with Jim’s recommendation for an addition to the Flux Capacitor Book Club.Links: North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)Jim Robb at NERCJim Robb on LinkedInJim Robb discusses AI, data centres, and grid reliability on CNBC Book recommendation:Golf is Not a Game of Perfect, by Bob Rotella

December 2, 202558 min

Episode 130: Leadership, building for the future, and getting back our mojo, with Manitoba Hydro’s Allan Danroth

Manitoba Hydro’s President and CEO Allan Danforth joins host Francis Bradley for a conversation about the challenges and changes in leadership and communication post-pandemic, and the importance of in-person interaction for building camaraderie and effective leadership. Allan highlights Manitoba Hydro's integrated operations, the increasing demand for electricity, the need for gas and renewable energy sources, and the potential, regionally, for nuclear power. They also discuss the political dynamics of running a crown corporation, the importance of regional collaboration, and the significance of historical events in defining and understanding Canadian identity. The conversation closes with Allan’s book recommendation.Links:Manitoba HydroManitoba Hydro’s Leadership TeamBook recommendation:Vimy, by Pierre Berton