Beyond the Grid is a show about the unseen forces powering our modern world — the electric grid, the people behind it, and the complex systems that keep it all running. From utility workers to policy makers, engineers to innovators, we dive into the stories, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping the future of energy. Whether you're in the industry or just energy-curious, this is where power, people, and everything in between come to light.
Beyond the Grid — Power, people, and everything in between.
S1 E2 | Building AI for the Grid: An Entrepreneur’s Journey from Idea to Impact
Host Vik Chaudhry, co-founder and CTO of Buzz Solutions, explains how AI and computer vision revolutionize utility infrastructure management for enhanced reliability and safety in this interview.
30 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT
Powering AI: The Energy Race Behind the Digital Revolution
Host Mehdi Paryavi explores AI's energy revolution, revealing how infrastructure, geopolitics, and responsible data center development shape the digital economy's future.
19 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT
The AI Revolution: Transforming Business and Workforce
Host David, an AI expert, discusses deploying AI responsibly across industries, emphasizing trust, governance, and the enduring value of human judgment in this interview.
25 May 2026TRANSCRIPT
Ep 10 - Building the Intelligent Utility: GridFM, AI Operations, and the Future of Energy
Host [Host Name] interviews Bryan [Guest Last Name], an industry expert, exploring how AI and GridFM revolutionize utility operations and grid intelligence.
11 Mar 2026
Ep 9 - From Data to Decisions: Making Technology & AI Work in Power & Utilities
Host sits down with Laurent Boinot, Power & Utilities Americas Leader at Microsoft, to explore how AI and data are fundamentally transforming utility operations, workforce training, and grid interaction.
3 Feb 2026
Ep 8 - From Platform to Power: Microsoft, AI, and the Utility Grid
Host Swaroop George Kariath interviews Microsoft's Rabia Kamal and Mike Rossi about AI's transformative role in the utility grid, emphasizing data quality and strategic partnerships for future energy innovation.
13 Jan 2026
Ep 7 | AI in Energy Systems and Trading with Wish Bakshi
Host Swaroop George Kariath interviews Founder and AI systems engineer Wish Bakshi about AI's impact on energy systems, sustainability, and trading, offering insights for adoption.
5 Dec 2025
Ep 3 - Murray Mueller, Grid Operations Expert | Former Director of Grid Operations, NEOM
Swaroop Kariath interviews grid operations expert Murray Mueller about his career, safety in field operations, and Neom's vision for a renewable energy future.
3 Oct 2025
Ep 6 - REM: Navigating Alberta's Energy Market Overhaul
Host Swaroop interviews Duane Reid-Carlson, P.Eng., and Jason Doering, P.Eng., discussing Alberta's energy market overhaul and its impact on prices, reliability, and investor confidence.
10 Sept 2025
Ep 5 - AI, Microsoft Platforms & Women In Leadership with Erin Garritty and Noureen Syed
Host Swaroop George Kariath interviews Erin Garritty and Noureen Syed about AI's impact on modern work, women in leadership, and strategic tech partnerships.
16 Aug 2025
Ep 4 - Kirsten Eeuwes, Manager Transmission Asset Management, EPCOR
Swaroop George Kariath interviews Kirsten Eeuwes, EPCOR's Manager of Transmission Asset Management, about navigating the evolving power grid and championing workplace equity.
14 Jul 2025
Ep 2- Charles Vincent, Distinguished Engineer and CTO, IBM Energy & Utilities Centre of Excellence
In this episode of Beyond the Grid, Swaroop George Kariath interviews Charles Vincent, a distinguished engineer and CTO for IBM's Global Energy and Utility Center of Excellence. They discuss Vincent's extensive career at IBM, his transition from gas to electric utilities, and the evolution of the smart grid concept. The conversation also delves into the challenges and innovations in metering technology, culminating in the rise of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) in the early 2000s. In this conversation, Charles Vincent and Swaroop George Kariath discuss the evolution of the energy market, focusing on the impact of regulation, the role of California as a testing ground for energy innovations, and the lessons learned by Texas. They explore the advancements in smart meter technology and the integration of AI in the utility sector, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise from these changes. The discussion also touches on the comparative innovations in energy markets between the US and Europe, and the future of electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Grid
01:12 Charles Vincent's Journey at IBM
04:44 Early Engagements in the Energy Sector
08:32 Transitioning to Utility Operations
13:49 The Evolution of the Smart Grid
18:24 The Role of Technology in the Grid
22:25 Understanding Meter Lifespan and Replacement
25:09 IBM's Approach to Smart Meter Development
27:20 The Rise of AMI Systems
38:11 Regulatory Changes and Market Dynamics
46:02 Lessons from California and Texas Energy Markets
47:48 Electric Vehicle Innovations and Market Differences
50:34 Deregulation and Innovation in Utilities
53:04 The Evolution of AMI and Metering Technologies
56:13 Electric Vehicles and Charging Networks
01:00:02 Regulatory Challenges in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
01:03:37 The Future of Meter Data Management Systems
01:07:39 AI's Impact on the Utility Industry
Takeaways
Charles Vincent has nearly 40 years of experience at IBM.
His career began with a need for job security during his wife's pregnancy.
Vincent transitioned from gas to electric utilities, recognizing the potential for innovation.
The smart grid concept evolved from the need for better information exchange in utilities.
Early electric utilities were single load entities, which diversified over time.
The gas industry was slower to adopt technology due to financial constraints.
IBM played a significant role in the development of smart meters and AMI.
Challenges in deploying AMI included managing large volumes of data and communication technology.
The evolution of metering technology has been driven by the need for better efficiency and information.
In 2003, AMI technology saw significant adoption across the industry. Regulation has significantly influenced energy providers' operations.
California serves as a model for energy innovation and regulation.
The Texas energy market has learned from California's experiences.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly important in the energy landscape.
AI is being embraced by utilities to enhance operations and decision-making.
The average age of power engineers is rising, leading to a talent gap.
Utilities are exploring AI to address complex operational challenges.
The integration of smart meters is crucial for modern energy management.
California's energy market is a benchmark for other regions.
The utility industry plays a vital role in supporting communities.
14 Jul 2025
Episode 2- Charles Vincent, Distinguished Engineer and CTO, IBM Energy & Utilities Centre of Excellence
In this episode of Beyond the Grid, host Swaroop George Kariath interviews Charles Vincent, a distinguished engineer and CTO for IBM's Global Energy and Utility Center of Excellence. Charles shares his nearly 40-year journey at IBM, detailing his transition from IT to the energy and utility sector, the evolution of the smart grid, and the challenges faced in metering technology. He emphasizes the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving advancements within the industry, particularly the rise of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and its impact on utility management. In this conversation, Charles Vincent and Swaroop George Kariath discuss the evolution of the energy sector, focusing on the impact of regulation, the role of California as a testing ground for energy innovations, and the lessons learned by Texas. They explore advancements in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), the integration of AI in utilities, and the challenges faced by the industry as it adapts to new technologies and changing workforce demographics. The discussion highlights the importance of customer engagement and the future of energy management in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Grid
01:12 Charles Vincent's Journey at IBM
04:44 Early Engagements in the Energy Sector
08:32 Transitioning to Utility Operations
13:49 The Evolution of the Smart Grid
18:24 The Role of Technology in the Grid
22:25 Understanding Meter Lifespan and Replacement
25:09 IBM's Approach to Smart Meter Development
27:20 The Rise of AMI Systems
38:11 Regulatory Changes and Market Dynamics
46:02 Lessons from California and Texas Energy Markets
47:48 Electric Vehicle Innovations and Market Differences
50:34 Deregulation and Innovation in Utilities
53:04 The Evolution of AMI and Metering Technologies
56:13 Electric Vehicles and Charging Networks
01:00:02 Regulatory Challenges in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
01:03:37 The Future of Meter Data Management Systems
01:07:39 AI's Impact on the Utility Industry
Takeaways
Charles Vincent has nearly 40 years of experience at IBM.
His career began with a need for job security during his wife's pregnancy.
Vincent transitioned from gas to electric utilities, recognizing the potential for innovation.
The smart grid concept evolved from the need for better information exchange in utilities.
Early electric utilities were single load entities, which diversified over time.
The gas industry was slower to adopt technology due to financial constraints.
IBM played a significant role in the development of smart meters and AMI.
Challenges in deploying AMI included managing large volumes of data and communication technology.
The evolution of metering technology has been driven by the need for better efficiency and information.
In 2003, AMI technology saw significant adoption across the industry. Regulation has significantly influenced energy providers' operations.
California serves as a model for energy innovation and regulation.
The Texas energy market has learned from California's experiences.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly important in the energy landscape.
AI is being embraced by utilities to enhance operations and decision-making.
The average age of power engineers is rising, leading to a talent gap.
Utilities are exploring AI to address complex operational challenges.
The integration of smart meters is crucial for modern energy management.
California's energy market is a benchmark for other regions.
The utility industry plays a vital role in supporting communities.
23 Jun 2025
Episode 1 with Jason Doering, Vice President, ENMAX
In our very first episode of Beyond the Grid, I sit down with Jason Doering, Vice President of Corporate Operational Services at ENMAX Power. We dive into the energy industry that has shaped both of our careers — its unsung heroes, the challenges, and the legacy it leaves behind.
On a more personal note, Jason shares his reflections as he prepares to retire at the age of 55. We explore what led to that decision, what it means to step away on your own terms, and what the next chapter might look like.
This episode is about more than just power — it’s about people, purpose, and pivotal transitions.
22 Jun 2025
Ep 1 with Jason Doering, VP ENMAX Power
In our very first episode of Beyond the Grid, I sit down with Jason Doering, Vice President of Corporate Operational Services at ENMAX Power. We dive into the energy industry that has shaped both of our careers — its unsung heroes, the challenges, and the legacy it leaves behind.
On a more personal note, Jason shares his reflections as he prepares to retire at the age of 55. We explore what led to that decision, what it means to step away on your own terms, and what the next chapter might look like.
This episode is about more than just power — it’s about people, purpose, and pivotal transitions.
Inside a recent episode
S1 E2 | Building AI for the Grid: An Entrepreneur’s Journey from Idea to Impact
Published 25 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Yeah, so the biggest problem we're trying to solve is utilities are doing much more frequent inspections on the infrastructure. So we're providing them infrastructure intelligence on their power grid, whether it's high voltage transmission, low voltage distribution, substations, so all power delivery, and then also generation assets like utility scale solar farms. So they are collecting a lot of data. The biggest problem is they cannot get to that data because this is, you know, for example, utilities collect millions of images or visual data points every year. So manually you can imagine it's just not feasible to go through every single data point by specialized engineers. […]
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
