EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting how the world makes, moves, and uses energy. Each episode features insights from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the world’s preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization. Episodes also feature the practical expertise of energy industry leaders on a variety of topics and technologies that are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
79. From Home Appliance to Grid Asset: The Evolution of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps have become one of the most widely discussed technologies for home efficiency and electrification, but their next evolution may be even more transformative. In this week's episode of EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman is joined by EPRI's Ron Domitrovic and Carrier Energy's Timothy Watts to discuss the next generation of heat pumps and their potential to support both homeowners and the grid.
The discussion explores how technologies such as inverter-driven systems, integrated battery storage, and virtual power plant participation are expanding the role of heat pumps beyond heating and cooling. Drawing on insights from EPRI's ongoing field demonstration, the guests share what they're learning about turning residential HVAC systems into flexible energy resources while keeping customer comfort front and center, and how those learnings can help inform the broader industry's approach to integrating heat pumps as grid resources.
For more episodes visit EPRI.com.
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LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/
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EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
23 Sept 2026
78. Building a Climate-Ready Grid: Strategies, Technologies, and Investments for a More Resilient Future
This week on the EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman sits down with Morgan Scott, EPRI Vice President of Electrification and Sustainable Energy Strategy, and Faith Davis, who leads Exelon's Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i), to discuss how the utility industry is adapting to a rapidly changing landscape.
Together, they explore lessons learned from climate resilience efforts, emerging technologies attracting investment, and the growing role of data, AI, and innovation in planning for future risks. They also examine the intersection of resilience, infrastructure investment, and affordability, and share their vision for how climate-informed planning can help build a more reliable and adaptable energy system in the years ahead.
The episode also explores the impact of EPRI's Climate READi Initiative (https://www.epri.com/research/sectors/readi), which helps establish a consistent, industry-wide approach to assessing climate risk and informing climate-ready planning.
Learn more about Exelon's Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i): https://www.exeloncorp.com/community/foundation
For more episodes visit EPRI.com.
If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes.
Follow EPRI:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/
Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews
EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
9 Sept 2026
77. Beyond the Drone: How Robotics Are Transforming the Grid
How are robotics, drones, and AI reshaping utility operations? In this episode of EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman speaks with EPRI's Dexter Lewis and Ameren's James Pierce about the growing role of robotics in electric utility inspections, the evolution of drone programs, and the opportunities and challenges ahead as utilities embrace more autonomous operations.
From robotic dogs and underwater inspection vehicles to drones that collect millions of images of grid assets, utilities are expanding the use of robotics to improve safety, reduce costs, and gain deeper insights into infrastructure health. Experts discuss how drone programs have matured from early pilot projects to enterprise-wide operations, including Ameren's extensive asset inspection efforts and pioneering beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights.
They also dive into emerging FAA regulations, the growing need for industry best practices, and the role of AI in transforming massive volumes of inspection data into actionable intelligence. Tune in to hear how utilities are preparing for the next generation of autonomous inspections and digital grid management.
Interested in the topics discussed in this episode? Check out these EPRI resources:
• EPRI Discussing the Notice of Proposed Rule Making for Part 108: Normalizing BVLOS UAS Operations
https://www.epri.com/research/programs/070605/events/ae161182-5208-4d67-82dc-bf529f97263a
• EPRI's Preparing for Part 108 Collaborative Research Project
https://www.epri.com/research/products/000000003002034053
• EPRI's Public Labeled Imagery Dataset Supporting AI Development
https://www.epri.com/thought-leadership/artificial-intelligence/data-sets/3qma0kn43rnn56ualbkmhg
For more episodes visit EPRI.com.
If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes.
Follow EPRI:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/
Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews
EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
Who has been a guest on EPRI Current
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
David Porter
Briana Kobor
Bobby Noble
Dan Moneghan
Dr. John Bistline
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
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