Drivers of the recent surge in energy demand

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Energy demand is rising at a pace few anticipated, driven by AI, data centers, electrification, and industrial growth. In this episode, host Heather Horn speaks with Gayle Miller, Head of Strategic Investor Engagement for Brookfield’s Global Client Group and Senior Advisor to its Renewable Power & Transition business, about what an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy looks like in practice—and how investors are evaluating risk, value, and sustainability reporting in this new era of energy security.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 3:59 – The forces influencing energy demand to accelerate
• 6:28 – What an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy means in practice
• 12:04 – How utilities, hyperscalers, and investors are working together to secure power
• 16:49 – Grid constraints, demand smoothing, and AI-enabled optimization
• 22:40 – The evolving energy mix: renewables, storage, gas and nuclear
• 36:48 – Cap-and-trade, renewable standards, and emissions policy tools
• 42:20 – Corporate climate commitments and the role of sustainability reporting

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About our guest

Gayle Miller is Head of Strategic Investor Engagement for Brookfield’s Global Client Group and a Senior Advisor to the Renewable Power & Transition business. In this role, she oversees critical touchpoints and programs tailored for institutional clients and continues to advise on the energy transition.

Prior to joining Brookfield in 2024, Ms. Miller was chief deputy of policy to the California Department of Finance and senior counselor on infrastructure and clean energy finance to the Governor, where she championed the state's landmark clean energy agenda. She previously was vice chair of the investment committee for the California Teachers’ Retirement System and served as an advisor to the Governor for the California Public Employee Retirement System.

About our host

Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

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