Bill Cappel and Kyle Slagle with Cross Discipline Engineering

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast from Distribute Tech in Orlando, highlighting the importance of innovation and problem-solving in the utility and power industries. Bill Cappel and Kyle Slagle from Cross Discipline Engineering discuss their roles in addressing complex challenges such as achieving carbon neutrality without sacrificing reliability. They emphasize the need for prioritizing goals, understanding client needs, and staying updated with regulatory changes. They also stress the importance of standardization and updating outdated standards. Bill and Kyle share their backgrounds in military and utility operations, respectively, and offer their services through Cross Discipline Engineering, encouraging listeners to reach out for solutions.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Cross Discipline Engineering through their website at crossdiscipline.com or on LinkedIn.
• [ ] Contact Scott MacKenzie on the Industrial Talk podcast platform to promote technologies, solutions, or events.
• [ ] Attend conferences like Distributech and PowerGen to see innovations and network with others in the utility and energy industries.

Outline

Introduction and Conference Overview

• Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting the focus on industry professionals and innovations.
• Scott MacKenzie mentions the current location at Distribute Tech in Orlando, Florida, and introduces the guests, Bill Cappel and Kyle Slagle.
• Bill and Kyle discuss their experiences at the conference, emphasizing the importance of networking and innovation.
• Scott MacKenzie shares a conversation with a fellow attendee, Jim, about the rapid pace of technological advancements in the industry.

Kyle Slagle's Background and Role

• Kyle Slagle introduces himself as a Solutions Expert, focusing on partnering with clients to find solutions to their problems in the power industry.
• Kyle explains his background in the power industry, including his 14 years with an IOU and his role as Director of Engineering.
• Scott MacKenzie and Kyle discuss the evolving nature of the utility industry, particularly in grid management and matching supply and demand.
• Bill Cappel shares his background, detailing his 21 years in the military and his current role as Director of Field Services at Cross Discipline Engineering.

Challenges in Achieving Carbon Neutrality

• Scott MacKenzie and Kyle discuss the challenges of achieving carbon neutrality while maintaining reliability and avoiding excessive costs.
• Kyle emphasizes the importance of prioritizing goals and addressing them progressively to avoid overwhelming clients.
• Bill Cappel highlights the need for utilities to identify their main problems and work towards solving them without sacrificing reliability.
• Scott MacKenzie and Kyle agree on the importance of understanding market demands and guiding clients towards long-term solutions.

Cross Discipline Engineering's Approach

• Bill Cappel outlines Cross Discipline Engineering's four-step process: understanding client needs, anticipating solutions, communicating expectations, and executing the plan.
• Scott MacKenzie inquires about how Cross Discipline Engineering helps clients navigate regulatory requirements and standards.
• Kyle explains the importance of staying updated with regulatory changes and helping clients proactively engage with regulatory bodies.
• Bill Cappel discusses the challenge of updating outdated standards and the importance of having current standards for engineering practices.

Innovations and Technological Advancements

• Scott MacKenzie and Kyle discuss the rapid pace of technological innovations and their impact on the industry.
• Kyle highlights the importance of automation and AI in managing supply and demand in the power grid.
• Bill Cappel and Kyle discuss the implications of these advancements on the workforce, including the need for specialized knowledge and the potential for job shortages.
• Scott MacKenzie and Kyle emphasize the importance of consistent standards and the challenges of maintaining them in a rapidly evolving industry.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott MacKenzie asks Bill Cappel and Kyle Slagle how listeners can get in touch with them.
• Bill Cappel provides the website for Cross Discipline Engineering and mentions their presence on LinkedIn.
• Scott MacKenzie wraps up the conversation, encouraging listeners to reach out to Bill and Kyle for further discussions.
• Scott MacKenzie concludes the podcast by emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and innovation in the industry.