Volts

PG&E tries to prove that a big utility can innovate

59 snips
Jul 4, 2025
Quinn Nakayama, head of PG&E's innovative GRiD program, shares insights into California's struggling utility's transformation. He discusses bold strategies for faster interconnections to support electric vehicles and data centers. The conversation highlights the crucial role of drone technology for wildfire safety and the necessity for collaboration with external partners to drive utility innovation. Nakayama also touches on the ambitious goals for California's renewable energy future and the challenges of integrating AI in energy management.
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INSIGHT

Utility Hiring Limits Innovation

  • Utilities traditionally hire engineers and project managers, not entrepreneurs.
  • This gap slows innovation since innovation requires entrepreneurial skillsets and a tolerance for risk.
ANECDOTE

Pepsi Trucks Early EV Integration

  • PG&E fast-tracked electric trucks for Pepsi by 18 months, cutting 8,000 tons of CO2 and saving $1 million in fuel.
  • Customers rarely needed to curtail flexibility, proving flexibility is feasible and valuable.
INSIGHT

Flex Connect Speeds Interconnection

  • PG&E is adopting Texas-style "flex connect" interconnection to speed new loads online with curtailment agreements.
  • This approach increases revenue and benefits customers while upgrades catch up.
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