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Can a utility lead the energy transition? Inside the rebirth of PG&E

Can a utility lead the energy transition? Inside the rebirth of PG&E
A drone image provided by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) shows a Tesla Megapack system in Moss Landing, CA (courtesy: PG&E via AP)

Five years ago, PG&E’s reputation was shattered. California’s largest utility had filed for bankruptcy after admitted missteps led to catastrophic wildfires. The climate crisis had wreaked havoc in the state most committed to fighting it.

But the urgency of the energy transition required a rebirth of PG&E, especially in a state with quickly approaching climate deadlines. Today, PG&E is dispelling the myth of the infallible utility by lifting the veil on its shortcomings and calling on industry to fill the gaps.

Episode 80 of the Factor This! podcast features Quinn Nakayama, senior director of grid research innovation and development at PG&E, who is charged with shaping the utility’s vision around AI, load growth, and decarbonization.

Can utilities, often criticized for dragging innovation, lead the energy transition?

That’s all next on Factor This! 

Watch the full episode on YouTube