In Episode 39 of The Intersection Podcast, UTC President & CEO Rusty Williams talks with Georgia Anton of Hawaiian Electric about delivering reliable utility services in Hawaii’s isolated island grid. From wildfire recovery to innovation and leadership, Georgia shares insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of energy.

Listen for:

Life and work at Hawaiian Electric
Grid challenges in Hawaii
Industry collaboration through UTC
Career insights and advice

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Special Guest: Georgia Anton.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

✨Emeka's 24-year journey through investor-owned and public power utilities
✨Lessons learned from engineering, operations, and executive leadership
✨The unique role municipal utilities play in serving their communities
✨Why local governance and “local people serving local people” matter
✨How technology, innovation, and changing customer expectations are reshaping utilities
✨Why culture truly “eats strategy for breakfast.”
✨Practical leadership advice for emerging leaders in the utility industry

From distribution engineering to executive leadership, Emeka shares insights on purpose-driven leadership, community impact, and developing a strong organizational culture.

💡 Whether you’re in electric, gas, water, cooperative, IOU, or municipal utilities, this conversation highlights the shared mission across the industry: keeping the lights on and strengthening the communities we serve.

Utilities #PublicPower #Leadership #MunicipalUtilities #EnergyIndustry #UtilityLeadership

Special Guest: Emeka Anyanwu.

From practical applications to ethical considerations and industry risks, Ernest shares insight drawn from his deep experience across defense, energy, and IT sectors. This episode dives into what AI is (and isn’t), how utilities can strategically adopt it, and what the future may hold for our critical infrastructure.

Special Guest: Ernest Wohnig.

Sponsored By:

• Anterix: To better serve their communities and to deliver the benefits of a clean energy future, electric utilities are transforming, making the grid smart by harnessing the power of data. To make this happen, utilities must have secure private utility-grade broadband connectivity to carry and protect their critical data and interests. Anterix provides the private wireless broadband platform that enables grid modernization, advancing utilities both individually and collectively, as they realize the scale benefits of a nationwide ecosystem of utility communication networks. To learn more, visit Anterix.com
• Belden: So much in modern business—and life—depends on the flow of information. As that flow grows in speed and sophistication, new challenges come into focus. From lost signals and security breaches to disparate networks and scattered data. Beyond these missed connections lie untapped opportunities. And Belden is the bridge between them. We connect people, information and ideas to bring clarity to the chaos and unlock untold possibilities.

Links:

• UTC Whitepaper- Artificial Intelligence in Electric Utilities: Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, Reliability and Customer Service

This episode highlights the dedication, insight, and camaraderie among UTC's volunteer leaders as they help shape the future of utility technology.

Sponsored By:

• Anterix: To better serve their communities and to deliver the benefits of a clean energy future, electric utilities are transforming, making the grid smart by harnessing the power of data. To make this happen, utilities must have secure private utility-grade broadband connectivity to carry and protect their critical data and interests. Anterix provides the private wireless broadband platform that enables grid modernization, advancing utilities both individually and collectively, as they realize the scale benefits of a nationwide ecosystem of utility communication networks. To learn more, visit Anterix.com
• Belden: So much in modern business—and life—depends on the flow of information. As that flow grows in speed and sophistication, new challenges come into focus. From lost signals and security breaches to disparate networks and scattered data. Beyond these missed connections lie untapped opportunities. And Belden is the bridge between them. We connect people, information and ideas to bring clarity to the chaos and unlock untold possibilities.

The conversation also explores how industry associations, such as Electricity Canada and UTC, help utilities navigate regulatory complexities and rapid changes. Francis provides his perspective on the current U.S.-Canada political climate and its implications for cross-border utility operations.

In a light-hearted segment, Francis answers rapid-fire questions ranging from favorite Canadian foods to hockey teams, before reflecting on career lessons and the importance of continued collaboration between U.S. and Canadian utilities.

Special Guest: Francis Bradley.

Sponsored By:

• Anterix: To better serve their communities and to deliver the benefits of a clean energy future, electric utilities are transforming, making the grid smart by harnessing the power of data. To make this happen, utilities must have secure private utility-grade broadband connectivity to carry and protect their critical data and interests. Anterix provides the private wireless broadband platform that enables grid modernization, advancing utilities both individually and collectively, as they realize the scale benefits of a nationwide ecosystem of utility communication networks. To learn more, visit Anterix.com

• Key points covered include:
• Workforce Training Challenges
• The Genesis of the UTC Academy
• Platform Overview
• Long-Term Impact
• The upcoming launch of the UTC Academy by Rosenberger at the UTC Telecom and Technology Conference in June

This podcast episode gives listeners a detailed look at how the UTC Academy by Rosenberger aims to meet the training and education needs of the utility sector, with a focus on providing valuable, specialized content to enhance the skills of workers and address industry challenges.

Special Guests: Randal Neck and Tom Perry.

Sponsored By:

• Anterix: To better serve their communities and to deliver the benefits of a clean energy future, electric utilities are transforming, making the grid smart by harnessing the power of data. To make this happen, utilities must have secure private utility-grade broadband connectivity to carry and protect their critical data and interests. Anterix provides the private wireless broadband platform that enables grid modernization, advancing utilities both individually and collectively, as they realize the scale benefits of a nationwide ecosystem of utility communication networks. To learn more, visit Anterix.com

Links:

• UTC Academy Website
• Rosenberger Network Solutions
• 2025 UTC Telecom & Technology

Special Guest: Carlos Carazo.

Links:

• YouTube Link
• Donate to Marjan Rajabi
• Donate to help Darryl Montes
• Donate to help Kevin Drowns

Special Guest: Bentina Terry.

Sponsored By:

• Anterix: To better serve their communities and to deliver the benefits of a clean energy future, electric utilities are transforming, making the grid smart by harnessing the power of data. To make this happen, utilities must have secure private utility-grade broadband connectivity to carry and protect their critical data and interests. Anterix provides the private wireless broadband platform that enables grid modernization, advancing utilities both individually and collectively, as they realize the scale benefits of a nationwide ecosystem of utility communication networks. To learn more, visit Anterix.com

Links:

• YouTube Link

In Episode 26 of UTC’s The Intersection Podcast, titled “A Year in Review,” UTC President and CEO, Rusty Williams, reflects on the organization's key accomplishments and challenges over the past year. Williams highlights significant milestones, projects, opportunities, and other impacts on the association. He addresses the challenges faced, lessons learned, and how the company adapted to change during his first year in this role as President and CEO. Williams expresses a positive outlook for the upcoming year, including goals for innovation, growth, and enhancing member value.

Sponsored By:

• Anterix: To better serve their communities and to deliver the benefits of a clean energy future, electric utilities are transforming, making the grid smart by harnessing the power of data. To make this happen, utilities must have secure private utility-grade broadband connectivity to carry and protect their critical data and interests. Anterix provides the private wireless broadband platform that enables grid modernization, advancing utilities both individually and collectively, as they realize the scale benefits of a nationwide ecosystem of utility communication networks. To learn more, visit Anterix.com

Links:

• YouTube Link

The conversation touches on the relationship between NATF and NERC, especially in light of recent extreme weather events and regulatory requirements for infrastructure resilience, including NATF’s RESTORE program. Galloway highlights the evolution of the transmission sector over the years, emphasizing advancements in technology and operations.

The episode also addresses cybersecurity challenges faced by the industry, detailing NERC's oversight and the importance of collaboration among transmission, telecommunications, and IT departments to ensure grid safety and efficiency.

Special Guest: Tom Galloway.

Sponsored By:

• Anterix: To better serve their communities and to deliver the benefits of a clean energy future, electric utilities are transforming, making the grid smart by harnessing the power of data. To make this happen, utilities must have secure private utility-grade broadband connectivity to carry and protect their critical data and interests. Anterix provides the private wireless broadband platform that enables grid modernization, advancing utilities both individually and collectively, as they realize the scale benefits of a nationwide ecosystem of utility communication networks. To learn more, visit Anterix.com

The conversation covers Bill’s career highlights, including his strategic leadership during challenging times like 9/11 and the telecom dot-com bust. Bill reflects on the importance of strategic planning and member engagement in fostering organizational growth. He also discusses UTC's expansion into the international arena, offering insights for future global involvement.

This episode emphasizes learning from the past to enhance future initiatives, encapsulating the podcast's theme of innovation at the intersection of technology and utility services.

Special Guest: Bill Moroney.

Sponsored By:

• Anterix: To better serve their communities and to deliver the benefits of a clean energy future, electric utilities are transforming, making the grid smart by harnessing the power of data. To make this happen, utilities must have secure private utility-grade broadband connectivity to carry and protect their critical data and interests. Anterix provides the private wireless broadband platform that enables grid modernization, advancing utilities both individually and collectively, as they realize the scale benefits of a nationwide ecosystem of utility communication networks. To learn more, visit Anterix.com
• Osmose

Key issues discussed include:

Cybersecurity: Simington's concerns about #cyber threats in #telecom and their impact on utilities.

BroadbandAccess: The FCC's role in expanding broadband, especially in #underserved areas, and how utilities contribute to this effort.

SpectrumAllocation: The challenges of #spectrum availability and its importance for #modernizing utility #communications and ensuring grid reliability.

Simington also highlights additional critical issues related to #infrastructure industries.

Special Guest: Nathaniel Simington.

Sponsored By:

• Anterix: To better serve their communities and to deliver the benefits of a clean energy future, electric utilities are transforming, making the grid smart by harnessing the power of data. To make this happen, utilities must have secure private utility-grade broadband connectivity to carry and protect their critical data and interests. Anterix provides the private wireless broadband platform that enables grid modernization, advancing utilities both individually and collectively, as they realize the scale benefits of a nationwide ecosystem of utility communication networks. To learn more, visit Anterix.com

Mike explains the influence of large telecom carriers on utilities, and describes advancements in network automation, highlighting its applications for various customers such as carriers, ISPs, and private network operators. During this CEO 1 on 1, Rusty takes the opportunity to discuss the challenges and rewards of being a CEO.

Special Guest: Mike Jonas.

Sponsored By:

• Anterix: To better serve their communities and to deliver the benefits of a clean energy future, electric utilities are transforming, making the grid smart by harnessing the power of data. To make this happen, utilities must have secure private utility-grade broadband connectivity to carry and protect their critical data and interests. Anterix provides the private wireless broadband platform that enables grid modernization, advancing utilities both individually and collectively, as they realize the scale benefits of a nationwide ecosystem of utility communication networks. To learn more, visit Anterix.com

Special Guest: Robert "Bobby" Saddler.

Sponsored By:

• Anterix: To better serve their communities and to deliver the benefits of a clean energy future, electric utilities are transforming, making the grid smart by harnessing the power of data. To make this happen, utilities must have secure private utility-grade broadband connectivity to carry and protect their critical data and interests. Anterix provides the private wireless broadband platform that enables grid modernization, advancing utilities both individually and collectively, as they realize the scale benefits of a nationwide ecosystem of utility communication networks. To learn more, visit Anterix.com