Ben Lanz with Osmose

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Ben Lanz, Sr. Director, Industry & External Affairs at Osmose about “Power reliability and resiliency”.

Scott Mackenzie interviews Ben Lanz from Osmose, discussing the challenges and innovations in the utility industry. They highlight the aging infrastructure in Texas, with ERCOT needing gigawatts for data centers. Osmose has expanded from wood pole diagnostics to underground assessments, including vaults, transformers, and cables. Ben explains the use of AI and machine learning to improve efficiency, particularly in detecting defects in underground cables. They also discuss the importance of human intervention alongside AI for accurate assessments. Ben provides his contact information for further inquiries.

Allan Schurr with Enchanted Rock

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Allan Schurr, Chief Commercial Officer at Enchanted Rock about “Microgrids and onsite generation”.

Scott MacKenzie interviews Allan Schurr, Chief Commercial Officer at Enchanted Rock, about their on-site generation solutions using natural gas reciprocating engines. Enchanted Rock provides backup power for data centers and other industrial customers, offering services to the grid when needed. They have 370 microgrid sites and 2,000 generators, with the largest sites having over 100 generators. Schurr discusses the benefits of natural gas over diesel, the importance of proactive maintenance using data analytics, and the potential for nuclear power in the future. Enchanted Rock is vertically integrated, handling EPC, manufacturing, O&M, and market-facing work.

Paul Bernard with ARCOS

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Paul Bernard, President/CEO at ARCOS about “Scaling technology companies for long-term success”.

Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, featuring Paul Bernard, President and CEO of ARCOS, a company that helps utilities manage call-outs, crew management, and damage assessment. Arcos’ solutions integrate with various systems like asset management and GIS to provide linemen with real-time, situational awareness, enhancing safety and efficiency. The company, backed by Vista, has grown significantly, integrating acquisitions like Clearion for vegetation management. Arcos’ platform is configurable and user-friendly, crucial for adoption by linemen. The company aims to expand beyond utilities into other industries with similar needs.

Matt Neal and Sergey Kynev with Siemens Energy

Industrial Talk is talking to Matt Neal and Sergey Kynev with Siemens Energy about “E-STATCOM and Data Centers and Impact to Power Quality”.

Scott MacKenzie hosts a podcast celebrating industrial professionals and their innovations. In this episode, he discusses grid stability and solutions with Matt Neal and Sergey Kynev from Siemens Energy. They highlight the challenges of maintaining grid stability, particularly with the increasing demand from data centers. Siemens Energy’s solutions, such as STATCOM and E-STATCOM, provide reactive and active power control, enhancing grid stability and efficiency. The conversation also touches on the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including utilities, technology providers, and data center owners, to address the growing demands on the grid.

Alan Ross with APC Media

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Alan Ross, Managing Editor at APC Media about “Insights into the Dynamic Utility/Energy Market”.

Scott MacKenzie and Alan Ross discuss the five elements of successful companies: education, collaboration, innovation, culture investment, and communication. They highlight the importance of trust and innovation in the power industry, noting Siemens’ leadership. Ross emphasizes the need for condition-based maintenance and the formation of the Safety and Reliability Association (SARA) to address electrical safety and reliability. He also discusses the impact of renewable energy on the grid and the importance of promoting women in the industry. The conversation concludes with a call to action for industry professionals to engage with SARA and download free resources from Industrial Talk.