Coronavirus Conversations: How The Electrical Power Sector Is Weathering The Pandemic

Co-Hosted by
The Nicholas Institute For Environmental Policy Solutions
and
The Duke University Energy Initiative

Monday June 1, 2020 12:30 PM (EDT), Zoom
The electric power sector is facing major operational challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Traditional fossil-fuel fired electric power plants have taken extraordinary steps to maintain staff availability in the shadow of contagion. Still, in late March, the EPA suspended enforcement of much of its air and water discharge requirements for electric power facilities unable to comply due to COVID-19-related staffing concerns. At the same time, distributed energy saw over 15% of its workforce furloughed, and new installations slowed or stopped, due to stay-at-home orders.
Join Duke Science & Society and a panel of Duke University and industry experts as they discuss how the electric power sector is weathering these challenges-and what the impact might be for the energy transition.

Panelists :
Kate Konschnik, J.D. Director, Climate & Energy Program at the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University, Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke Law School
Michael D Smith, J.D. Senior Vice President, Distributed Energy, Constellation
Bryan Walsh, Vice President, Central Services And Organizational Effectiveness for Fossil Hydro Operations, Duke Energy

Moderator:
Sarah Rispin Sedlak, J.D. Duke Science & Society Instructor, Scipol.org Lead - Energy