ACES Power Hour: Conversations on Energy

Hosts Michael Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker return from a brief hiatus for a deep-dive episode on grid reliability, joined by two guests from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC): John Moura, Director of Reliability Assessment and Performance Analysis, and Sue Kelly, a member of NERC’s Board of Trustees (speaking in her individual capacity, not on NERC’s behalf).
Among other things, this conversation covers:
NERC’s origins after the 2003 Northeast blackout and its relationship with FERC
NERC’s Long-Term Reliability Assessment (LTRA) and how it has evolved from simple supply-demand math to a more complex risk framework
Natural gas fuel assurance and cold-weather generator standards

In this episode of the ACES Power Hour, host Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker talk with Nate Melby, Dairyland Power Cooperative’s CIO, about Dairyland’s multi-year AI journey.
They discuss building Voltwrite (a private generative AI), use cases from retrieval-augmented generation and agentic applications to augmented reality and workforce tools, plus the critical roles of cybersecurity, data protection, and governance.
Nate shares practical lessons on adoption, training, and how co-ops can responsibly scale AI to improve efficiency and reliability while protecting critical infrastructure.

Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker sit down with Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources Susie Jaworowski to discuss the state’s energy priorities.
They cover Indiana’s resource mix, the governor’s focus on reliability and affordability, plans to deploy nuclear (including small modular reactors) through public‑private partnerships, and community education and siting efforts.
The episode also addresses data center growth, water stewardship, regulatory and rate challenges, and the upcoming Purdue Nuclear Energy and Economic Summit.

In this episode, Mike and Courtney sit down with Kevin Suhanic, ACES’ Vice President of Portfolio Strategy and Origination, to explore ACES’ Origination services. Their conversation focuses on the requests for proposals (RFP) process that ACES manages on behalf of its Clients and highlights what this process reveals about the ongoing evolution of power markets.

Join hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker as they sit down with Scott Akin, ACES Executive Director of Natural Gas Trading, to discuss the intricate world of natural gas. With fascinating insights from Akin’s background in meteorology, the episode delves into the vital role of natural gas in balancing energy demands.
 

In this episode of the ACES Power Hour, hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker welcome Mike Steffes, President and CEO of ACES, to discuss the current state of the energy market.

In this episode, hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker sit down with David Naylor, the President and CEO of Rayburn Electric Cooperative. Discover the fascinating journey of David Naylor, from his roots in Arkansas to becoming CEO of the innovative Rayburn Electric Cooperative.

In this episode of ACES Power Hour, hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker sit down with Chris Haas, CEO of Meridian Cooperative, to discuss the pivotal role of mentoring in personal and professional development.

In this episode of the ACES Power Hour, hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker sit down with Annalisa Bloodworth, President and CEO of Oglethorpe Power in Atlanta, Georgia. Annalisa discusses the unique aspects of the cooperative business model in the energy sector and shares insights into her journey from a small-town in Colorado to leading one of the largest electric cooperatives in the U.S.

Join hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker in this episode of the ACES Power Hour as they dive into the world of renewable/green energy with Mike Keyser, CEO of the National Renewable Cooperative Organization (NRCO). Mike shares his riveting journey from Seattle law student to American Samoa and beyond.
Discover the challenges and innovations in the renewable/green energy industry, including the development of solar, wind, and cutting-edge technologies. Explore the impact of current political landscapes on the industry, the role of tax incentives, and the push for long-duration storage solutions.
This insightful conversation also reveals NRCO's mission to track clean energy advancements and support cooperatives in their sustainable initiatives. Tune in for a glimpse into the future of energy with industry experts dedicated to powering change.