Ep22: Load flexibility is the US grid’s next power move
What if the most effective lever in the US energy transition is not more generation, but shifting when and how energy is consumed? As EVs, AI, and electrification accelerate demand, utilities are rethinking load flexibility as a core strategy for grid stability and affordability.
In this episode, host Russell Goldsmith is joined by Nick Chaset, CEO of Octopus Energy US and Executive Vice President of North America for Octopus Energy Group, and Lori Mitchell, Director of San Jose Clean Energy. Together, they discuss how smart tariffs, flexible devices, and customer trust can help optimize demand across hours. From Texas to California, they explore the real-world potential of Flexibility as a Service and why load flexibility is becoming central to how the US grid evolves.
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26:13
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Ep21: Powering green careers
Octopus Energy is rapidly expanding its engineering services to deploy low-carbon technologies to help the UK transition to a net zero energy system. This expansion creates significant career opportunities in the green skills sector. In this episode, host Russell Goldsmith talks with John Szymik, CEO of Octopus Energy Services, and Jack Longman, an EV ChargePoint installer, about engineering careers within the company, highlighting the opportunities for both experienced professionals and those new to the field.
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26:25
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26:25
Ep20: The UK energy market is broken OR why we need zonal pricing
In this episode, Russell Goldsmith hosts Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy, and Jason Mann, Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting, to discuss the effects of a zonal pricing system in the UK energy market. They explore how the current electricity market operates, why changes are needed to address high energy bills and system inefficiencies, and how zonal pricing could offer a more effective and cheaper solution. The discussion covers the benefits and potential challenges of transitioning to a zonal pricing system and the potential impact on both businesses and consumers.
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42:48
Ep 19: Ink-redible AI: Kraken’s push for a fairer, greener grid
It’s hard to keep up with the pace at which AI is changing our lives – and energy is one of the many areas it is rapidly transforming. In this episode, Russell Goldsmith is joined by Steve Wattam, Head of Data Science in Kraken’s Flex business, and Ali Teeney, Kraken’s Global Head of Machine Learning and AI.
They discuss how Kraken, the Octopus Energy Group’s tech arm, uses AI and machine learning to further improve customer service and create engaging roles for its team – while helping to build smarter, cleaner energy systems globally.
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Ep 18: Spreading its tentacles: Octopus’ growth in Spain
Since launching the Octopus Energy brand in Spain, the clean energy retailer has grown from a team of ten employees, to over 500. In addition to energy, the company now installs EV chargers, heat pumps and solar panels in customers’ homes.
In this episode of Inside Octopus, host Russell Goldsmith reconnects with Roberto Giner, CEO of Octopus Energy Spain. Roberto shares the journey of Octopus Energy's remarkable expansion in Spain, the smooth integration of his former business, Umeme, and the adoption of the Octopus culture in Spain. Roberto also discusses the successful migration onto the Kraken platform and the exciting future of Spain's energy market, including the country’s leading role in solar energy generation.
We believe energy should be better. A better experience for customers, better for the planet, and better value for money. Our aim of this podcast series is to give you real insight into our company’s DNA – the way we work, the way we think, our values, and our people. We’ll be chatting to various members of the Octopus Energy team over the coming series, exploring everything from our products and services, to the technology that sits behind them and the culture that is driving us to deliver Cheaper Greener Energy.
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