Episode 6: Winter outlook. Are we ready?
How can power systems prepare for the reliability challenges of winters to come?
In this episode of Frequency Band, hosts Paul Dockery and Becky Robinson are joined by Mary Wiencke, Executive Director of the Public Generating Pool, and Kevin Nordt, recently retired Chief Strategy Officer of Dairyland Power. Together, they explore the growing challenge of resource adequacy and discuss a recent industry report projecting significant capacity shortfalls over the next decade.
Through a conversation spanning policy, planning, and grid operations, Mary and Kevin examine what winter readiness means in an evolving energy landscape, the factors driving future resource needs, and the actions utilities and policymakers can take to maintain reliability.
Join us for a discussion on preparing for the winters ahead and ensuring the grid remains reliable when it matters most.
Guests
Mary Wiencke, Executive Director, PGP
Mary joined PGP in 2022. In her role as the Executive Director, Mary actively advances PGP member goals through policy development, external outreach, regional engagement, and stakeholder collaboration. Mary supports PGP’s mission by identifying and prioritizing areas of focus for PGP’s advocacy – this includes state and federal greenhouse gas policy, resource adequacy, transmission and market development. Mary leads with PGP’s core values of credibility, partnership and problem-solving. Prior to joining PGP, Mary was the Vice President of Market, Regulation, and Transmission Policy for PacifiCorp where she developed and provided strategic direction on PacifiCorp’s environmental, transmission and market policies. Mary is a graduate of Barnard College and Lewis & Clark Law School.
Kevin Nordt, former Executive Vice President, Dairyland Power
Kevin Nordt joined Dairyland Power Cooperative in November 2023. At Dairyland Power, Kevin served as Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer. Dairyland Power, headquartered in La Crosse, WI, is a Generation and Transmission cooperative serving the Upper Midwest region. It participates in both the PJM and MISO markets. Kevin is retiring on September 4, 2026. He led Dairyland’s Corporate Strategy, Planning & Analysis Division. His duties included executive leadership of Dairyland’s growth strategy, power trading & marketing activities, resource planning and acquisition functions, and the exploration of nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) to support Dairyland's vision to be a premier, member-driven energy cooperative.
Nordt also serves as Board Chair of Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises, headquartered in Warm Springs, OR. Prior to joining Dairyland, he most recently worked at Grant Public Utility District in Ephrata, Wash., where he held the roles of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Resource Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director, Power Management.
Nordt earned a master's degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Wisconsin and holds a bachelor's degree in mathematical physics from St. John's University. An advocate for community service, Nordt has volunteered with youth academics, college mentor programs and as a Cub Scout leader. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, hiking and jazz music.
