Our topic today is “Dialogue.” In our day to day lives we often encounter difficulties having meaningful dialogue with friends, family, coworkers, etc. However, the ability to overcome our pride and our fears is what allows us to have these discussions that better us as people. The same can be said for those in the energy industry. Utilities, activist groups, and lawmakers all face complex issues and are often at odds with each other. While dialogue is not a magic bullet solution to these problems, dialogue helps create an understanding that lays the first brick on the road to a solution.

Our guest this week is Kathryn Sheps, Operations Manager and Dialogue Convener for Renewable Cities in Vancouver, BC. She discusses how her work bringing together utilities in dialogue with cities participating in the “100% renewables” movement. She also lays out what makes for productive dialogue and how to overcome some of the apprehension.