America's Energy Problem: The Grid That Built America Can’t Power Its Future

U.S. per capita energy usage peaked in 1973. Since then? Flat. Meanwhile, China’s per capita energy use has grown 9x.

Today, AI, EVs, manufacturing, and data centers are driving demand for more electricity than ever—and our grid can’t keep up.

In this episode, a16z general partners David Ulevitch and Erin Price-Wright, along with investing partner Ryan McEntush from the American Dynamism team, join us to unpack:

– How America’s grid fell behind

– Why we "forgot how to build" power infrastructure

– The role of batteries, solar, nuclear, and software in reshaping the grid

– How AI is both stressing and helping the system

– What it’ll take to build a more resilient, decentralized, and dynamic energy future

Whether you’re a founder, policymaker, or just someone who wants their lights to stay on, this conversation covers what’s broken—and how to fix it.

Resources: 

Find David on X: https://x.com/davidu

Find Erin on X: https://x.com/espricewright

Find Ryan on X: https://x.com/rmcentush

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction

01:05 Challenges and Solutions for Modernizing the Grid 

01:56 Decentralized Energy and Technological Innovations 

02:34 Grid Capacity and Transformer Issues 

04:10 The Role of AI and Software in Energy Management 

04:55 Policy and Workforce Challenges 

08:44 Texas vs. New York: A Tale of Two Grids 

10:31 The Importance of Battery Technology 

13:11 Balancing Energy Sources: Solar, Nuclear, and More 

14:54 The Future of Energy Consumption and Grid Management 

19:45 Wind Power: The Forgotten Energy Source 

20:53 Challenges in Grid Monitoring and Communication 

22:19 Load Forecasting and Weather Impact 

23:49 Nuclear Energy: Current State and Future Prospects 

26:44 Small Modular Reactors and Micro Reactors 

30:55 Technological Innovations in Grid Management 

35:41 The Role of AI in Regulatory Processes 

41:39 National Security and the Electrical Grid

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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.