Michael Webber on What's Behind Rising Energy Costs

With electricity prices on the rise, the future of our power grid is attracting a lot more attention. Surging demand is at the center of the story, but the power sector is also grappling with supply chain bottlenecks and aging infrastructure – all while trying to balance capacity growth with reducing emissions.

This isn't just a technical challenge. Energy affordability and equity are reshaping debates about energy policy, permitting reform, and climate goals.

So, what's really behind rising prices? What are the best ways to balance the need to build capacity with the interests of communities? What role can research play when it comes to steering energy policy? And what lessons can Texas teach us about all of these concerns?

Today on the show, Jason Bordoff speaks with Michael Webber about the costs of energy; the challenges of permitting reform; and the need to build more energy faster.

Michael Webber is a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. He's the author of multiple books on energy, including Power Trip and Thirst for Power, both of which were adapted into award-winning PBS documentary series. In addition to his academic post, Michael previously served as CTO of the venture fund Energy Impact Partners, and as chief science and technology officer at ENGIE.

Note: This conversation was recorded in early December.

Credits: Hosted by Jason Bordoff and Bill Loveless. Produced by Mary Catherine O'Connor, Caroline Pitman, and Kyu Lee. Engineering by Gregory Vilfranc.