Money on the Left Democracy in Power with Sandeep Vaheesan
Aug 1, 2024
Sandeep Vaheesan, legal director at the Open Markets Institute and author of Democracy in Power, dives into the intersection of electrification and democratic participation. He discusses the history of the U.S. electrification struggle and the implications of today’s green transition. Vaheesan critiques the concentration of power in private hands and argues for a politicized approach to clean energy. He emphasizes the need for bold government initiatives to ensure a just and equitable transition, learning from past electrification efforts to empower communities against climate change.
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Sandeep's Turning Point
- Sandeep Vaheesan's interest in power and regulation stemmed from witnessing an economist's inadequate explanation of the 2008 financial crisis.
- This realization highlighted the importance of institutional details and power dynamics in economic systems.
Early Exposure to Power Industry
- Sandeep's early work experience exposed him to the power industry and its institutional restructuring.
- This fostered a lasting interest in designing effective governance for reliable, affordable, and clean power.
Dirty Power's Origins
- The US power sector's reliance on fossil fuels (dirty power) is due to both corporate manipulation and a historical public commitment to electrification.
- Power companies have actively undermined climate science while also benefiting from public support for expanding electricity access, often through fossil fuels.