Power Hour with Alex Epstein
Our precarious electric grid with Meredith Angwin
Jan 28, 2021
Meredith Angwin, author of 'Shorting the Grid', shares her insights on the fragility of today's electric grid. She debunks the myth of competition in the grid and critiques how deregulation has led to higher costs. Angwin explains the inefficient workings of Regional Transmission Organizations and the concerning reliance on oil during cold snaps. With a passion for nuclear energy, she discusses potential policies for improvement and how individuals can advocate for a more reliable electricity system.
51:52
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Quick takeaways
- The transition from a regulated monopoly to a pseudo-competitive RTO system has led to inefficiencies and increased costs, compromising grid reliability.
- Meredith Angwin emphasizes that the misconception of competition in electricity markets obscures underlying vulnerabilities and accountability issues that threaten energy stability.
Deep dives
Understanding the Fragility of the Energy Grid
The podcast delves into the critical concept of grid fragility, emphasizing how the current electricity grid is not designed for reliability. Meredith Angwin, the guest, discusses her book, 'Shorting the Grid,' which highlights the hidden vulnerabilities within the energy system. She explains that while the traditional regulated monopoly on energy supply ensured reliability through a clear structure of accountability, the current deregulated markets have created layers of complexities and inefficiencies. This transformation has led to a system where decisions prioritize short-term cost over long-term reliability, ultimately putting the stability of energy access at risk.
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