The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens Is the U.S. Electric Grid Stable? Policy, Renewables, and Who Is Responsible If The Grid Fails with Meredith Angwin
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Oct 8, 2025 
Meredith Angwin, an energy analyst and author studying grid oversight, dives deep into the complexities of the U.S. electric grid. She discusses the blurred lines of accountability when grid failures occur, using Texas 2021 as a cautionary tale. Angwin highlights how the shift to renewables impacts market dynamics and resource adequacy, creating vulnerabilities. She also emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to energy governance, advocating for a mix of nuclear power and flexible natural gas, all while stressing the importance of consumer involvement in local grid decisions.
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No Clear Accountability On The Grid
- The U.S. grid's core problem is institutional: "nobody responsible" for failures.
- That accountability gap amplifies planning and reliability failures like Texas 2021.
Policy Layer Distorts Physical Grid Needs
- The policy layer (markets, RTOs) often ignores the physical realities of electrons and reliability.
- Auction rules let low-bid renewables set clearing prices and distort investment signals.
Look Beyond Generation Costs
- Check how much of your electricity bill comes from generation versus wires to understand system costs.
- Generation is generally less than half of total delivered cost, so transmission and distribution matter.
