Volts

U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego, a former Marine Corps veteran known for his progressive policies, shares his ambitious energy plan. He emphasizes the importance of permitting reform and the potential of small modular nuclear reactors for swift deployment. Gallego addresses the need for community consultation to ensure local engagement and post-coal job transitions. He discusses the challenges of federal regulations in Arizona’s solar development and promotes strategic investment in transmission infrastructure to support a reliable renewable energy mix.

Aliya Haq, a seasoned climate policy advocate and former lead at Breakthrough Energy, shares insights from her two-decade journey in the climate movement. She discusses the need to redefine climate as an economic opportunity, moving away from outdated environmental tactics. Aliya emphasizes the importance of grid upgrades and market reforms to accelerate clean energy deployment. The conversation touches on the challenges of political power, the limits of traditional carbon pricing, and why her new venture, the Clean Economy Project, focuses on innovation and collaboration for a sustainable future.

Join Brian Turner, a regulatory expert in Western energy governance, and Kathleen Staks, a leader advocating for a larger Western grid. They discuss the newly authorized Regional Organization for Western Energy, which aims to unify the western U.S. grid while respecting state independence. Topics include the transition to a full day-ahead market, the voluntary 'à la carte' structure of the new grid, and strategies to accommodate diverse state energy policies. Their insights reveal the complexities and potential impact of this significant energy reform.

Kady McFadden is a seasoned organizer in Illinois clean energy, while John Delurey leads solar policy at Vote Solar. Together, they explore Illinois' striking shift towards central planning for clean energy. They discuss the urgent need for state-level planning to combat rising energy bills and the strategic framing of renewables as the most cost-effective solution. Kady shares insights on persuading lawmakers to empower the ICC to procure clean energy, ensuring affordability for consumers, and the ambitious storage goals set through 2030.

Explore the transition from flat electricity demand to rising consumption as new technologies reshape the grid. Delve into the uncertainties of load forecasts and the political landscape surrounding high electricity bills. Discover how renewables face backlash amid a simpler right-wing narrative, while the complex realities of rising prices stem from various factors like wildfires and data centers. The discussion highlights the need for streamlined policies to support solar and storage solutions, all amidst a blame game between utilities and data centers.

Cora Stryker, co-founder of BrightSaver, dives into the world of balcony solar, advocating for plug-in systems in the U.S. She discusses the simplicity of DIY assembly and contrasts it with stringent U.S. regulations that hinder adoption. Cora highlights Germany's successful renter protections and interconnection reforms as a model. She also predicts significant cost reductions and accelerated adoption in the U.S., emphasizing grassroots advocacy to drive change. Plus, there's a peek at the potential future of solar as a normalized part of American life!

Kingsmill Bond, an energy strategist known for his insights into clean electrification, explores the unstoppable transition towards electrotech. He highlights that efficiency and economics drive this revolution, regardless of political will. Bond discusses how emerging markets are leapfrogging fossil pathways and China’s dominance in manufacturing electrification technologies. He emphasizes the significance of grid innovations and how global dynamics are reshaping energy independence. Ultimately, he argues that electrotech is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in energy use.

Dr. Georgia Lagoudas, a bioengineer and senior fellow at Brown University's Pandemic Center, discusses the urgent need for improved indoor air quality. She shares insights on the global pledge declaring clean air a human right and highlights the main indoor pollutants, including PM2.5 and CO2. Dr. Lagoudas explains effective strategies like filtration and ventilation, offers practical tips for individuals and schools, and underscores the socio-economic benefits of clean air. The conversation exposes the historical neglect of indoor air and the necessary policy shifts for healthier environments.

James Johnston, Co-founder and CEO of Piclo, explains how their innovative marketplace connects buyers and sellers of distributed energy resources. He discusses the challenges of coordination in current markets and how Piclo's open platform addresses these issues, allowing utilities to procure flexibility easily. Johnston highlights the potential for data centers to speed up grid access by paying for flexibility, potentially unlocking billions in investment. He also shares insights on seller vetting, market transparency, and the long-term vision of marketplaces as a key layer in decentralized energy.

Caroline Spears, Head of Climate Cabinet, shares insights following an inspiring election cycle for pro-climate candidates. They discuss the surprising successes in challenging districts, driven by a national anti-Trump sentiment. Caroline highlights pivotal victories in the Georgia Public Service Commission and Virginia's House of Delegates, emphasizing implications for future races. The conversation also dives into strategies for 2026, the importance of energy affordability, and innovative solutions like solar plus storage that can revolutionize the energy landscape.