Volts

Ben Brown, CEO of Renew Home, shares his expertise on the innovative world of residential virtual power plants (VPPs). He discusses a monumental 1-gigawatt deal with NRG Energy, which could reshape energy management. The conversation delves into the role of smart thermostats and the importance of customer engagement, data privacy, and transparent practices. Brown also highlights the scalability of VPPs to meet rising electricity demands and explores the integration of smart devices for enhanced energy efficiency in homes.

Pier LaFarge, CEO of Sparkfund, shares his insights on the evolving role of utilities in managing distributed energy resources. He argues that rather than being obstacles, utilities are crucial for scaling clean energy solutions amid rising electricity demand. LaFarge discusses the economic advantages of updated energy infrastructure, the potential of virtual power plants, and the necessity for collaboration between utilities and DER providers. He also highlights the need for community engagement and regulatory frameworks in fostering innovation and addressing energy equity.

Malcolm Woolf, CEO of the National Hydropower Association, teams up with Connor Nelson, an insightful author focusing on hydropower's impact in the clean energy sector. They discuss the crucial yet often overshadowed role of hydropower in stabilizing the energy grid amidst the rise of renewables. Delving into the lengthy relicensing challenges and inadequate market compensation, they emphasize the urgent need for reforms. The conversation also highlights opportunities for enhancing hydropower capacity, ensuring it remains a foundational part of America's clean energy future.

In this episode, I chat with author Cory Doctorow about "enshittification," his viral term for how digital platforms and smart technologies inevitably get worse over time. We explore how monopoly power, aggressive IP protections, and lax privacy law enable companies to capture and exploit users — and what that might mean for the clean energy transition as our homes and vehicles become increasingly software-dependent. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribe

Kate Gordon, CEO of California Forward and a clean energy veteran, dives into the pressing crisis facing the insurance industry due to climate change. She discusses why insurers are abandoning high-risk areas and the dire consequences for communities. The conversation highlights the challenge of inadequate coverage and potential municipal bankruptcies, stressing the need for innovative solutions and proactive policies. Gordon also touches on the importance of transparency in insurance models and fostering resilience amidst rising climate risks.

Caroline Spears, a strategist at Climate Cabinet, dives into the vital role of local and state elections in advancing climate policies. She highlights recent electoral victories in North Carolina and Wisconsin, which fortify climate initiatives. The discussion also emphasizes overcoming communication gaps between candidate messaging and voter perception, especially regarding gerrymandering. Spears shares insights on Michigan's clean energy commitments and Lancaster County's pro-climate majority, advocating for ongoing community engagement and bipartisan support in climate advocacy.

Raymond Harris leads the Heavy Duty Vehicles Program at the International Council on Clean Transportation, focusing on clean transport solutions. Jacqueline Torres from Forum Mobility champions electric heavy-duty vehicles. They discuss the electrification of big trucks, addressing the unique challenges of charging infrastructure and financing models. The need for robust policies and partnerships is highlighted, as well as the potential pollution reductions. Intriguing insights into innovative approaches for small owner-operators and federal support reveal the future of sustainable trucking.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Dan Savage, a prominent activist and sex advice columnist, dives into the legacy of 'The Urban Archipelago.' He analyzes the political divide between urban and rural America, advocating for the recognition of cities as the Democratic party's backbone. Savage critiques NIMBYism and the failed governance in cities like Seattle, urging for inclusive urban development. Through personal anecdotes and a celebration of urban culture, he highlights the vital role cities play in shaping a progressive future, especially for LGBTQ+ communities.

Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun, is a champion of a customer-led energy transition, driving the evolution of residential solar into a clean energy lifestyle. She discusses how Sunrun is integrating electric vehicle chargers and energy storage into its offerings. The conversation touches on California's regulatory challenges and the economic incentives driving battery storage adoption. Powell also emphasizes the need for competitive markets that simplify consumer choices while addressing the energy demands posed by data centers and encouraging innovation.

Bill Moyer, founder of the Reconnect America campaign, advocates for harnessing U.S. railroads to support the clean energy transition. He highlights how shifting freight from roads to rails can significantly cut emissions. Moyer discusses the drawbacks of a profit-driven railroad model, which often overlooks public benefits. He emphasizes the potential of electrifying rail systems for environmental justice and the importance of community engagement in revitalizing rail transit to foster economic growth.