Volts

In this episode, david roberts talks with activist, sex advice columnist, and progressive journalist Dan Savage about the legacy of “The Urban Archipelago,” a groundbreaking piece he commissioned and edited two decades ago in the wake of GW Bush’s reelection, urging Democrats to embrace cities as their political base and future. We explore how NIMBY-captured Democratic city leadership has stifled urban potential — and why improving and growing cities isn’t just policy; it’s party building. https://lnkd.in/eHm3JpyE

In this episode, david roberts chats with Sunrun CEO Mary Powell about how residential solar is evolving into much more than just panels. They dive into Sunrun’s expansion as a “clean energy lifestyle” brand, Mary’s belief in a customer-led energy transition, and alternatives to the tech bros' virile obsession with nuclear power. https://lnkd.in/erCNKB6S

In this episode, david roberts chats with Ari Matusiak, co-founder and head of Rewiring America, which recently received a $2 billion grant from the feds to take home electrification mainstream. We dig into the practical challenges — getting local contractors on board, simplifying rebate access — and the enormous opportunities. https://lnkd.in/gNescdhs

I had so much fun chatting on David Roberts’ “Volts” podcast about what he calls the “wonky but vital topic” of performance-based regulation! We talk about utility business models – how utilities make money and keep their shareholders happy – which creates what we call "perverse incentives” that make potential cost-saving solutions unappealing. We then chat through the different regulatory reforms that states across the country are beginning to implement to make the utility business model better aligned with energy system innovations and customer priorities. This is what we call performance-based regulation (or PBR). It’s a bit technical, but if you want to learn the fundamentals of comprehensive PBR, and how it can accelerate investments in our energy system that can keep electricity affordable and support our communities and climate, tune in: https://bit.ly/48nLQ3m 

We're thrilled to share that our very own Energy Policy Director, Laura Gonzalez, is on the latest Volts podcast episode! Don't miss this deep dive into performance-based regulation and its potential to revolutionize Virginia's energy future. Listen now! 🎧 https://lnkd.in/ekDPVsv3 #PerformanceBasedRegulation #VoltsPodcast

In this episode, we’re diving into the wonky but vital topic of performance-based utility regulation (PBR) with Cara Goldenberg of RMI and Laura Gonzalez of Clean Virginia . We discuss how traditional utility regulation creates perverse incentives for utilities — and the tools PBR offers to better align incentives with modern priorities to like resilience, equity, and decarbonization. Dozens of states have adopted some form of PBR or other, and Virginia might be next. https://lnkd.in/eRQt8-bR

In this episode, host david roberts sits down with Dr. Vanessa Z Chan, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Chief Commercialization Officer, to discuss the challenges of commercializing new clean energy technologies. Her office has helped develop a common vocabulary among stakeholders (“adoption readiness levels”) and concentrated the attention of public and private capital on certain key technologies (“pathway to liftoff” reports). It’s wonky stuff, but it has transformed and turbocharged DOE’s commercialization efforts. https://lnkd.in/evjkQuXP

A total fan girl moment! I have been listening to Volts for years so it would be an understatement to say I was *energized* when David Roberts asked me to be a guest. It's been a distinct privilege to be the head of the OTTers (aka DOE Office of Technology Transitions) as we transformed how U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) works with the private sector to commercialize energy technologies. Never in a million years did I think I could be an innovative entrepreneur as a senior government official but there's a reason why I am still here after 3.5 years.... We need everyone to act differently if we are going to drive the energy transition at scale. If we can transform ourselves in the federal government, so can you. Together we've got this! #technology #entrepreneurship #energy #commercialization

✨ Exciting podcast alert! 🌍 In the latest episode of ⚡Volts⚡, DOE Chief Commercialization Officer and OTT Director Vanessa Z Chan dives into the transformative changes happening at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Discover how new policies are reshaping the #energy landscape and what it means for our future. 🚀 Join us as we explore how businesses can effectively bring innovative ideas to market and the critical factors that influence readiness. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights to help navigate the tech landscape. 🎧 https://bit.ly/4dSrpNa #EnergyPolicy #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #AdoptionReadiness #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Technology

In this episode, Ylenia Aguilar joins host david roberts to discuss her candidacy for the Arizona Corporation Commission. They examine the ACC’s history of rubber stamping rate hikes, dismantling renewable energy initiatives, and generally pandering to utilities. Three ACC seats are up for election this year and the outcomes could have a profound impact on the state's energy future. https://lnkd.in/eQF5TX95