Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Energy Changemakers Podcast
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| The Economics of Community Solar: How Profits are Made and Consumer Energy Costs Lowered | 11 Sep 2024 | 00:40:35 | |
In this episode of the Energy Changemakers Podcast, financial expert Rob Hong of Sapling Financial Consultants explains how community solar can provide both profits for developers and cost savings for consumers. He presents the financials of a real project, explains the risks and rewards, compares various community solar approaches, and describes the pros and cons of community solar over other solar business models. “This discussion provides valuable finanicial insight for any community considering solar,” says podcast host Elisa Wood. Chapters with Timecodes:
For more conversations like this, check out the Energy Changemakers Community and sign up for our free newsletter about all things distributed energy. | |||
| Are We Expecting Too Much from Virtual Power Plants? | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:53:27 | |
In this episode of the Energy Changemakers podcast, host Elisa Wood talks to three big thinkers in the electric power industry: Lorenzo Kristov, Kay Aikin, and Mark Paterson, who explain what it will take to create a democratized electric grid. Our guests also take on common grid fictions, such as the belief that virtual power plants provide an “easy button” to manage distributed energy. They offer a vision for a decentralized grid and describe programs in Colorado, Maine, and Australia paving the way. 00:00 Introduction to the Energy Changemakers Podcast 00:35 Understanding Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) 01:00 The Role of VPPs in the Energy Grid 02:45 Contrarian Views on VPPs and Distributed Energy 03:23 Introducing the Expert Panel 06:22 Lorenzo Kristov's Vision for a Decentralized Grid 13:29 Kay Aikin's Critique of Virtual Power Plants 17:29 Mark Paterson's Insights from Australia 30:40 Harnessing Rooftop Solar Potential 31:32 Challenges in Large-Scale Energy Transformation 33:39 Market Structures and DERs 35:08 Strategic Transformation Processes 37:55 Performance-Based Regulation and Dynamic Pricing 39:05 Promising Jurisdictions and Examples 42:20 Localized Valuing and Monetization of DERs 44:20 Reforming Distribution Utilities 53:51 The Value Proposition of DERs 55:54 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions For more conversations like this, check out the Energy Changemakers Community and sign up for our free newsletter about all things distributed energy. | |||
| What’s Next for Community Solar? | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:26:04 | |
Elisa Wood interviews Nate Owen, CEO of Ampion, who provides an inside view of the US community solar market following a regulatory ruling in California that left many in the industry unhappy. Owen dives into the history that brought the industry to this point and explains why he’s bullish on its future. He delves into problems, like interconnection, that slow projects and market mechanisms and social benefits that drive its growth. Owen also details why it used to be hard for community solar projects to provide renewable energy certificates (RECs) and why that’s changed, as exemplified by the company’s deal with Wendy’s restaurant. Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Energy Changemakers 1:08 Introducing Ampion and the Wendy's Deal 3:00 The Importance of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) 6:00 Evolution of Community Solar and RECs 9:07 Value Proposition: Savings and RECs 11:45 Post-California Community Solar Outlook 15:14 Social Benefits of Community Solar 18:06 Challenges with Interconnection 20:39 Overcoming Interconnection Issues 22:15 Vision for the Future Grid 23:59 Transition to Solar Energy For more conversations like this, check out the Energy Changemakers Community and sign up for our free newsletter about all things distributed energy. | |||
| Energy Changemakers: Trailer | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:01:53 | |
As the energy grid faces unprecedented changes, local energy solutions are increasingly needed. Hosted by Elisa Wood, an experienced energy journalist, The Energy Changemakers Podcast brings you into the heart of these transformations. Each episode features in-depth discussions with industry leaders pioneering the move toward a decentralized grid. From technological innovations to policy changes — discover actionable insights to help your company leverage emerging opportunities. Join us at The Energy Changemakers Podcast and be part of the conversation that shapes our energy future. | |||
| A Campaign to Create a Distributed Energy Utility in Ann Arbor, Michigan | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:27:30 | |
Voters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will be asked to approve a ground-breaking new kind of utility on November 5, one run by the city that provides local, distributed energy to those who choose to participate. Missy Stults, Ann Arbor’s Sustainability and Innovations Director, joins host Elisa Wood to explain why the city decided to pursue the creation of the Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU), how it will work, its relationship to the local investor-owned utility, and what it brings to the city’s sustainability and equity efforts. Also see Ann Arbor’s SEU website: www.a2gov.org. 00:00 Introduction to the Energy Changemakers Podcast 00:23 Ann Arbor's Unique Municipal Utility Proposal 01:09 Interview with Missy Stultz: Ann Arbor's Sustainability Director 03:35 Ann Arbor's Energy Landscape and Challenges 05:22 The Vision for a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) 11:34 How the SEU Will Operate: City and Consumer Perspectives 21:58 Community Engagement and Upcoming Referendum 25:59 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
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| An Entrepreneur's Journey from Russia and Oil to the US and Clean Energy: Lumin | 09 Oct 2024 | 00:57:54 | |
In this episode of the Energy Changemakers podcast, host Elisa Wood interviews Alex Bazhinov, founder and president of Lumin, a smart panel company. Alex shares his remarkable journey from working in the mining industry in Russia to pioneering smart home energy solutions in Charlottesville, Virginia. Like so many entrepreneurs, he began in his garage developing a prototype. Now, partnering with clean energy giants, Lumin offers a smart panel that gives homeowners more control over specific household appliances and is rolling out new technology that, among other things, lowers costs for homeowners readying for EV charging. 00:00 Introduction to Energy Changemakers Podcast 00:50 Meet Alex Bazhinov: From Moscow to Clean Energy 02:09 The Mining Industry and Its Environmental Impact 05:04 The Shift to Renewable Energy 09:18 Challenges and Opportunities in Russia 11:07 Entrepreneurial Journey in the US 20:49 Founding Lumin: The Smart Panel Idea 30:06 Introduction to Smart Panel 30:41 Residential Solar and Battery Use Case 31:45 Dynamic Energy Management 32:55 Challenges with Traditional Battery Backup 34:14 Market Adoption and Partnerships 35:30 Introducing LuminEdge 36:51 Grid Services and Demand Response 40:36 Electrification of Homes 43:39 Avoiding Costly Electrical Upgrades 47:14 Distribution and Partnerships 51:20 Company Overview and Vision 52:12 Advice for Entrepreneurs 57:23 Conclusion and Call to Action
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| What Utilities and DER Companies Don't Get about Each Other - Part 1 | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:42:51 | |
In this episode of the Energy Changemakers podcast, host Elisa Wood engages in a rich discussion with Bill Prindle, a senior energy and climate leader. Bill brings over 40 years of industry experience and provides a unique perspective on the evolving roles of utilities and distributed energy resource (DER) companies in the modern grid. They delve into the financial models that govern investor-owned utilities, the complexities of grid regulation, the state's role in energy policy, and the historical context that has led to the current fragmented energy market. Bill explains the challenges and opportunities that DER companies and utilities face in working together, with a focus on their financial models, regulatory constraints, and the evolving technology landscape. The conversation also explores the impact of restructuring, the importance of integrated resource planning, and the technical and operational hurdles in integrating DERs into the grid. 00:00 Introduction to Energy Changemakers Podcast 00:27 Meet Bill Prindle: Energy and Climate Leader 01:57 Understanding Utilities' Perspective on DERs 06:46 Challenges and Opportunities in the Energy Sector 14:53 Historical Context of the Utility Industry 18:52 Restructuring and Its Impact on DERs 35:33 Interconnection Issues and Solutions 41:50 Conclusion and Next Steps | |||
| Making the crush of utility data usable: Awesense | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:42:50 | |
At one point in Awesense’s history, CEO and Founder Mischa Steiner was in a serious accident when riding his bike. While he was still recovering, his company was named in a lawsuit, lost investors, and faced an audit. It was a dark period, but the company made it through and navigated its way into a key energy transition market. Using its “digital twin on steroids,” Awesense helps make utility data — of which there is a proliferation — usable. In this interview, Steiner describes how Awesense made a business out of serving the utility data analytics market, its role in the energy transition, and lessons he’s learned in the company’s 15-year journey. 00:00 Introduction to Energy Changemakers Podcast 00:27 Interview with Mischa Steiner: Founder and CEO of Awesense 02:03 The Evolution of Awesense: From Hardware to Data Solutions 06:13 Challenges and Innovations in Utility Data Management 07:52 The Role of Sensors in Grid Data Collection 15:20 Transition to Software Solutions and AI Integration 17:30 Addressing Data Errors and Enhancing Utility Analytics 21:13 Middleware Solutions for Accelerating Utility Projects 23:53 Utility Challenges and Solutions 24:17 Utility Size and Technology Adoption 25:59 Impact of DERs on Utilities 28:56 Future of Energy and AI Demand 30:22 Middleware and DERMs Integration 33:41 Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges 38:50 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 42:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts | |||
| Why this Energy Changemaker is Trying to Bring Community Choice Energy to Arizona | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:35:33 | |
In this episode of the Energy Changemakers podcast, host Elisa Wood interviews Russell Lowes from Arizonans for Community Choice. They explore the potential of Community Choice Energy (CCE) programs in transforming local energy. Russell shares his journey from high school activism to becoming an author who influenced the fate of a nuclear power plant in Arizona. The conversation delves into the mechanics of CCE, their benefits over traditional utility models, and the specific efforts to bring CCE to Arizona. Russell outlines the environmental and economic advantages of CCE, discussing obstacles, the role of utilities, and the broader implications for energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. 00:00 Introduction to Energy Changemakers 00:37 Guest Introduction: Russell Lowes 02:11 Russell's Journey in Energy Activism 03:55 The Impact of Russell's Book 05:59 Challenges of Nuclear and Fossil Fuels 07:48 Understanding Community Choice Energy (CCE) 13:20 Promoting CCE in Arizona 15:18 Utilities vs. CCE: The Business Model Conflict 20:59 Benefits of CCE Over Traditional Utilities 29:55 Future of CCE and Legislative Efforts 34:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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| Off Grid and Urban: An Apartment Building that Signals the Future | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:54:07 | |
In an interview with Elisa Wood, veteran energy innovator Steve Pullins, CEO of ResSET, unveils his latest venture, a highly unusual sustainable apartment building in Ann Arbor, Michigan, set to be entirely off-grid. While foregoing a grid connection isn’t typical, especially for a city building, Pullins maintains it’s time to think of the electric grid as just one of several energy options, not the default. Called South Town, the project strives to reduce housing costs using several novel strategies, including providing a shared electric vehicle fleet for building occupants. Pullins also designed the energy system based on the kilowatts actually used by appliances — not the generic nameplate ratings — which led to significant energy savings. Pullins hopes to see the model replicated, a necessity, he says, given that the world’s building footprint will double over the next 40 years, threatening climate goals without radical change in commercial construction. CHAPTERS 0:06 Introduction to Energy Changemakers 1:25 Off-Grid Living in Urban Settings 3:18 The Multifamily Housing Project 5:23 Addressing Challenges in Energy Supply 8:52 Innovative Approaches to Energy Costs 13:04 Rethinking Energy Resources 16:41 Navigating Utility Regulations 21:04 Electric Vehicles and Shared Mobility 24:18 Energy Efficiency and Affordability 26:20 Transforming Construction Practices 33:17 Advanced Energy Management Systems 34:46 The Future of Renewable Natural Gas 48:21 Building Resilience in Energy Systems 52:02 Demand Flexibility as a Resource 53:38 Conclusion and Community Engagement
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| Incorporating Non-Energy Benefits in Energy Planning: A Path Forward | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:36:54 | |
In this episode of the Energy Changemakers podcast, host Elisa Wood discusses the concept of non-energy benefits with Roger Lin, Senior Attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity. They explore the importance of valuing the social, environmental, and community impacts of energy decisions, which are often overlooked in traditional energy planning. California's efforts to incorporate non-energy benefits into energy resource planning are highlighted, including the ongoing proceedings and potential outcomes. The conversation delves into the challenges of quantifying these benefits, the problems with current least-cost optimization methods, and the broader implications for climate justice and energy resilience. 00:00 Introduction to Energy Changemakers 01:16 Understanding Non-Energy Benefits 02:13 Interview with Roger Lin 05:24 California's Non-Energy Benefits Proceeding 19:10 Challenges and Opposition 34:01 Future Implications and Broader Impact 36:45 Conclusion and Call to Action | |||
| Equal Pay for Equal Work: Treating Energy Efficiency Fairly in Wholesale Capacity Markets | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:25:37 | |
With an expensive push underway to build large power plants and transmission to meet growing electric demand, energy efficiency is gaining new importance. Creating more negawatts (energy reduction) reduces the need to build new energy infrastructure, saving everyone a lot of money. Despite its benefits, energy efficiency has always been a “little engine that could” technology trying to overcome market obstacles. Now it faces problems collecting fair compensation in wholesale markets because of a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ruling. Guest Paula Glover, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, dives into the specifics of the ruling, its implications for wholesale capacity payments in the PJM market and the broader ramifications. Be sure to listen to the end to hear Glover’s analogy explaining how energy efficiency is like cooking a Thanksgiving dinner. It’s spot on. (We recorded this podcast just after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday) 00:00 Introduction to Energy Changemakers 00:28 The Impact of FERC's Decision on Energy Efficiency 01:43 Interview with Paula Glover: Insights on Energy Efficiency 04:31 Defining Energy Efficiency in Today's World 06:07 The Role of Demand Response in Energy Efficiency 07:50 Understanding Capacity Markets 17:11 Alliance to Save Energy's Current Focus 22:30 The Importance of Energy Efficiency Messaging 25:24 Conclusion and Call to Action Join Energy Changemakers for content and community on the grid edge. | |||
| How Should the Power Industry Think about the DeepSeek Announcement? | 06 Feb 2025 | 00:43:20 | |
AI is driving up power demand, but how much and how fast remains under debate. Bulls warn we’ll need far more electric power than we’re poised to produce. Bears say utilities inflate the numbers and don’t account for the efficiencies technology tends to achieve over time. The debate heightened recently when DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, announced that it had developed a more efficient AI large language model. This model purports to perform as well as US models but uses far less computing power and, therefore, less electricity. This is a big deal because the power industry has been planning and investing based on the idea that AI will increase electric demand significantly. So, exactly how much influence will DeepSeek have on electricity demand? In an interview with Energy Changemakers’ Elisa Wood, Rich Miller, former editor and founder of Data Center Knowledge and Data Center Frontier, explains why neither the bulls nor the bears are correct. Miller also describes the growing innovation of data centers, their increasingly important role in energy, and why they could transform the utility industry. Stay until the end, when Miller unveils the surprising results of a poll he conducted with his data center industry followers. *** Elisa Wood: “My world loves distributed energy, and I'm curious if you're seeing much of a push towards onsite energy for data centers?” Rich Miller: “That is the million-dollar question. And in fact, that is the most important trend that I think we are seeing right now, largely because we have this sort of log jam where many data center operators want much more energy than they're going to be able to get from the utilities in the short term.” Visit EnergyChangemakers.com for content and community on the grid edge. | |||
| What Utilities and DER Companies Don't Get about Each Other Part 2 | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:30:06 | |
Bill Prindle, principal of Better Energy Advisors, told us what distributed energy resource (DER) companies don’t get about utilities in episode 1 of this two-part series. Now he looks at the other angle — what utilities don’t get about distributed energy players. It’s a clash of business cultures: Utilities have historically operated as monopolistic, cautious, heavily regulated entities. DER companies are innovative, often disruptive, scrappy and highly competitive. And they have to work together. Prindle is uniquely qualified to describe the nuances of how these two entities interact. He’s worked with both for many years in roles at ICF, the American Council on an Energy-Efficient Economy and the Alliance to Save Energy. Here we look at the sometimes uneasy relationship between utilities and distributed energy companies as new challenges emerge in the electric sector, including flattened demand growth, DER integration, regulatory shifts, and evolving business models. —“For decades, utilities operated in a happy economic environment—demand grew, rates decreased, and everyone benefitted. But the game has changed.” – Bill Prindle —“The industry isn’t just about engineering and regulation; it’s also a fascinating study in culture and personality.” – Elisa Wood | |||
| What it Took to Build one of the US’ Largest Community Choice Aggregations | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:35:57 | |
How do you make an ambitious clean energy goal a reality that benefits an entire community? In this episode, we sit down with Cody Hooven, principal and co-founder of Evolution Affairs, to explore how she led the charge in creating San Diego Community Power—now the second-largest Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) in the U.S. From navigating policy and financial hurdles to engaging local stakeholders and launching during the turbulence of COVID, Cody shares the behind-the-scenes story of what it takes to build a more decentralized, community-driven energy future. She also discusses the growing role of local governments in energy decision-making, the unique advantages CCAs offer over traditional utilities, and why community engagement is the key to lasting change. Tune in to learn how CCAs are shaping the future of energy—and how communities across the country can take control of their power. 00:00 Introduction to Energy Changemakers 00:27 Meet Cody Hooven: The Force Behind San Diego's Community Choice Program 01:57 Understanding Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) 04:48 The Growth and Challenges of San Diego Community Power 11:40 Navigating Financial Hurdles During COVID-19 14:16 Lessons Learned and Advice for Future CCAs 23:24 The Role of CCAs in Distributed Energy 29:41 Future of CCAs and Energy Transition 33:30 Cody Hooven's New Venture: Evolution Affairs 35:25 Conclusion and Call to Action 🔗 Learn More & Join the Conversation: EnergyChangemakers.com | |||
| Solar on Wheels - How a Family-Run Startup is Transforming Driveways into Clean Power Stations | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:51:04 | |
Across America, sunny driveways are abundant yet surprisingly overlooked as potential power generators. Now, a Florida-based startup, Gismo Power, is pioneering a remarkable innovation: a portable, plug-in solar EV charger called the MEGA – or Mobile Electricity Generating Appliance. In this episode of the Energy Changemakers Podcast, host Elisa Wood talks with Antonia Ginsberg-Klemmt, CEO and mechanical engineer, and her parents and business partners, electrical engineer Achim Ginsberg-Klemmt and operations specialist Erika Ginsberg-Klemmt. Together, this activist entrepreneurial family is challenging both conventional wisdom and outdated regulations to create a new category of solar technology designed specifically for renters, small businesses, and anyone seeking greater energy independence. The MEGA is more than a typical solar installation—it’s an appliance that plugs directly into your home’s electrical system. Because it’s mounted on wheels, the MEGA avoids the high costs and red tape associated with permanent rooftop or ground-mounted systems. This unique approach has already attracted early adopters across the U.S., from tech enthusiasts to Native American communities looking for energy sovereignty. But innovation is only half the battle. Gismo Power faces complex regulatory hurdles, as most jurisdictions lack a legal framework for “plug-in” solar devices. Elisa’s conversation with the Ginsberg-Klemmt family reveals the challenges—and potential solutions—in navigating local permitting processes, utility approvals, and shifting attitudes toward decentralized renewable energy. Ultimately, the Ginsberg-Klemmt family sees the MEGA as not just a technological breakthrough but as a path toward energy democracy—making clean power accessible and affordable for the millions of Americans who have been historically left out of the solar revolution. Join Elisa and the Gismo Power founders as they discuss the science, the struggles, and the exciting future of distributed solar energy, one driveway at a time. Guests: Antonia Ginsberg-Klemmt, CEO of Gismo Power, Mechanical engineer and recipient of the Ozy Genius Award and winner of SXSW Innovation Award in the student innovation category Achim Ginsberg-Klemmt, vice president of engineering at Gismo Power, Electrical engineer specializing in renewable technologies. Erika Ginsberg-Klemmt, vice president of operations, leading communications, regulatory strategies, and community outreach. Explore Further: • Learn more about Gismo Power: gismopower.com • Read about Utah’s groundbreaking plug-in solar legislation (HB 340) • Discover the work of Red Cloud Renewables: redcloudrenewable.org Join the conversation: Subscribe to our newsletter and become part of the community working toward an equitable, decentralized, and clean energy future at energychangemakers.com. | |||
| Distributed Energy Is Misunderstood and Underrepresented. What Do We Do About It? | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:16:02 | |
Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are often overlooked, misunderstood, or underrepresented in discussions about the future of the electric grid. In this episode, host Elisa Wood explores why DERs—like rooftop solar, batteries, small wind turbines, and community energy projects—are so critical to building a decentralized, resilient, and equitable energy system. Elisa shares why she founded Energy Changemakers and how this platform fosters meaningful conversations with industry leaders about the transformation of the electricity system. She also discusses the major barriers to widespread DER adoption, from regulatory hurdles to misconceptions about their role in the energy mix. This episode features insights from leading voices in the energy sector, including: • Erika Ginsberg-Klemmt (vice president of operations, Gizmo Power) on the economic benefits of owning distributed energy systems. • Bill Prindle (principal, Better Energy Advisors) on the challenges of valuing DERs. • Lorenzo Kristov (grid architect) on the need for bottom-up energy planning. • Cameron Brooks (E9 Insights) on the importance of distribution system planning to support DER growth. Key Takeaways • DERs offer unique advantages – They provide backup power, are faster to install than traditional power plants, and reduce electricity loss by generating power closer to where it’s used. • Ownership matters – Local communities that invest in DERs can control their own energy sources and keep financial benefits within their community. • Regulatory change is needed – Current policies favor large-scale energy projects, but a shift toward valuing DERs and integrating them into local planning can drive meaningful change. • The grid must evolve – With the rise of EVs, batteries, and solar power, the distribution grid needs modernization and better integration strategies. Join the Energy Changemakers Community If you’re passionate about decentralized energy and want to be part of the conversation, consider joining the Energy Changemakers community. Visit energychangemakers.com to: • Attend free events • Subscribe to the newsletter • Join the premium community for exclusive content and networking opportunities Connect & Subscribe • Subscribe to Energy Changemakers Podcast on your favorite platform • Leave a review to help spread the word about DERs • Follow us online at energychangemakers.com Together, we can accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more decentralized grid. | |||
| US Political Parties Agree on One Thing: Utility Bills | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:29:04 | |
Most Americans have never heard of their state’s public utility commission—yet these low-profile regulatory bodies control over $200 billion in annual utility spending and directly influence the price you pay for electricity and gas. In this episode of Energy Changemakers, host Elisa Wood sits down with Charles Hua, founder and executive director of PowerLines, a national nonprofit pushing for smarter, more consumer-centered utility regulation. Together, they unpack the eye-opening findings of PowerLines’ latest national survey with Ipsos, revealing a rare bipartisan consensus: Americans across political lines feel powerless about their utility costs—and most don’t know where to turn for solutions. Charles explains why this regulatory opacity persists, what it means for energy affordability and the economy, and how PowerLines is working to modernize an outdated system for a more inclusive, transparent, and effective energy future. If you’ve ever looked at your utility bill and wondered, Why is this so high—and who decides this anyway?, this episode will give you the clarity (and motivation) to learn more. What You’ll Learn:
Charles Hua is the founder and executive director of PowerLines, a nonprofit organization working to make the utility regulatory system more accountable, equitable, and responsive to American consumers. With experience at the U.S. Department of Energy and Berkeley National Lab, Charles brings deep policy expertise and a practical mission: ensuring that the energy system works for everyone – not just insiders. 📧 Contact Charles: charles@powerlines.org Resources & Links:
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| How to Make Distributed Solar Projects Pencil without the Federal Tax Credit | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:28:57 | |
As uncertainty looms over the future of the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), many in the distributed energy sector are concerned about how to keep solar and storage projects economically viable. In this episode, host Elisa Wood sits down with Gareth Evans, CEO of VECKTA, to unpack his recent analysis that offers surprising—and hopeful—insights. Gareth’s findings challenge conventional wisdom: solar and storage projects can still achieve a viable return without the ITC—but only if we radically rethink how these systems are structured. Elisa and Gareth discuss real-world project comparisons, the importance of optimization, and how resilience and cost savings are quickly becoming more compelling motivators than sustainability branding alone. If you’re navigating the complex landscape of decentralized energy, this conversation is a must-listen. Guest Bio: Gareth Evans is the CEO of VECKTA, a leading SaaS platform and marketplace that empowers businesses to design, evaluate, and deploy profitable and resilient onsite energy systems. With a focus on removing soft costs and increasing project viability, VECKTA’s technology enables companies to analyze their full portfolio of assets, optimize energy strategies, and connect with qualified suppliers—all while saving time, money, and emissions. Gareth brings decades of experience in clean energy innovation and is a vocal advocate for practical, scalable solutions in the transition to decentralized power. Learn more: www.veckta.com Key Topics & Highlights: • [00:00–03:00] Introduction to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and why it’s on shaky ground • [03:00–06:00] What VECKTA does: a SaaS platform and marketplace to de-risk and scale onsite energy • [06:00–10:00] The IRA’s impact on distributed energy—how it shifted the global energy conversation • [10:00–14:00] Real-world analysis: how project viability changes with and without the ITC • [14:00–17:00] Why optimization—not just solar saturation—is the key to post-ITC success • [17:00–20:00] What types of businesses are leading the charge (hint: it’s not who you’d expect) • [20:00–25:00] Resilience vs. sustainability: changing motivations in a high-risk energy landscape • [25:00–27:00] Quantifying resilience: how to prevent costly outages • [27:00–29:00] The future of decentralized energy—why Gareth remains optimistic, ITC or not Resources & Mentions: • Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) summary: White House Overview • American Society of Civil Engineers Grid Report: ASCE Infrastructure Report Card • Energy Changemakers Community & Newsletter: energychangemakers.com Call to Action: If this conversation inspires you, be sure to: • Subscribe to The Energy Changemakers Podcast on your favorite app • Leave a review to help more listeners find us • Join our newsletter at energychangemakers.com • Follow VECKTA for more insights into optimizing your energy future Together, we can shape a cleaner, more resilient grid—one project at a time. | |||
| The Battle for the Grid: How the Public Can Regain Control of Electricity | 14 May 2025 | 00:51:34 | |
Is it time to rethink who controls the grid? Elisa Wood sits down with legal expert and author Sandeep Vaheesan to discuss the rarely told—but critically important—history of public power in the United States. From the rise and fall of rural electric cooperatives to today’s mounting frustration with investor-owned utilities, Sandeep offers a sweeping, insider’s look at why our energy systems are failing the public—and what we can do about it. Together, they explore the roots of energy democracy, the tension between shareholder-driven utilities and the public good, and the resurgence of interest in publicly owned power. Sandeep shares examples of governance breakdowns (like Virginia’s Rappahannock Electric Cooperative) and inspiring success stories (such as Oregon’s Eugene Water and Electric Board). He also unpacks a surprisingly radical proposal from FDR and lays out his vision for a modern, democratic, and climate-resilient power system. Whether you’re a grid operator, policymaker, energy advocate, or just tired of high electric bills, this episode offers vital insights—and a hopeful call to action. Key Topics Covered:
About the Guest: Sandeep Vaheesan is the legal director at the Open Markets Institute, where he focuses on competition policy and monopoly power. He has written extensively on the intersection of law, utilities, and the public interest. His book, Democracy in Power: A History of Electrification in the United States, offers a deeply researched and accessible account of how energy systems in the U.S. came to be dominated by private utilities—and how public alternatives can help us address the climate crisis and economic inequality. Links & Resources:
Call to Action: Help shape the future of our energy system: Subscribe to the Energy Changemakers Podcast Leave a review on your podcast platform of choice Join our newsletter at energychangemakers.com Share this episode with your network Let’s build a grid that works for everyone. | |||
| Grids Are the Center of Everything | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:33:06 | |
What exactly is a “digital grid”—and why is it the cornerstone of our energy future? In this episode, Elisa Wood sits down with Ruben Llanes, CEO of the Digital Grid business at Schneider Electric, to explore the digital transformation of energy infrastructure. With over 15 years at Schneider and a lifetime surrounded by energy systems (his father owned an electrical contracting business), Ruben shares his insider perspective on why grid modernization is the key to managing the explosive growth of data centers, aging infrastructure, and prosumer energy participation. From rethinking load growth and AI-driven energy demands to unveiling Schneider’s One Digital Grid platform, Ruben offers a hopeful but urgent message: the technology exists—but will we move fast enough?
Ruben Llanes is the CEO of Schneider Electric’s Digital Grid business, where he oversees the integration of software, analytics, and system intelligence into the global energy infrastructure. With over 15 years at Schneider Electric—and prior experience at Deutsche Bank—Ruben brings a rare combination of financial expertise, operational leadership, and visionary thinking to the role. He previously led AutoGrid and has deep insight into the technological and regulatory forces shaping the future of energy.
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| How Can Microgrids Achieve the Holy Grail of Scalability? | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:30:43 | |
Scaling microgrids has long been a sticking point in the clean energy conversation—custom-built and complex, they’ve traditionally defied mass deployment. But what if microgrids could be treated as products rather than projects? In this episode of the Energy Changemakers Podcast, host Elisa Wood sits down with Alok Singhania, Senior Partner at Gridscape, to explore how standardizing microgrids can reshape the energy landscape. Alok unpacks Gridscape’s innovative approach to making microgrids modular, scalable, and manufacturable, like any other piece of equipment. Together, they examine regulatory roadblocks, federal policy uncertainty, and the educational gaps holding back market adoption. From tribal installations to community colleges, Alok shares real-world examples of Gridscape’s work, outlining a clear path to making microgrids central to a decentralized, resilient, and equitable grid of the future.
Alok Singhania is a senior partner at Gridscape, a microgrid technology and project development company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a background in both technology and entrepreneurship, Alok has been instrumental in transforming microgrid systems from custom installations into scalable, modular energy solutions. His work supports communities, critical infrastructure, and institutions in their journey toward energy independence and grid resilience.
🔗 Website: https://energychangemakers.com/ 📩 Newsletter: Subscribe for weekly insights on the decentralized grid 📣 Spread the word: Rate & review the podcast to help grow the clean energy conversation! The Energy Changemakers Podcast is your source for expert insights into building a decentralized, local, and equitable energy future. Subscribe and join the movement. | |||
| DERs and the Abundance Agenda: What Comes After Federal Funding Falls Short | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:43:07 | |
In this episode, Elisa Wood sits down with Tim Hade to discuss why now—despite, or perhaps because of—federal policy turbulence, the distributed energy industry is poised for massive transformation. Tim unpacks his move to Santa Barbara (which, by the way, he calls “home to the worst grid in the continental U.S.”) and how that community could become a national model for DER-powered resilience. They explore why community organizing is becoming just as crucial as engineering, how local governments are key players in energy infrastructure, and what role utilities can play in funding distributed solutions. From virtual power plants to the Distributed Capacity Procurement model, this conversation is a masterclass in building pragmatic, bottom-up energy systems in a time of urgent change. If you’re worried about the future of distributed energy, this episode will give you a reason to hope—and a blueprint for action. Key Topics:
Relevant Links:
Call to Action: Are you ready to be part of the shift toward decentralized, community-driven energy? Subscribe to the Energy Changemakers Podcast wherever you get your shows, and leave us a review to help this message reach more listeners. Join our newsletter at EnergyChangemakers.com for exclusive content and updates. | |||
| Microgrids Aren’t What They Used To Be | 28 May 2025 | 00:46:46 | |
In this insightful episode of the Energy Changemakers Podcast, Elisa Wood is joined by industry experts Lisa Cohn and Peter Asmus to explore the dynamic world of microgrids. They trace the evolution of microgrids from niche solutions for remote areas to vital tools for resilience in a world facing rising energy demands, data center expansion, and climate uncertainty. Lisa and Peter share their extensive experience in the field, discussing how microgrids have evolved from basic solar-plus-storage setups to complex, multi-resource systems that integrate fuel cells, hydro, data centers, and even artificial intelligence. They dive into how microgrids are transforming industries, from agriculture in Oregon to energy resilience in Alaska. Host: Elisa Wood, founder of Energy ChangemakersGuests: With: Lisa Cohn: Co-founder of Microgrid Knowledge and founder of CleanEnergyWriters.com. Key topics include:
Whether you’re a seasoned energy professional or simply curious about how microgrids work, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the past, present, and future of this transformative technology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Energy Changemakers Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Want to stay informed on the latest in energy innovation? Subscribe to our newsletter at https://newsletter.energychangemakers.com/ Call to Action: | |||
| Maximizing the Value of Your Molecule: An Interview with Mark Feasel | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:30:49 | |
Elisa Wood interviews Mark Feasel — a former leader at Schneider Electric and FuelCell Energy, and now an independent energy consultant — about the growing tension between energy demand and access in the age of AI. As data centers proliferate and energy demand rises, utilities and innovators face a new challenge: Where will the power come from? Mark shares his perspective on how distributed energy resources (DERs), grid constraints, and new power generation models may reshape our energy infrastructure. They discuss the blank-slate reality of many AI-driven projects, the rise of fully onsite generation, regulatory hurdles, and what the future may hold if some of the most powerful companies in the world begin generating their own electricity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Guest Bio: Mark Feasel, a long-time leader and innovator in the distributed energy space, is the founder and principal of VisRete, a consultancy that services related to energy management, digitalization, microgrids, power grids and distributed generation. He previously served in senior roles at Schneider Electric and FuelCell Energy. Mark also teaches at Northwestern University’s graduate program in Energy and Sustainability, where he mentors the next generation of changemakers. His experience bridges policy, business strategy, and engineering, offering a rare depth of insight into the evolving energy landscape.
Connect with Elisa Wood:
Call to Action: Want to help shape the future of the grid? Join the Energy Changemakers community by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with someone curious about how AI, regulation, and private capital are influencing the power grid of tomorrow. | |||
| Is Small Town America Ready for Climate Migration? | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:31:58 | |
As rising sea levels, floods, and wildfires continue to impact large swaths of the U.S., many people will be displaced from the coasts to the middle states. Hillary Brown, former director of the Urban Sustainability Program at City College of New York, sees this as an opportunity for faltering, inland communities to capture new economic opportunities — if they prepare for population growth now. Cultivating clean distributed energy resources is a key step. In this episode, Hillary dives into the policy frameworks, energy planning, community-led models, and financial opportunities that can help small towns thrive while providing a lifeline for those displaced by climate change. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
About the Guest: Hillary Brown is a leading voice in urban sustainability and infrastructure planning. She served as director of the Urban Sustainability Program at City College of New York and is the author of several books on next-generation infrastructure. Her most recent book, Revitalize Resettle: How Main Street USA Can Offer New Beginnings for America’s Climate Displaced, offers a practical, visionary blueprint for how small towns can prepare for climate migration and create stronger, more resilient communities in the process. Resources and Links:
Call to Action: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with colleagues in planning, energy, or local government. | |||
| How to Speed Microgrid Development for Data Centers | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:33:14 | |
Two energy giants come together with a new strategy The global data center boom is colliding head-on with one of the most pressing bottlenecks in the energy sector: access to reliable, timely power. In this episode, host Elisa Wood sits down with Jim Mozell, senior director of strategic partnerships at Siemens Energy, and Juan Colina, data center and IT segment leader at Eaton, to discuss how together they are trying to overcome interconnection delays and provide “speed to power” for microgrids. While many data center developers scramble for quick fixes—from reviving retired plants to chasing speculative nuclear projects—these two energy giants came together to propose a “power to chip” approach. The result, they say, is faster deployment timelines, optimized efficiency, and a more financially sustainable way to meet AI-driven compute demand. This conversation explores: ● Why interconnection delays (often 7–9 years) are driving data centers to rethink power strategies ● How Siemens and Eaton’s microgrid design enables modular, onsite generation—scalable from 250 MW to a gigawatt ● The critical role of redundancy, efficiency, and combined-cycle technology in meeting massive compute demand ● How data centers can shift from being heavy consumers to becoming good grid citizens ● Global regulatory challenges and opportunities across the U.S. and Europe ● Why slowing down the “frenzy buying” of energy deals could save operators money and optimize long-term sustainability About the Guests Jim Mozell Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, Siemens Energy Jim leads collaborations that address global energy challenges through scalable, efficient technology. At Siemens Energy, he works on integrating advanced power generation systems into industrial applications, including the fast-growing data center sector. Juan Colina Data Center & IT Segment Leader, Eaton Juan is responsible for shaping Eaton’s global strategy for powering next-generation data centers. With expertise in modularization, resilience, and electrical distribution, he focuses on helping operators scale sustainably while ensuring reliability from “onsite generation to chip.”
Relevant Links 📩 Have questions or insights? Email Elisa at ElisaWood@energychangemakers.com to keep the conversation going. Call to Action Key Topics CoveredIf you’re interested in how local energy innovations are reshaping the grid—and the future of data centers—subscribe to Energy Changemakers wherever you listen to podcasts. Leave us a review to help others discover the show, and join our newsletter community at energychangemakers.com to stay ahead of the curve. | |||
| What It Really Takes to Make a Customer-Centric Electricity System | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:24:07 | |
Guest: Bruce Nordman, Retired Research Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory After nearly 40 years at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Bruce Nordman has stepped into retirement — leaving with some big ideas about the future of our electricity system. In this episode, host Elisa Wood speaks with Bruce about the insights he’s gathered over his career and why he believes the grid has strayed from its original purpose: serving customers. Bruce argues that today’s electricity system is structured around the needs of the grid, rather than those of the consumer. He makes the case for a reimagined model—one where electricity behaves more like the internet: plug-and-play, universal, and simple for the end user. From networking electricity inside buildings to creating globally harmonized standards, Bruce shares a vision for how to make energy systems both more efficient and more customer-friendly. This conversation covers:
Bruce also shares his optimism about what lies ahead and why he believes the greatest barrier isn’t technology—it’s changing the way we think about the grid. Bruce Nordman recently retired after nearly four decades as a research scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. His work has focused on energy efficiency in electronics and IT networks, the intersection of digital technology with electricity use, and advancing standards to support smarter, more sustainable systems. His innovative thinking has shaped policy, regulation, and the way we view the customer’s role in the grid. Today, Bruce continues to consult and advocate for globally harmonized, customer-centered approaches to the electricity sector.
If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe to the Energy Changemakers Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Want to shape the dialogue on the decentralized grid? Sign up for our newsletter at energychangemakers.com. Together, we can build a grid that’s local, equitable, and clean. About the GuestResources & LinksCall to Action | |||
| Less Waste, More Productivity: An Economist’s Take on Our Energy Dilemma | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:28:52 | |
In this episode of Energy Changemakers, host Elisa Wood sits down with renowned energy economist Skip Laitner to explore the surprising ways our “stuff” — from food waste to excess parking lots — is shaping our energy use, economy, and environment. Drawing from his decades of work at the EPA, ACEEE, and beyond, Skip reframes the energy conversation from simply producing more to using resources more productively. Using vivid, household-level examples, Skip reveals how the sheer mass of human-made materials now likely outweighs all living biomass on Earth — and why that matters for energy demand. He discusses:
From the economics of waste to the scaling lessons we can learn from biology, Skip offers a big-picture view that connects our personal consumption patterns to global policy choices. If you care about making the grid cleaner, more local, and more equitable, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about where real change begins. 🔗 Download Skip’s paper Living More by Waste Than Ingenuity https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330383360_Let's_Talk_Trash_Do_We_Live_More_by_Waste_than_Ingenuity Connect + Resources
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| Is Utility Corruption Impeding Energy Innovation? | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:22:55 | |
Utility monopolies were meant to keep the lights on, but have they also opened the door to corruption that slows energy innovation? Elisa talks with Dick Munson, veteran clean-energy advocate and author of Power Corrupts, about the scandals that rocked utilities like Commonwealth Edison and FirstEnergy, why the century-old monopoly structure invites abuse, and how bribery and dark money can stall the transition to cleaner, distributed power.
Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Your favorite podcast app | |||
| Why Energy Companies Struggle To Tell Their Story | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:46:30 | |
Why do many energy companies struggle to connect with stakeholders despite strong technical credentials? Why is it so hard for them to tell their story, and what could make it easier? Elisa Wood brings together two communications experts who have helped a range of organizations find their stories: energy writer-editor Jay Hodgkins and podcast strategist Scott Smith.
Listeners come away with concise rules for subject matter experts, guidance on differentiation in crowded B2B markets, and examples of translating technical precision into benefits that matter to customers, regulators, and community leaders. The throughline is simple communication that is truthful, human and focused on outcomes.
Elisa Wood Journalist and host of Energy Changemakers. She covers distributed energy, microgrids, and the decentralized grid and leads Energy Changemakers Content Services. Jay Hodgkins Freelance energy writer and editor who helps companies translate complex energy topics into messages that customers and regulators understand. Jay and Elisa are long-time collaborators, previously at Real Energy Writers and now at Energy Changemakers. Scott Smith President and Chief Podcasting Officer at Penbury Consulting. Formerly with Gartner, where he led podcasts and moderated prospect-facing webinars. Specializes in spoken-word strategy and helping experts tell memorable stories. What You’ll Learn | |||
| What It Takes to Curb Data Center Energy Use | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:29:01 | |
Are data center forecasts overblown? Will energy efficiency trim megawatts and even gigawatts off predictions? And if so, what must data centers do to significantly curb their energy use? In this episode, host Elisa Wood talks with Mike Slevin of Fluke about what it really takes to make data centers more efficient. They discuss how small, everyday improvements in equipment performance add up to big savings, the growing role of solar and microgrids, and how the shift to DC power could change the game for the industry.
Mike Slevin is a Business Unit Manager at Fluke, a company known worldwide for its electronic test and measurement tools. Mike works with data centers and industrial clients to improve energy efficiency, safety, and reliability through better monitoring and maintenance practices. Call to Action If you found this episode helpful, follow The Energy Changemakers Podcast and leave a review. Join the conversation about grid edge innovation at EnergyChangemakers.com. Key TopicsGuest BioResources | |||
| Data Centers: Bring Your Own Capacity Instead of Building Power Plants | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:22:31 | |
In this episode, host Elisa Wood sits down with Adam Scarsella, Vice President of Digital Infrastructure Sales at Voltus, to explore a new approach to accelerating data center interconnection: Bring Your Own Capacity (BYOC). This innovative model allows hyperscalers to meet their peak energy needs not by waiting years for new power plants, but by funding a virtual power plant (VPP) built from distributed energy resources (DERs) already in the community. Elisa and Adam unpack what’s driving today’s unprecedented grid strain, why VPPs are becoming indispensable, and how BYOC flips the script—turning data centers from grid liabilities into direct contributors to local resilience. They also discuss Voltus’s evolution over the past seven years, the rapid rise of emergency dispatches across markets, and how partnerships like their work with Cloverleaf Infrastructure are shaping the next era of grid planning. If you want a front-row seat to where virtual power plants, hyperscaler load growth, and grid modernization are heading, this conversation is essential listening.
Adam explains how the company has evolved:
Adam Scarsella is the Vice President of Digital Infrastructure Sales at Voltus, a leading provider of distributed energy resource software and solutions. Over his seven years with the company, Adam has helped lead the transition from classic demand response to sophisticated virtual power plant programs serving utilities, grid operators, commercial and industrial users, and now hyperscalers seeking rapid interconnection. His work centers on using distributed energy to solve large-scale grid challenges through flexible, market-driven programs.
If you enjoyed this episode, you can also subscribe to our newsletter at energychangemakers.com and join a community working to accelerate a more local, reliable, and equitable energy future. | |||
| The Coolest Stuff Happening on the Electric Grid | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:27:36 | |
In this special crossover episode, Energy Changemakers host Elisa Wood joins Jennifer Zajac on Clean Energy Shorts to talk about the most exciting innovations reshaping the electric grid. From mega-microgrids to driveway solar, Elisa reveals what’s really happening behind the headlines—and why the clean-energy story is about more than politics. They unpack the myths driving public perception, explore new business models making microgrids affordable, and discuss why flexibility—not nuclear—defines the future of energy. The conversation also highlights inspiring examples of resilience, from Ukraine’s grid recovery efforts to local U.S. communities taking ownership of energy. This is an optimistic, insight-packed conversation that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and a more distributed, consumer-controlled grid. Episode Breakdown Introduction Elisa introduces the crossover episode and sets the stage for her discussion with Clean Energy Shorts host, Jennifer Zajac. Misconceptions About Clean Energy Why the public conversation about energy often misses the real story—and what’s actually driving today’s grid transformation. Politics and Power Elisa and Jennifer discuss the political polarization around renewables and why the market ultimately dictates the future of energy. The Coolest Innovations on the Grid From Eaton and Siemens’ large-scale modular microgrids to a family-run company developing driveway solar, Elisa shares her favorite new technologies. The Rise of the Microgrid How Hurricane Sandy, resilience needs, and entrepreneurial innovation made “microgrid” a household word—and how businesses are adopting them faster than ever. Making Microgrids Affordable The evolution of business models—like “microgrid as a service”—that make distributed energy accessible to communities and companies alike. Supply Chain Realities Elisa explains how microgrids are sidestepping the bottlenecks that plague large power plants and the transmission grid. Investment Trends Why investors remain confident in microgrids and solar despite shifting tax policies and tariffs. Why Nuclear Won’t Lead the Future A candid discussion on small modular reactors (SMRs) and why nuclear energy doesn’t fit a software-driven, flexible grid. Data Centers’ Growing Pains Inside the data-center boom: power shortages, desperate solutions, and NIMBY resistance from communities nationwide. Lessons from Ukraine What the ongoing war teaches about grid vulnerability, cascading failures, and the need for distributed, resilient systems. Footprint Project & Disaster Recovery Profiles of organizations deploying mobile solar microgrids to restore power after disasters—and what utilities can learn from them. The Next Energy Frontier: Local Control Elisa shares her excitement for community-owned solar and microgrids, and how local energy control can lower costs and increase reliability. Real Stories of Community Solar Why even the most innovative models sometimes require old-school door-knocking to make community energy projects work. Wrapping Up: Hope for the Future Elisa reflects on her new venture, Energy Changemakers, and the inspiring innovations shaping a decentralized, equitable energy landscape. Relevant Links
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| An Energy Economist on the Abundance Agenda | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:37:05 | |
Right now, the term "energy abundance" seems to be everywhere. It springs from Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's book Abundance, which argues that we have too many rules and procedures bogging down the construction of clean energy, housing, and other needed infrastructure. While the book has created debate in both the power industry and political arenas, this episode moves away from the politics of abundance to focus on the economics of abundance. Host Elisa Wood sits down with energy economist Mariko Geronimo Aydin to explore how the abundance agenda fits into an industry where markets traditionally make money via scarcity, not abundance. Mariko offers unique insights into thinking about energy abundance from an economist's perspective and shares the innovative work happening at the Earthshot Foundation through their Gridiron Dialogues. Guest Bio Mariko Geronimo Aydin is an energy economist with 20 years of experience working as a consultant to regulators, utilities, and developers across the country. She specializes in resource planning (including generation and transmission portfolios), cost-benefit analysis, market design, and incorporating resilience measures into grid planning. Currently serving as Chief Economist and Senior Fellow at the Earthshot Foundation, Mariko focuses on advancing economic frameworks that support sustainable and abundant energy systems, with recent work concentrated on California's resource planning challenges. | |||
| How to Make It Easier for American Families to Go Solar | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:24:55 | |
Rooftop solar is far more affordable in other countries than it is in the United States, and the gap has little to do with technology. In this conversation, Elisa talks with Nick Josefowitz, Chief Executive of Permit Power, about why American families pay so much more for rooftop solar and how outdated permitting, utility requirements and fragmented local rules create unnecessary barriers. Nick explains what “soft costs” are, why they account for nearly 80 percent of the cost of residential solar in the US, and how automated permitting could dramatically lower costs, reduce delays, and help millions of households save on their utility bills. They discuss state-level solutions, the potential for nationwide standardization, and the real economic benefits of making solar installation easier, faster and more predictable. If your company works in distributed energy or home electrification, this episode offers a practical look at policy tools that can expand the solar market, reduce customer churn, and support installers who are struggling under inconsistent local rules. Nick Josefowitz is the Chief Executive of Permit Power, a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to making home solar and batteries more affordable and accessible. Permit Power works to cut through the red tape that keeps installation costs high in the United States by advancing automated permitting, streamlined interconnection, and state-level policy reform. The organization conducts research, provides policy guidance, and partners with lawmakers, installers, and local governments to modernize outdated systems. Relevant Links • Permit Power: https://permitpower.org • Automated permitting resources via the SolarAPP+ initiative (DOE) • Brown University Climate Solutions Lab research on local government efficiency • Energy Changemakers community: https://energychangemakers.com Call to Action If you are an installer, developer, or policymaker working in distributed energy, Permit Power wants to hear from you. Your stories and real-world experience help shape policy solutions that make rooftop solar more accessible for every American family. Connect with Elisa and the Energy Changemakers community at energychangemakers.com and subscribe for updates, insights, and upcoming episodes. | |||
| Gigawatt-Scale Data Centers Push the Grid to Its Limits. What's the Fix? | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:34:24 | |
The explosive growth of AI training centers is creating unprecedented challenges for the electric grid. In this eye-opening conversation, Kay Aikin reveals why gigawatt-scale data centers like Stargate aren't just about needing more power—they're creating stability threats that could collapse entire grid systems. Learn why virtual power plants can't solve this problem, what new technologies are needed, and how the regulatory landscape must adapt to handle loads that can spike by several gigawatts in seconds. Key Topics
Kay Aikin is CEO of Dynamic Grid and a systems engineer specializing in electrical grid architecture. She serves on the GridWise Architecture Council and is known for her forward-thinking approach to grid transformation challenges. Kay focuses on distribution network challenges, DER integration, and holistic systems design. Elisa Wood is the host of the Energy Changemakers Podcast, which features conversations with industry leaders about building the decentralized grid. She can be reached at elisawood@energychangemakers.com. Have thoughts on this episode? Reach out to Elisa at elisawood@energychangemakers.com or use the thumbs up/down buttons to provide feedback. Listen to the Energy Changemakers Podcast on your favorite platform to stay informed about the latest developments in grid transformation and distributed energy. | |||
| The Many Ways Data Centers Try to Achieve Speed to Power | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:40:59 | |
This episode explores "speed to power" - the urgent need for data centers to access electricity quickly to support AI infrastructure growth. Anna Demeo explains why the fast-moving world of hyperscalers (Google, Meta, Microsoft) is colliding with the cautious, regulated utility industry, and what innovative solutions might bridge this gap. Guest Bio: Anna Demeo Anna Demeo, PhD is an industry executive at the intersection of energy and decarbonization with 30 years of experience integrating hardware and software to develop, commercialize, and scale sustainable energy solutions. She is the Managing Partner at Clean Tech Strategy Advisors, where she advises corporations, startups, and investors navigating the clean tech landscape. | |||
| How Microgrid Finance Suffers from Stranded Abundance | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:25:32 | |
Eliot Assimakopoulos, CEO of Realizse and former GE microgrid pioneer, discusses a critical barrier to clean energy deployment: "stranded abundance." Despite available capital and valuable incentives, friction in finance prevents these resources from connecting, limiting microgrid and DER project development. Eliot Assimakopoulos
The Stranded Abundance Problem
Historical Parallels
The Solution: Web3 and Decentralized Finance
Two Sides of Abundance
For more information, visit energychangemakers.com | |||
| Jigar Shah’s Surprising Stand on This Utility Program | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:28:14 | |
Jigar Shah is one of clean energy's most influential — and outspoken — figures. In this episode, he takes a surprising stand on a utility battery program that has the distributed energy world divided, makes the case that the solar industry is now the battery industry, and lays out a policy blueprint for new governors that starts with one bold number: cut electricity bills 20% by 2030. In this episode:
Key quote: "This solution is 90% cheaper than upgrading all the wires in Minnesota. Now we're arguing about whether this could have been 10% cheaper than the private sector solution." People and organizations discussed: Sparkfund, Xcel Energy, Generate Capital, SunEdison, Common Charge, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Tesla, Atmos Financial, DOE Loan Programs Office Resources: DOE VPP Liftoff Report (January 2025) · DOE Grid-Enhancing Technologies Liftoff Report · IEA World Energy Outlook · commoncharge.org · energychangemakers.com | |||
| How Your Home May Save the Grid | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:30:20 | |
In Episode 40, host Elisa Wood sits down with Ben Brown, CEO of Renew Home, to explore how millions of ordinary homes are being quietly transformed into virtual power plants (VPPs) — aggregated, AI-coordinated, and capable of delivering what a gas-fired peaker plant once did, at a fraction of the cost and with zero emissions. From Jimmy Carter's thermostat appeals to today's invisible, personalized energy shifting, Ben and Elisa talk about why the future of grid stability runs directly through your living room. What you'll learn:
Ben Brown built the Nest Learning Thermostat and Google Home devices before spinning out Renew Home — now North America's largest residential VPP platform — from Google in 2023. In November 2024, Renew Home announced a partnership with NRG Energy to build a 1-gigawatt AI-powered VPP in Texas. This episode is for anyone who pays an electric bill, cares about the clean energy transition, or wants to understand how the grid is actually going to keep up with exploding demand from data centers, EVs, and electrification. Subscribe to the Energy Changemakers newsletter and join the community at energychangemakers.com. | |||
| Distributed Wind’s Second Act? | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:32:43 | |
Distributed wind has long played third wheel to solar and storage — but new market conditions may be opening the door to a comeback. In this bonus episode, Elisa Wood speaks with analyst Peter Asmus about whether distributed wind can find new life in microgrids, virtual power plants (VPPs), and rural energy systems. They explore wind’s surprising early dominance in microgrids, why it lost ground to solar, and how rural co-ops, farm policy, and complementary generation profiles could bring it back into the mix. While unlikely to compete head-to-head with solar, distributed wind may play a valuable supporting role in hybrid, distributed energy systems. | |||
| What Makes A Community Microgrid Actually Work For The Community? | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:41:14 | |
According to Markus Virta, Co-Founder of Cascadia Renewables, the answer has almost nothing to do with solar panels and batteries—and everything to do with listening. In this episode, Markus—who has spent 16 years at the intersection of clean energy and Pacific Northwest policy—explains why microgrids fail when engineers lead and communities follow, and how inverting that paradigm leads to faster projects, fewer change orders, and infrastructure that communities actually use. Markus offers a template for community microgrid development and provides examples of how it has worked in real-world projects. He tells the story of the Orcas Center Microgrid (Solar Builder Magazine’s Microgrid Project of the Year): a solar-plus-storage system built for a performing arts center on Orcas Island that turned out to be the community’s real resilience hub—not the fire station, not the school, but the place where people actually gather when things go wrong. You’ll also hear about: a tribal nation moving to higher ground ahead of a looming earthquake, a rural fire district running almost entirely on diesel for 30 years, and a national museum doubling as an emergency medical equipment hub. Each project started with a community conversation, not a technical spec. Markus also breaks down Washington State’s unique policy and funding ecosystem, including its cap-and-invest program, Commerce technical assistance grants, and the emerging day-ahead market that could finally make community microgrids economically self-sustaining. And he makes the case for FERC Order 2222 as the regulatory lever that could unlock real revenue for community-owned energy assets. Subscribe to the free Energy Changemakers Newsletter and join the community at EnergyChangemakers.com | |||
| Utilities Are Warming to DERs. Thank Data Centers. | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:32:36 | |
For years, utilities and the distributed energy industry fought bitter battles over net metering, revenue erosion, and who controls the grid. Now, something has shifted. In this episode of the Energy Changemakers Podcast, host Elisa Wood sits down with Marco Krapels, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Enphase Energy, to explore a striking reversal: utilities that once viewed rooftop solar as a threat are now actively seeking out DER companies as partners. The catalyst? Data centers. The explosive growth of AI and digital infrastructure is driving electricity demand at a scale that centralized generation simply cannot meet fast enough — and utilities are starting to realize that 80 million untapped American rooftops may be part of the answer. Krapels brings both battle scars and optimism to this conversation. A former investment banker turned clean energy executive, he helped build SolarCity into the country's largest solar company and fought landmark net-metering wars in Nevada. Now, from Enphase — which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year — he describes a world where bundled, flexible distributed energy resources (solar + battery + bidirectional EV charger + smart home management) form dispatchable virtual power plants that utilities can actually rely on. And he argues it's not a future scenario. It's already happening. | |||
| Why the Microgrid Community Needs to Come Together Now | 29 May 2026 | 00:26:29 | |
Produced in partnership with Xendee, this podcast explores the market dynamics that led the company to create a free, non-commercial gathering for the microgrid industry. In their conversation, Elisa Wood and Xendee CTO Michael Stadler discuss what's been holding microgrids back from achieving their full market potential, how utilities treat them, and why data centers are opening up opportunities that are reconfiguring what microgrids look like.Called University Week, the virtual event will be held June 8-10, 2026. Sessions will focus on:—Misperceptions and limited knowledge about microgrids and DERs—Macro market challenges—Older centralized technologies and grid limitations—Fragmented market with no common voice for the industryRegistration is free: https://xendee.com/xendee-university-week?. | |||
| The Big Wide Door Opening for Biofuels | 27 May 2026 | 00:32:31 | |
What does it take to build a billion-dollar biofuels company from inside one of energy’s most durable entrepreneurial firms? Michael Bakas has spent 25 years at Ameresco — and now he’s leading Neogenyx Fuels, a new $1.8 billion joint venture with HASI. Elisa Wood of Energy Changemakers gets the full story: the cocktail-napkin founding of Ameresco, the dual energy crisis (geopolitics + AI demand), and why RNG’s global moment has arrived. Whether you work in energy development, finance, policy, or utilities — or you’re simply watching the clean energy transition unfold — this conversation is a rare look at how one company has been building the infrastructure for what now appears to be America’s biofuel moment. | |||
| Why the Microgrid Community Needs to Come Together Now | 26 May 2026 | 00:26:29 | |
Produced in partnership with Xendee, this podcast explores the market dynamics that led the company to create a free, non-commercial educational gathering for the microgrid industry. In their conversation, Elisa Wood and Xendee CTO Michael Stadler discuss what’s been holding microgrids back from achieving their full market potential, how utilities treat them, and why data centers are opening up opportunities that are reconfiguring what microgrids look like. For more information, join Xendee and Energy Changemakers at University Week, a virtual event that will be held June 8-10, 2026. Sessions will focus on:
Registration is free. https://xendee.com/xendee-university-week?utm_source=ecm | |||
| Energy Abundance From the Bottom Up | 17 May 2026 | 01:01:37 | |
This episode revisits one of the most-listened-to conversations in Energy Changemakers history—a three-way dialogue between Kay Aikin (CEO of Dynamic Grid, Maine), Lorenzo Kristov (independent grid market architect and formerly of California ISO), and Mark Paterson (Principal and Lead Systems Architect, Energy Catalyst, Australia). The original episode aired in 2024; this return engagement goes deeper, reexamining the concept of energy abundance through a more refined and urgent lens. The conversation takes direct aim at the dominant political narrative of “generate, generate, generate”—the idea that energy problems are simply solved by producing more power. The guests argue that this approach confuses quantity with quality, and supply with access. They introduce the concept of “smart abundance” versus “dumb abundance,” and make the case that a truly abundant energy future must be planned from the bottom up, starting closest to the user, not at the distant bulk power system. Ranging across economics, physics, regulatory law, and systems theory—and drawing analogies from photosynthesis to mycelial forest networks to Windows 97—the three guests explain why the current grid architecture is structurally incapable of delivering on the promise of energy abundance, and what reforms in planning, regulation, and market design would make the transformation possible. Australia’s experience with surplus renewables and minimum system demand serves as a real-world case study of what happens when abundance arrives without the right operating system to manage it. | |||
| Chaos, Meet the DER Playbook | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:33:40 | |
The Pew Charitable Trusts has released a long-awaited policy playbook for scaling distributed energy resources (DERs) across the United States. In this episode, host Elisa Wood sits down with the two co-chairs of the Pew DER Advisory Council — Audrey Zibelman and Pat Wood III — to unpack what the playbook says, why DER deployment has stalled despite a clear business case, and what policymakers can do right now to change the trajectory. The conversation moves from high-level regulatory philosophy to the practical mechanics of utility incentive design, FERC jurisdiction, virtual power plants, and the pros and cons of America's 50-state laboratory approach to energy regulation. Both guests bring decades of first-hand experience reshaping the grid — Zibelman from New York's REV framework and Australia's national DER strategy, Wood from opening the Texas and wholesale power markets. | |||
| Microgrids Are a Goldmine for Grid Operators — They Just Don't Know It Yet | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:24:08 | |
The US grid is under pressure — surging demand from data centers, EVs, and industrial expansion is forcing expensive infrastructure upgrades. But what if a significant share of that relief could come for free? In this bonus episode, Elisa Wood sits down with Vincent Petit, SVP of Climate and Energy Transition Research at the Schneider Electric Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), to explore a provocative finding from the institute's latest research: when building owners invest in microgrids to optimize their own financial returns, the grid benefits as a byproduct — at zero marginal cost to grid operators. The research, spanning five commercial building types and 13 geographies worldwide, finds that microgrids can deliver 20–40% power headroom recovery on average, with some configurations reaching 60%. And in 80% of modeled scenarios, the building owner achieves payback in under ten years — meaning the grid gets relief without spending a dollar. This conversation reframes microgrids not as niche resilience tools, but as a scalable, privately financed mechanism for managing the coming demand surge — if the price signals are right. | |||