The Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast: Recent Episodes
NC Sustainable Energy Association
Welcome to the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, a fresh take on North Carolina’s evolving clean energy policy landscape. Covering technologies such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biogas, electric vehicles, battery storage, and the whole nine yards. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele on behalf of NC Sustainable Energy Association.
On episode 132 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Stephanie Gagnon-Rodriguez from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) about their recently released domestic battery supply chain policy roadmap. Stephanie outlines a series of policy recommendations for federal policymakers and state legislatures, along with steps the industry itself should take to expand domestic manufacturing. Given the prominent role batteries are set to play over the coming decade, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Additional Resources:C2ES Critical Battery Materials Supply Chain Policy Roadmap: https://bit.ly/4wqY7zu Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On episode 131 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with a former regulator about the rising costs of electricity and the impacts on ratepayers across the country. We spend time digging in to the reasons behind rising electricity rates, along with some of the strategies public utility commissions can take to slow those rising costs. This episode features a conversation with Tremaine Phillips, an Advisor to PowerLines, President of Third Coast Strategies, and former Commissioner at the Michigan Public Service Commission. Additional Resources from this episode:PowerLines Utility Bills are Rising Report: https://bit.ly/4eRnSCENorth Carolina Legislation to Address Rising Fuel Costs: https://bit.ly/4yexMGg Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 130 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we’re taking some time to digest the comprehensive piece of energy legislation that made its way through the NC General Assembly in 2025, and what it means for the future of our electricity (and electricity prices) in the state. We’re joined by Justin Somelofske of NCSEA and Will Scott of EDF to break down NC’s Senate Bill 266. More information on Senate Bill 266: https://www.energync.org/north-carolina-senate-bill-266/Economic Impact of Senate Bill 266: https://www.energync.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025.7.24_Economic-Impacts-of-SB266-Memo.pdfRatepayer Impacts of Senate Bill 266: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-ZU9hz-hVh2gWopla5R1WdHN5uLiEI6L/viewPresented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele),
We’re now more than a year removed from North Carolina’s worst natural disaster in history. On this episode, we are joined by Will Heegaard from Footprint Project and Sara Nichols from Land of Sky Regional Council. As the state continues to recover, we talk about the role that microgrids have played in bringing power to vulnerable populations, and the continued investments necessary to help the region fully recover. We also highlight the state’s $5 million investment in permanent and mobile microgrid solutions for western and eastern North Carolina. Make sure to give this episode a listen to hear more about the life-saving impacts of technologies like solar and battery storage. Footprint Project Beehive Microgrids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_apblwKhOA State Energy Office Microgrid Investment: https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/08/12/north-carolina-launches-clean-energy-microgrid-initiative-boost-disaster-resilience Microgrid Interest Form (For Potential Site Hosts in NC): https://footprintproject.jotform.com/form/250285897063163Vendor Registration Form: https://footprintproject.jotform.com/252294035063957 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele), produced by Taylor Wanbaugh.
On episode 128 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we’re turning back the clock to go back to the news of a little bit earlier this summer with the reconciliation bill. On this episode we’re spending time with the CEO of Rewiring America to talk specifically about the impacts to residential household electrification and what the US needs to do to keep the downward pressure on technology and installation costs to continue seeing widespread deployment post-25D and 25C. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited by Yash Mistry. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @nccleanenergy.
On episode 127 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Jeremy Kalin, Attorney at Law, at Avisen Legal, and Albert Lin, Consultant with Gizmo Global. We discussed fuel costs and the current regulatory structure that allows utilities to pass along 100% of the cost of the fuels that go in to powering natural gas and coal generation facilities. We also took a closer look at the concept of fuel cost risk sharing and the current model in North Carolina.Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited by Yash Mistry. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @nccleanenergy.Link to AMPlify Appalachia tickets: http://wncconcert.com/
Episode 126 of the Squeaky Clean Energy podcast features a live recording from the 2025 State Energy Conference. This year, we feature a panel with a few of the region’s energy leaders: * Bill Malcolm, AARP, Government Affairs Director - Utilities Lon Huber, Duke Energy Corporation, Senior Vice President, Pricing and Customer Solutions Lakin Garth, Smart Electric Power Alliance, Senior Director, Grid Strategy Matthew Winslow, NC General Assembly, Representative Jeremy Keltner, Novo Nordisk, Project Manager - Industrial SymbiosisWe discuss the fast-changing conversations around load growth and the impacts that meeting demand could have on all customer classes, and the strategies necessary to help ensure we’re maintaining affordable electricity rates in North Carolina. Federal energy tax credit defense action alert: https://p2a.co/wjhjnqx Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited by Yash Mistry. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @nccleanenergy.
On episode 125 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Tim Echols, a commissioner at the Georgia Public Service Commission. We discussed topics like load growth and data centers, new electricity generation, including the Vogtle Nuclear plant, and the role that clean energy plays in meeting new electricity demand in the state. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited by Yash Mistry. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @nccleanenergy.
On episode 124 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Josh Kaplowitz, a lawyer at Troutman Pepper Locke focusing on regulatory, policy, contractual, and litigation matters related to offshore wind and renewable energy. We discussed recent wind energy federal executive actions, what impacts they have on current projects under development, and what’s likely to shake out as time goes on for this resource that’s integral to meeting future load growth in the electricity sector. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited and produced by Taylor Wanbaugh.Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @nccleanenergy.
On episode 123, we feature a conversation with Clinton Britt and Eric Fins of Grove Climate Group to talk about recent changes in the federal government and how these changes will impact clean energy policy in the country. Britt and Fins provide additional background on the current makeup of the U.S. House and Senate, energy-related changes at the federal level, and energy priorities we can expect to hear about in the future. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited and produced by Taylor Wanbaugh. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @nccleanenergy.
On episode 122, we feature a conversation with Heather Patti of Montrose Environmental to talk about solar permitting and development best practices in the era of rapid clean energy proliferation throughout the country. Heather shares some insights on agrivoltaics, surveys and permitting, and some of her most interesting experiences from the field. If large-scale clean energy development and deployment is up your alley, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited and produced by Taylor Wanbaugh. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 121 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Mark Duda, a board member of Solar United Neighbors, about the benefits of virtual power plant programs across the country. We outline what defines a virtual power plant program, the successful characteristics of a VPP program, and also dig in to the model VPP tariff developed by Solar United Neighbors. Additional Resources:Solar United Neighbors VPP Model Tariff: http://bit.ly/4gRl2eYCanary Media Story on VPPs: https://bit.ly/4gujNT8NCSEA’s End of Year Fundraising Campaign: https://www.energync.org/2024-annual-giving-campaign-2 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 120 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Nick Jimenez of the Southern Environmental Law Center, Casey Collins from Duke University, and Lucas Grimes from the Center for Resource Solutions about the recently approved Green Source Advantage Choice customer clean energy program in North Carolina. These experts break down the details of this large customer program, along with some of its shortcomings that may lead to low or no uptake.Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 119, Justin Somelofske, Senior Regulatory Counsel at NCSEA helps to break down the NC Utilities Commission’s 2024 Carbon Plan Order. We dive in and talk about the new generation resource additions, implications of the order, and what’s to come next on the path to deploying these resources. This is a can’t miss episode if you’re interested in the future of electricity generation in North Carolina.Additional Resources:2024 Carbon Plan Order: https://bit.ly/3YDu9ZlWFAE Coverage of the CPIRP: https://bit.ly/4eqKF4KNCSEA’s Summary of Carbon Plan Proceedings: https://energync.org/carbon-plan/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 118 of the podcast, we’re joined by Tyler Norris, James B. Duke Fellow and PhD student at Duke University’s Nicholas School for the Environment. Tyler talks interconnection and the challenges experienced by utility-scale renewable developers across the country. We also dive into some potential solutions to expedite deployment of low-cost renewable solutions in order to meet decarbonization mandates. Additional Resources: Flexible Interconnection Report and News Story: https://bit.ly/3UpwVjqWestern North Carolina Clean Energy Relief Efforts: https://energync.org/disaster-relief-fund/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 117 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, Zoe Gamble from CleanChoice Energy joins to talk about retail choice electricity markets across the country. We cover how these markets operate and how customers are electing more and more to consumer electricity from clean resources. Tune in to hear about how retail choice is helping to drive down utility rates, while accelerating decarbonization.Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 116 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Richard Bunch and Win Dale from Apex Clean Energy about the Timbermill Wind Project currently under construction in Chowan County, NC. Once completed, this 45-turbine project will have a total capacity of 189MW, enough to power 47,000 homes every year. This project will not only add clean electrons to the grid, but it will also drive significant economic benefits to Eastern North Carolina as the largest taxpayer in Chowan County. Additional Resources:Timbermill Wind: https://www.timbermillwind.com/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On this episode, we’re talking with Brett Henderson, CEO of SolarPanelRecycling.com, about solar module end of life and solar farm decommissioning. We’ll dive in to the process of recycling solar modules and the facilities in place across the country equipped to handle these modules.Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 114 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with an expert on land use and zoning to talk about solar farm development across the state of North Carolina. Tom Terrell of Fox Rothschild breaks down the benefits that solar brings to farmers across the state with the unique perspective of being a farmer himself. Additional Resources:NCSEA Increased NC County Tax Revenue from Solar Development Report: https://bit.ly/3WlR2z8 NCSEA NC Solar Land Use and Agriculture Report: bit.ly/3WB2Xe1Northampton Enacts Solar Farm Moratorium: bit.ly/3WzmJqiPresented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
For Episode 113 we talk with John Larson of Dominion Energy about the development efforts currently underway on the 176 turbine, 2.6GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project. John shares how this project has fueled significant economic development in the region while helping the utility diversify their generation portfolio and save on fuel costs.Additional Resources:NCSEA/CICE CVOW Tour: https://www.chambersforinnovation.com/insights/dominion-osw-tour Dominion Acquires Kitty Hawk North: https://prn.to/3W0KHch BOEM Greenlights Additional Leasing Areas: https://bit.ly/45YmOH0 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On this episode, Justin Somelofske shares the details of NCSEA’s expert testimony filed in the 2024 Carbon Plan (CPIRP) proceedings with a focus on generation resources that require longer development timelines. In particular, Justin outlines the need for expedited offshore wind development activities in the state, along with the need for authorization of funding for early development of these facilities in NC’s current wind leasing areas. This is a can’t miss episode to stay up to date with the latest happenings in the 2024 CPIRP proceedings. Additional Resources:More details on Carbon Plan proceedings: https://energync.org/carbon-plan/ Energy News Network CPIRP Coverage: https://bit.ly/3xLSZg2 NCSEA’s Testimony on Long Lead Resources: https://bit.ly/4bk3epJPresented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On Episode 111, Katie Southworth of the Clean Energy Buyers Association and John Burns of the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association join the podcast to highlight the current demand for clean energy by large commercial utility customers across the state of North Carolina and the current lack of available programs to serve that demand. We also talk about the current state of Duke Energy’s Green Source Advantage program, data centers, and the importance of reliability for businesses in NC.Additional Resources:NCUC Green Source Advantage (GSA) Docket: https://bit.ly/3Rth4iF Energy News Network Story on GSA: https://bit.ly/3VK3D0h Clean Energy Buyers Institute Report: https://bit.ly/3XpvSTgClean Energy Buyers Association: https://cebuyers.org/ Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association: https://carolinasceba.com/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On Episode 110, Rob Gramlich of Grid Strategies LLC helps us breakdown FERC Order 1920 and what it means for transmission planning across the country. In particular, we talk through how this order may accelerate renewable deployment and what it may mean for utilities in the Carolinas like Duke Energy. We also cover the procedural process and when the order may go into full effect. Additional Resources:FERC Order 1920 Fact Sheet: bit.ly/3R5VuAsRMI FERC Order 1920 Overview: bit.ly/3yGzkhNGrid Strategies LLC: https://gridstrategiesllc.com/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On Episode 109, we’re bringing you the live keynote conversation from the 2024 State Energy Conference focused on distributed energy resources in North Carolina. On this live episode we feature a panel of experts that break down the current state of behind the meter resources and the opportunities that lie ahead with new incentive programs like PowerPair and Solar for All. Tune in to hear from Caitlin Vincent of the Solar Energy Industries Association, Shelley Robbins of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and Hannah Elliott of Renu Energy Solutions. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On Episode 108, we’re talking about a topic that has become more prevalent as residential solar has taken off across the country - consumer protection. As the industry grows and matures, it’s incredibly important that the clean energy ecosystem is focused on protecting and educating consumers to help them make well-informed, financially advantageous decisions. On this episode, Amir Yazdi from the Solar Energy Industries Association shares some resources their association has put together for installers and customers alike, and Stew Miller from Yes Solar Solutions shares some of their keys to success in being a highly reputable local installer. Additional resources from today’s episode: SEIA Solar Consumer Protection Resources: https://www.seia.org/initiatives/consumer-protection NC Consumer Guide to Solar Electricity: https://www.ncsolarconsumerguide.com/ NCSEA Solar Code of Conduct: https://energync.org/solarcode/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On Episode 107, Jen Banks, Permitting & Development Director for TotalEnergies joins the podcast to talk about offshore wind development efforts currently underway in the state of North Carolina and the importance of the Carbon Plan proceedings to determining how future investments could continue to play out moving forward. We talk at length about TotalEnergies’ offshore wind projects further in the development pipeline in the Northeast and how they are already paying significant dividends to local communities through jobs and investments, and how North Carolina can capitalize on that same success with regulatory certainty to help attract a thriving, robust offshore wind supply chain. Additional resources from today’s episode: Carolina Long Bay Leasing Area: https://carolinalongbay.com/TotalEnergies: https://corporate.totalenergies.us/windSoutheastern Wind Coalition Resource on NC OSW: https://bit.ly/4aIKxg9 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On Episode 106, we talk with Don Moreland of the Georgia Solar Energy Association about everything taking place at the Georgia legislature and Public Services Commission. For clean energy policy aficionados, this is a can’t miss episode as we talk about community solar, solar consumer protections, integrated resource planning, and economic development. Additional resources from today’s episode: Georgia Solar Energy Association: https://www.gasolar.org/Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On Episode 105, we talk with Chris Carmody of the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association about the current legislative session in South Carolina and what it means for energy in the state moving forward. In particular, there are a few significant pieces of legislation they’re tracking related to new natural gas assets and a bill focused on carrying forward the conversation on market reform. Additional resources from today’s episode: Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association: https://carolinasceba.com/ SC’s Ten Year Energy Transformation Act: https://bit.ly/4c4dRi0 SELC Statement on SC Market Reform Bill: bit.ly/3vaRBCmPresented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On Episode 104, we talk to Blair St. Olson-Ledger from Climate Cabinet Action about the legislative session currently underway in Virginia. In particular, we dive into the significant number of clean energy related bills that have been introduced this session and the potential impact they’d have moving forward. Additional resources from today’s episode: Shared Solar Bills in Virginia: bit.ly/4bNqFZUClimate Cabinet Action: https://climatecabinet.org/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On Episode 103, we talk with Graham Alexander of Southern Energy Management about the recently approved PowerPair solar and storage incentive pilot program. We dive into the details of the incentives, timing, and program capacity. Make sure to tune in for can’t miss details of this new monumental program here in North Carolina.Additional resources from today’s episode: NCSEA’s Clean Energy in the Mountains: https://bit.ly/3Uwk14hSEM’s Webpage on PowerPair: https://bit.ly/3SxAiDl Duke Energy’s PowerPair Webpage: bit.ly/3SAQ7JjPresented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
Now that 2024 is underway, we’re joined by the policy team at NCSEA to talk about what’s in store for the year ahead. On this episode we’re joined by Cassie Gavin, Ethan Blumenthal, Justin Somelofske, and Michael Fairrington, who all recap some of the top moments of 2023 and highlight the potential opportunities over the course of the next 365 days. If North Carolina energy policy is important to you, then this episode is a can’t miss.Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
We're bringing back an episode from 2021 featuring North Carolina's role in the energy storage supply chain highlighting the Western part of the state's spodumene resources. We also briefly touch on the recently approved PowerPair solar and storage incentive approved by the NCUC. The order can be found here: https://bit.ly/3O3wjNwWe’re kicking off a mini-series focused on North Carolina’s role in the storage industry, starting from supply-chain, then highlighting research and innovation, and finishing off with markets and policy. On this episode, we’re highlighting the supply chain of storage and batteries here in North Carolina. We sit down and talk with Brian Risinger of Piedmont Lithium to highlight western North Carolina’s spodumene resource – a mineral used to make lithium ion batteries. We’ll talk about the process of extracting and refining this resource, along with the advantages of onshoring this industry that’s so important to the future of electric vehicles and storage.On this episode we also provide some short highlights from the NC legislative session to date and bills introduced. We also briefly touch on the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack.To wrap us up, Daniel Pate, NCSEA’s Energy Program Manager takes us on another virtual tour of installed clean energy projects on the NC Solar Traveler. On today’s episode we’re focused on Hertford and Northampton counties.Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On Episode 101, we’re joined by the top official at North Carolina’s leading economic development arm, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, to talk about recent clean energy investment announcements, the reasons that make the state so attractive to outside businesses, and what’s in our pipeline for future investments. Additionally, Chris Chung shares why energy is such an important part of the conversation when recruiting new businesses to the state. This is an episode you won’t want to miss to finish out 2023.Additional resources from today’s episode: NCSEA’s End of Year Campaign: https://energync.org/2023-annual-giving-campaign/ EDPNC: https://edpnc.com/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On Episode 100, we’re joined by three innovative leaders who talk about the power of inclusive utility investment and how this can be a tool for transformation in communities of most need across the country. We’re joined by Dr. Holmes Hummel of Clean Energy Works, Marshall Cherry of Roanoke Cooperative, and Claire Williamson of the NC Justice Center, who each outline what the NC Utilities Commission recent order authorizing a statewide tariffed on-bill program could mean for NC. Join us in celebrating this monumental decision and 100 episodes of the podcast. Additional resources from today’s episode: NCSEA’s End of Year Campaign: https://energync.org/2023-annual-giving-campaign/ NCUC Order on TOB: https://starw1.ncuc.gov/NCUC/ViewFile.aspx?Id=c1010fb1-05a9-4c60-a4a7-4a2d3a38e465 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On this bonus episode, we’re bringing you Governor Roy Cooper’s speech from NCSEA’s recent Making Energy Work conference which took place November 2-3 in Raleigh. In this speech, Governor Cooper reflects on the transformational progress that has already been made to recruit billions of dollars of clean energy investments to the state, while reemphasizing the statutory requirements to reduce carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 70% by 2030. Presented by the NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On this bonus episode, we’re joined by Zach Amittay, Southeast Advocate at E2, to discuss the latest results of North Carolina’s annual clean jobs report and how the state continues to see year over year growth in this incredibly strong sector of the economy. We break down the latest numbers, while also diving into the some of the policies fueling the growth, including the Inflation Reduction Act. Additional resources from today’s episode: E2’s IRA Announcement Tracker: https://e2.org/announcements/ Presented by the NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
In the last episode before #100, we’re joined by the team at the NC Clean Energy Fund, who share how they’re positioning North Carolina to take advantage of the significant federal clean energy investments to further accelerate the energy transition here in the region. Specifically, Jen Weiss and Melissa Malkin-Weber talk to us about programs like Solar for All and how they’re partnering with financial institutions across the state to ensure families from all walks of life have the opportunity to invest and participate in the clean energy economy.Additional resources from today’s episode: Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.comSolar for All: https://bit.ly/3LCP9tENC Clean Energy Fund: https://www.nccleanenergyfund.com/ This episode is brought to you by Solarize the Triangle: https://bit.ly/3NRPoRL Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
In August 2023, Duke Energy filed their proposal for the next iteration of the Carbon Plan, also known as the CPIRP. We’re joined by Katharine Kollins of the Southeastern Wind Coalition, Steve Levitas of Pine Gate Renewables, and Dave Rogers of the Sierra Club, who break down the filing and share what it means for short- and long-term clean energy deployment in the state. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Additional resources from today’s episode: Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.comDuke Energy’s 2023 Carbon Plan Filing: bit.ly/45TVXuyThis episode is brought to you by Solarize the Triangle: https://bit.ly/3NRPoRL Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
Caitlin Marquis of Advanced Energy United joins this episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast to share the details of FERC Order 2023 and how it sets out to untangle the backlog of renewable projects in interconnection queues. Specifically, we talk about how the order outlines a new ‘cluster study’ approach to speed up studying grid impacts for proposed projects. Should the order move forward with implementation, it’ll address one of the many barriers the country is facing with interconnection and transmission – an important topic of conversation for expediting clean energy deployment.
Additional resources from today’s episode: Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com NC Building Code Update: https://bit.ly/44hJ3Fz FERC Order 2023: https://bit.ly/3YKI67x NCUC Duke Energy Carolinas Interconnection Report: https://bit.ly/45Fivir NCUC Duke Energy Progress Interconnection Report: https://bit.ly/3PaCqR9 Duke University Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability Report on FERC Order 2023: https://bit.ly/47KkpQC
This episode is brought to you by Solarize the Triangle: https://bit.ly/3NRPoRL
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 96, we’re joined by Susannah Tuttle and Ren Martin of North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light to talk about the role that communities of faith play in advancing the clean energy transition in the state of North Carolina. In the conversation, we talk about the issues they’re tracking and advocating for including solar rebates, building codes, and church-specific rate structures with Duke Energy. In addition, we highlight the fact that many houses of worship across the state have also invested themselves in clean energy with their own solar installations.
Additional resources from today’s episode: Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com Houses of worship across the state with solar: bit.ly/3QFvmgl
This episode is brought to you by Solarize the Triangle: https://bit.ly/3NRPoRL
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 95, we’re joined by Maia Hutt of the Southern Environmental Law Center to break down the latest status of the Southeast Energy Exchange Market in light of a recent appeals court ruling. What does this ruling mean for SEEM moving forward? Tune in to hear what the future looks like for this trading market in the southeast.
Additional resources from today’s episode: Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com Solar Surpasses Coal Generation: https://bit.ly/3rOG8Xm
This episode is brought to you by Solarize the Triangle: https://bit.ly/3NRPoRL
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 94, we’re joined by an icon of the sustainability and clean energy movement – legendary author, organizer, and educator Bill McKibben. You’ve probably followed his work starting with his book The End of Nature, and most recently as the founder of Third Act.
In our conversation, we cover the challenges currently standing in the way of the clean energy transition from ‘regulatory capture’ to local opposition of projects like wind and solar. But fortunately, these challenges have solutions. Tune in to hear how Bill envisions the clean energy future playing out and what it means for North Carolina.
Additional resources from today’s episode: Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com Latest Updates on HB488: https://bit.ly/46O4ArD Third Act: https://thirdact.org/
This episode is brought to you by Solarize the Triangle: https://bit.ly/3NRPoRL
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 93, we’re joined by two experts who have been at the intersection of energy efficiency, building codes, and policy for quite some time. Julie Robinson of Robinson Consulting Group and Rob Howard of Howard Building Science share the latest on efforts to update NC’s significantly outdated residential energy efficiency standards and how those updates could save homeowners some serious cash. We’ll also hear about efforts at the NC General Assembly to stall updates to the code until 2031. Tune in to hear how the saga is playing out and how you can get involved.
Additional resources from today’s episode: Current NC Codes: https://bit.ly/3CNjh0h HB 488 Action Alert: https://bit.ly/42Mcvn4 Latest Building Code Council News: https://bit.ly/3XiELf4
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
Ever since the $8.5 Billion VC Sumner nuclear plant failure in South Carolina, the region has been exploring ways to better protect ratepayers from utility overreach and unchecked spending. This led to the introduction and passage of a bill in SC to study the benefits of market reform for the state. And the results are in…South Carolina ratepayers could save upwards of $360M a year by joining a regional wholesale market.
Earlier this year, NC experienced our own utility challenges with Winter Storm Elliott, which knocked out power to more than 500k customers. These reliability concerns led to the NC General Assembly introducing our own version of a study bill to explore potential savings and reliability improvements that would come with alternative market structures. In fact, some third parties already authored a study that showed NC could save nearly $593M/year by joining an RTO market.
On this episode, we discuss the latest developments on related to market reform in the southeast and the potential benefits it could bring to ratepayers. We’re joined by Chris Carmody of the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Alliance and Reese Rogers of the Clean Energy Buyers Association who break down the latest!
Additional resources from today's episode: SC Brattle Study: bit.ly/43LShtR NC Brattle Study: bit.ly/42tAaHU
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On this episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we’re back and in action at the 2023 State Energy Conference. In this live recording, we host a conversation with some of the leading influencers in the electric transportation sector to cover all angles of the federal investments being made via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. The keynote plenary panel conversation features Dr. Shelley Francis of EVNoire, Walter Thorn of ChargerHelp!, and Richard Ezike of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. Tune in to this conversation to hear how the public and private sectors are combining forces to ensure we map out an equitable and accessible electric transportation future. Additional resources from today’s episode: NEM Extension Order: https://bit.ly/3IkBaH4HB 488 Action Alert: https://bit.ly/42Mcvn4NC NEVI Plan: https://bit.ly/3o5PI6L Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
Just a few weeks ago, the NC Utilities Commission (NCUC) issued a long-awaited order determining the future of rooftop solar compensation in North Carolina. The order comes after a large group of settling parties, including utilities, solar installers, and clean energy advocates, filed multiple compromise agreements in 2021/2022 to determine a path forward for rooftop solar in the state. Taylor Jones (NC Sustainable Energy Association), Will Giese (Solar Energy Industries Association), Lon Huber (Duke Energy), and Bob Kingery (Southern Energy Management) join the podcast to discuss the order and how it’s set to transform the industry moving forward. Additional resources from today’s episodes:NC Utilities Commission Order: https://bit.ly/3AW5DHCNCSEA’s Blog on 2023 Net Metering Updates: https://bit.ly/44wPu92 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @Matt Abele)
NASCAR driver and sports icon Leilani Münter joins the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast to talk about her commitment to clean energy and how she’s used her vehicles as a platform to promote solar over the years! In this episode, we talk about her career as a high-speed professional, and as a star on the silver screen. We also dive into her own experience with EVs and solar right here in the Carolinas. Tune in to hear how this icon has helped to transform public perception around clean energy and what she’s doing next!Additional resources from today’s episode: State Energy Conference: https://www.ncenergyconference.com/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
The NC Governor’s Office just released their Deep Decarbonization Pathways Analysis which outlines potential strategies that the state can adopt to reach carbon neutrality across the economy by 2050. In this episode, we sit down with Zach Pierce, Senior Advisor for Climate Change Policy for Governor Roy Cooper, to discover the interplay between emissions reductions efforts in electricity, transportation, and harder-to-abate sectors. Equipped with the latest standards and scenarios, the report gives a better understanding of the progress we’ve made and recommends how NC can achieve the Governor’s goals moving forward. Deep Decarbonization Pathways Analysis: https://bit.ly/3nlcruNPresented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On one of our shorter episodes of the podcast, we travel out to Pembroke, NC to learn more about a commercial PV system installed for the Lumbee Regional Development Association. Eagle Solar & Light, along with Sunwealth, put together a financial package for the non-profit, allowing them to install the solar system with no upfront costs via a monthly lease. Learn more about why solar leasing hasn’t taken off yet in North Carolina and what the loss of the Duke Energy rebate program means for disadvantaged communities. What unrealized benefits do scalable solar leasing models offer marginalized communities across state? Tune in to find out!Building Code Council Meeting: https://bit.ly/3wT2ztDSouth Carolina RTO Study: https://bit.ly/3T3dCKXDuke Rate Increase Proposal: https://bit.ly/3J3DimfPresented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On the latest episode of the podcast, we sit down with Ben Catt, CEO of Pine Gate Renewables to talk about the secret sauce of scaling a clean energy business. We cover the company’s success along the way, some of the unforeseen challenges, and how the clean energy market as a whole has changed over the past 10 years. The conversation also covers the intersection of policy, business model, and timing as crucial factors to growing a leading clean energy company.
Imagine a future where EVs can travel 50% further with batteries that are cheaper than they are today. What if that future was being led by research and development stemming out of North Carolina? Well that’s exactly what we’re covering on this episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, where we feature an interview with Dr. Glen Merfeld, Chief Technology Officer with Albemarle. Tune in to hear about the exciting investments they’re making right here in North Carolina, and the innovations they have in store for the next generation of storage technologies. Additional resources from today’s episode: Albemarle Technology Park Announcement: https://prn.to/3DD56vINCSEA’s CLE Event: https://bit.ly/3joHgfSBuilding Code Council Meeting: https://bit.ly/3wT2ztDCustomer Clean Energy Programs Filed: https://bit.ly/3l5ZCmO Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 84, we’re highlighting what really happened during Winter Storm Elliott, which led to millions of customers without power across the southeast. Despite some who were quick to blame renewables, the outages actually were caused by natural gas and coal plants, forecasting miscalculations, and issues importing power from neighboring states. We talk with Simon Mahan of the Southern Renewable Energy Association about what really happened and what can be done in the future to prevent similar outages from occurring. Additional resources from today’s episode: NCSEA’s CLE Event: https://bit.ly/3joHgfSWinter Storm Elliott Coverage: https://bit.ly/3wgnUgoSouthern Renewable Energy Association: https://www.southernrenewable.org/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
Episode 83 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast is the episode you’ve been waiting for. The Carbon Plan order from the NC Utilities Commission is finally here and we’re diving into all the details. How does it compare to what advocates asked for? Does it set us on a path to 2030 emissions reduction compliance? Does this mean more fossil generation in North Carolina? All your questions and more answered by Tyler Norris of Cypress Creek Renewables, Taylor Jones of NCSEA, and Ben Smith of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton. Additional resources from today’s episode: NC Utilities Commission Carbon Plan Order: https://bit.ly/3GiiMwESELC/NCSEA Press Release on Carbon Plan Order: https://bit.ly/3i9OyUACarbon Plan Analysis from CPSA: https://bit.ly/3QFOcSkNCSEA’s Carbon Plan Webinar: https://bit.ly/3XyQZiNPresented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
The first episode of 2023 features a conversation with Shakaya Cooper, Program Associate at Generation180. We delve into findings from the organization’s recent report ‘North Carolina Drives Electric 2022’ to highlight consumer readiness for EVs across the state. In fact, over half of North Carolinians are likely to consider an EV for their next vehicle, getting us one step closer to Governor Cooper’s goal of 1.25 million EVs on the road by 2030. Tune in to learn more about the report, effective mechanisms to incentivize EV adoption, and the many benefits that transportation electrification offers our state moving forward.Generation180’s North Carolina Drives Electric Report: https://bit.ly/3QfjRdlNC Utilities Commission Carbon Plan Order: https://bit.ly/3GiiMwESELC/NCSEA Press Release on Carbon Plan Order: https://bit.ly/3i9OyUADuke Energy’s Rolling Blackouts: https://bit.ly/3ZaRW23NCSEA’s CLE Event: https://bit.ly/3joHgfSPresented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On the final episode of the year, we are joined by Sagarika Subramanian, Senior Research Analyst at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). She shares results from the most recent report card on North Carolina’s energy efficiency efforts and discusses the common threads of top performing states. Our conversation covers the latest in energy efficiency trends and the roles that policy, building codes, utility market structure, and equity play for national leaders in the space. Tune in to learn how North Carolina stacks up and discover ways that we can improve moving forward.Additional resources from today’s episode: NC Utilities Commission Carbon Plan Docket: https://bit.ly/3WiwPciNCSEA’s CLE Event: https://bit.ly/3joHgfSPast Clean Energy Champions Episodes: https://bit.ly/3WxY1ng, https://bit.ly/3VpHFwcClean Energy Champions Event Winners: https://bit.ly/3FPIZCHACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard: https://bit.ly/3WjlSrdNorth Carolina’s Scorecard: https://bit.ly/3G8jjCD Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On the 80th episode of the podcast, we bring on Wall Street Journal Reporter Katherine Blunt to unearth the issues that arise when a utility neglects grid maintenance and community resilience in pursuit of profits. On this episode we cover how a series of regulatory and corporate missteps led to the deadliest wildlife in California’s history. We then contextualize this situation for the grid and energy system in North Carolina and the southeast, and talk more about our own challenges with increasingly severe flooding and hurricanes.
Additional resources from today’s episode:
2022 North Carolina Clean Jobs Report: https://bit.ly/3h9D3M7 Governor Cooper’s EO 271: https://bit.ly/3U0R3WV NC MHD MOU: https://bit.ly/3t0rh9i WFAE Story on EO271 and NC’s Advanced Clean Trucks Rule: https://bit.ly/3sW3lE8
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
Earlier this fall, we headed down to Atlanta for the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (SEEA) Southeast Energy Summit to delve into the complexities of distributing funds from the IRA, environmental and housing justice, and considerations for overarching systemic change. In this live-recorded conversation, we are joined by Joe Gehrdes, Director of Community Relations for Huntsville Utilities, and Odetta MacLeish-White, Director of Georgia Initiatives at the Center for Community Progress, to discuss solutions to these pressing issues. Check out this episode to learn more about the importance of equitably engaging with historically disadvantaged communities and how to effectively address the energy burden in the southern US and beyond.
Additional resources from today’s episode:
Making Energy Work (Oct. 25-27, 2022): https://www.makingenergywork.com/ Huntsville Utilities: https://www.hsvutil.org/ Center for Community Progress: https://communityprogress.org/
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On this episode, Justin Gillis of The New York Times and Hal Harvey of Energy Innovation talk about their new book, The Big Fix: 7 Practical Steps to Save Our Planet. In the conversation, the authors highlight inspirational carbon emission reduction stories at the state and local level and ways in which clean energy solutions can transcend political divide. We also discuss the interplay of the seven areas most critical to focus carbon cutting efforts — electricity, transportation, buildings, industry, urbanization, use of land, and investment. Tune in to hear these stories and how they offer comprehensive, scalable strategies for clean energy policy in North Carolina!
Additional resources from today’s episode:
The Big Fix: 7 Practical Steps to Save Our Planet by Hal Harvey and Justin Gillis: https://bit.ly/3Svrnk0 Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com NCUC Carbon Plan Proceedings: https://bit.ly/3dPhLlt
Episode presented by: https://kilpatricktownsend.com/
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele).
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 77, Representative John Szoka reflects on his time in the NC General Assembly and how clean energy has become a staple of his legacy in the state. We talk through his journey from being a non-supporter to strong supporter of clean energy technology and the important role it plays in the generation mix to ensure reliability while keeping prices low. We also talk about the path both HB589 and HB951 took to receive the Governor’s signature. Tune in to find out what’s next for Representative John Szoka!
Additional resources from today’s episode:
Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com
Episode presented by: https://kilpatricktownsend.com/
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On the latest episode, we’re joined by a group of carbon plan intervenors who discuss more cost-effective pathways to achieving meaningful emissions reductions in North Carolina. Tyler Norris of Cypress Creek Renewables, David Neal of the Southern Environmental Law Center, and Adrienne Mouton-Henderson of the Clean Energy Buyers Association break down why Duke Energy’s proposed carbon plan doesn’t go far enough. Further, our guests talk about the importance of proactive transmission planning and large customer renewable programs, as well as the cost-effectiveness of clean energy as compared to other generation sources.
Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com Synapse Carbon Plan: https://bit.ly/3cqmBVO Brattle Group Study: https://bit.ly/3CurVSG CEBA Carbon Plan Comments: https://bit.ly/3R6hE3i
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
In episode 75, Bob Keefe, Executive Director of E2, joins us to talk about the exciting news of the week – the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. In our conversation, we break down what’s in the bill for clean energy, while contextualizing how this investment would further increase the number of jobs in the clean energy sector across the country. Speaking of jobs – we hit on the National Clean Jobs Report released last week to highlight the year over year job growth coming out of the pandemic.
Additional resources from today’s episode:
NC A&T State University Clean Energy Workforce Grant: https://abc11.tv/3pbG5Am NC’s New Clean Energy Director: https://bit.ly/3Pmzy0o Climatenomics: Washington, Wall Street and the Economic Battle to Save Our Planet: https://bit.ly/3QwjABE E2 – Environmental Entrepreneurs: https://e2.org/ National Clean Jobs Report: https://bit.ly/3BXnZJQ
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On the latest episode of the podcast, we sit down with Lauren Bowen, Senior Attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, to shed light on the quickly evolving rooftop solar market in North Carolina. It’s no secret that this has been a hot topic in the clean energy industry over the past year or so, including proposals for time of use rate structures and new HOA updates resulting from recent NC Supreme Court ruling. We dive into what led to these changes and how homeowners should plan to navigate incentives, rebates, and HOAs moving forward.
Additional resources from today’s episode:
Federal Clean Energy Deal: https://wapo.st/3Jso9uF Clean Energy Advocates’ Carbon Plan Filing: https://bit.ly/3PYALeQ Residential NEM Settlement: https://bit.ly/3OPUbSo
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On the latest episode, we sit down with Dan Whitten, VP of Public Affairs with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), to talk about international trade and tariffs in the solar energy industry. Specifically, we delve into the weeds of the latest Auxin Petition and the Biden Administration’s Executive Action waiving new tariffs on imported solar panels for the next two years. We discuss what these policies could mean for the solar industry, along with the legislative efforts currently underway on Capitol Hill to address policy uncertainties moving forward.
Additional resources from today’s episode:
NCUC Carbon Plan Public Hearing Schedule: https://bit.ly/3nU5OfQ NCSEA Solar and Agriculture Report: https://bit.ly/3nYlQoW Auxin Petition Background: https://bit.ly/3O9hpTa Federal Clean Energy Bill Negotiations: https://bit.ly/3c50S59
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On the latest episode, we sit down with Marshall Cherry, President & CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative. Cherry continues to have a transformative impact on clean energy across the state after nearly three decades with the cooperative. In our conversation, we delve into the innovative programs offered to its member-owners in Northeastern North Carolina, including proven initiatives like a tariffed on-bill energy efficiency program, community solar options, and a recently rolled out electric vehicle specific rate structure. We also discuss the importance of expanding clean energy access to all North Carolinians, especially historically underrepresented communities, and the effective actions that the industry can take to confront the energy burden challenge.
Additional resources from today’s episode:
NC Supreme Court HOA Ruling: https://bit.ly/3NiU1lA Duke Energy CPRE Troubles: https://bit.ly/3Oj1jaj Upcoming NCSEA Events: https://bit.ly/3xhRdPG Additional Background on REC's EV Efforts: https://bit.ly/3A2A4MH
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On this episode, we sit down with three experts in the clean energy sphere to talk about Duke Energy's proposed Carbon Plan filed at the NC Utilities Commission. In the conversation, Maggie Shober of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, highlights the plan's over reliance on technologies not yet commercially available, and its proposals to build out new natural gas resources. Claire Williamson, joining from the NC Justice Center, elevates the lack of considerations for low- and moderate-income ratepayers, often left behind in utility planning conversations. Eddy Moore from the Coastal Conservation League, helps to contextualize the plan by providing updates from South Carolina and potential implications on the region. You don't want to miss this well-rounded discussion on the path to decarbonization and increasing importance of cross-sector collaboration as clean energy advocates prepare their own Carbon Plan modeling by July 16th.
Additional resources from today’s episode:
Energy News Network Clean Energy Legislation Story: https://bit.ly/3xLeISz Duke Energy, Residential Solar Installers Amended Settlement Agreement: https://bit.ly/3mECE3Q Upcoming NCSEA Events: https://bit.ly/3xhRdPG NCSEA’s Carbon Plan Analysis: https://bit.ly/3xofYcT SACE’s Carbon Plan Analysis: https://bit.ly/3MRg8z7
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On the latest episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Jen Weiss, Senior Advisor for Climate Change Policy at the NC Department of Transportation. With the transportation sector emerging as the largest emitter in the state, NC DOT has been tasked with developing a Clean Transportation Plan by April 2023. In our conversation, we cover NC’s goal of deploying 1.25 million ZEVs on the road by 2030, synergies that exist between decarbonizing the power and transportation sectors, and the importance of stakeholder engagement to usher in an inclusive and comprehensive clean energy future.
Additional resources from today's episode:
NC’s Offshore Wind Lease Auction: https://bit.ly/3LSnFx8 NCSEA’s Carbon Plan Analysis: https://bit.ly/3GqMFKT NC Clean Transportation Plan & Survey: https://bit.ly/38mkVL1
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 69, we talk with Bill Nussey, a serial entrepreneur, successful tech executive, and NC State alum. Bill is the CEO & Founder of Freeing Energy, along with the CEO & Co-Founder of Solar Inventions. In the conversation, Bill dives deep into the details of local solar and storage with host, Matt Abele, to discuss the opportunities that the technology presents for wide-scale disruption, while highlighting the benefits it brings to local communities.
Additional resources from today's episode:
Updates on NC’s Wind Energy Areas: https://bit.ly/3ymMLBs NCUC Carbon Plan Docket: https://bit.ly/3P8Mgkb NCSEA’s Clean Energy in the Mountains: https://bit.ly/3EE6AW5 Freeing Energy: https://www.freeingenergy.com/
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
NCSEA was lucky enough to be invited back to the 2022 State Energy Conference to host another live recording of the podcast. This year, we feature a fireside chat with a few of the region’s leading clean energy reporters. Elizabeth Ouzts, of Energy News Network, and Catherine Morehouse, of Politico, rejoined us as alums of the pod while David Boraks, new to our microphone but Climate Change Veteran Journalist with WFAE out of Charlotte, also sat in on the discussion. In the conversation, we cover trending clean energy topics impacting the nation, region, and state including HB951, EVs, and global energy politics. Steve Kalland from the NC Clean Energy Technology Center is also featured with introductory remarks on the episode. Fingers crossed we get invited back for the 2023 SEC!
On episode 67, we talk with Julian Spector, Senior Reporter with Canary Media, about his time in North Carolina at Duke University and the News & Observer, along with the career path that led him to reporting on clean energy on the national and international stage. We also discuss clean energy trends that he’s following, including hard to decarbonize sectors of the economy and the bipartisan nature of North Carolina’s energy transition.
Additional resources from today's episode:
NCSEA’s Carbon Plan Blog: https://bit.ly/37nz6z0 North Carolina State Energy Conference: https://ncenergyconference.com/ NCSEA’s Clean Energy in the Mountains: https://bit.ly/3EE6AW5 Canary Media: https://canarymedia.com/
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 66, NC Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Elizabeth Biser stops by the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast to talk about her agency’s role in building the clean energy economy within the state. Specifically, we spend some time talking about VW and federal infrastructure funding, along with workforce development, and Governor Cooper’s latest executive order focused on clean energy (EO246).
We also have a chance to sit down with Dr. Rita Joyner, Senior Advisor and lead of NCSEA’s Women in Clean Energy (WICE) initiative. In our conversation, we talk more about Dr. J’s clean energy journey, along with the important role an organization like WICE serves in North Carolina.
Additional resources from today's episode:
Canary Media’s Net Metering Story: https://bit.ly/3Ld4XR7 NCSEA’s Blog on Net Metering: https://bit.ly/359vRdl NCSEA’s Women in Clean Energy Networking Reception: https://bit.ly/3Mx6p24 State Energy Conference: https://bit.ly/3L7xCqw NC DEQ VW Settlement Funding Information: https://bit.ly/37O6iPM
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 65, we’re talking EV manufacturing in North Carolina with Suzanne Merkelson, Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs, US States, with Arrival. In this fascinating conversation, we’re diving into why the company selected Charlotte for its North American headquarters, the concept of microfactories, and how medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles will serve as important players in the decarbonization of the transportation sector.
Additional resources from today's episode:
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy’s Carbon Plan Blog: https://bit.ly/3vINHPa Duke Energy ‘Make Ready’ Program Story from Charlotte Business Journal: https://bit.ly/3Mssm2r NCSEA’s Making Energy NetWork Policy Forum: https://bit.ly/3MxKSXe NCSEA’s Women in Clean Energy Networking Reception: https://bit.ly/3Mx6p24 Arrival: https://arrival.com/us/en
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 64, we’re going to Nashville to listen to our favorite country musicians and meet up with some of our friends in the energy efficiency world at the AESP Annual Conference. We get a full rundown of trending EE topics from Jen Szaro, President and CEO of AESP. We also sit down with Quinn Parker, Founder & CEO of Encolor Consulting, to talk about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion with utility programs. Lastly, we sit down with Jeff Smith, Energy Efficiency Strategy & Regulatory Manager with Georgia Power, along with Aimee Skrzekut, President of the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance.
Additional resources from today's episode:
NCSEA PBR Blog Post: https://bit.ly/35899lc Duke Energy Coal and Carbon Announcement: https://bit.ly/357VISk NCSEA’s Making Energy NetWork Policy Forum: https://bit.ly/3p1vCaZ NCSEA’s Clean Energy in the Mountains: https://bit.ly/3BurmWs AESP Annual Conference: https://bit.ly/3sPuxnx SEEA Southeast Energy Summit: https://bit.ly/3I1S37b
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 63, we’re taking a comprehensive look at Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 246. We play some clips from the signing event at NC A&T State University, then chat with Adam Wagner of the News & Observer and Ward Lenz of NCSEA about what the EO means for North Carolina, and where we go next.
Additional resources from today's episode:
Charlotte Business Journal Competitive Procurement Story: https://bit.ly/3A5UHpw Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Corps: https://bit.ly/3tBjrED Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 246: https://bit.ly/3GCVyjL Adam’s N&O Story on EO246: https://bit.ly/3KdX2mZ
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 62, we sit down with Brent Christensen, President & CEO of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce to talk about the process of recruiting a major electric vehicle manufacturer like Toyota to the region. After that, we speak with Susan Munroe of Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and Laurie Barnhart of Conservatives for Clean Energy about the winners of the 2021 Clean Energy Champions event!
Additional resources from today's episode:
UtilityDive DoE Technical Assistance Story: https://bit.ly/341MMgR Charlotte Business Journal Multi-Year Rate Planning Story: https://bit.ly/3sNvWg2 NC Clean Energy Champions 2021 Event: https://bit.ly/3HmYxwW Trophy Brewing Clean Energy Video: https://vimeo.com/539871868 Squeaky Clean Episode feat. Ceres and Nestle: https://bit.ly/3zcDn1n North Carolina Offshore Wind Video from CICE: https://bit.ly/3z7Stp0
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 61, we talk with Daniel Brookshire, Regulatory and Policy Manager with NCSEA about the recently filed net metering settlement with Duke Energy at the NC Utilities Commission. In this conversation, we outline the details of the agreement and what it means for the residential solar industry in North Carolina moving forward. This is an episode you won't want to miss.
Additional resources from today's episode:
Proterra Expansion Announcement: https://bit.ly/3E7f4mD Rivian Manufacturing Plant Announcement: https://bit.ly/3IYDL8p Update on Build Back Better: https://politi.co/3q4yTpE NCSEA NEM MOU Press Release: https://bit.ly/3E8pQcd NCSEA Annual Giving Campaign: http://energync.org/their-tomorrow/
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast
On episode 60, we talk with Chris Worrell, Government Relations Manager of EDF about the key clean energy provisions in both the infrastructure and Build Back Better bills at the federal level. Importantly, we discuss how these bills would impact North Carolina and where we can expect funding to fall in our state.
Additional resources from today's episode:
Toyota Battery Manufacturing Announcement: https://bit.ly/3GxmYat NCSEA Clean Energy Award Winners: https://vimeo.com/nccleanenergy Clean Energy Champions Event Recording: https://bit.ly/31STLYg Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster Event Recap: https://bit.ly/3pP6FPH NCSEA Annual Giving Campaign: http://energync.org/their-tomorrow/
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 59, we're joined by two co-hosts - Ivan Urlaub of NCSEA, and Ajulo Othow of EnerWealth Solutions, for a live recording down at the Southeast Renewable Energy Summit in Charlotte, NC. Matt, Ivan, and Ajulo talk at length about the importance of considering low- and moderate-income communities when mapping out the clean energy future for North Carolina. Specifically, we talk through the shortcomings of HB951 as pertains to diverse communities across the state, and the creative solutions that should be considered down at the NC Utilities Commission when it comes time for implementation.
Additional resources from today's episode:
Infrastructure Bill Clean Energy Funding: https://bit.ly/3oeBtth NCSEA Statement on Build Back Better: https://bit.ly/32J60Ho NCSEA Settlement with Duke Energy on New Net Metering Paradigm: https://bit.ly/3ofF6z8 NCSEA Annual Giving Campaign: http://energync.org/their-tomorrow/
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast
In episode 58 we talk with Catherine Morehouse (@cmorehouse10) of Politico about the Southeast Energy Exchange Market (SEEM). Now that the FERC vote on SEEM resulted in a deadlock, what happens with the proposal next? Listen in for a conversation about what the future holds for SEEM and what it would mean for North Carolina and the southeast.
Additional resources from today's episode: Biden Administration Offshore Wind Plans: https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2021/10/15/biden-offshore-wind-energy-leases-north-carolina.html
Department of Revenue Tax Credit Challenges: https://www.carolinajournal.com/news-article/revenue-department-faces-courtroom-loss-in-renewable-tax-credit-dispute
Commissioner Glick Statement on SEEM: https://www.ferc.gov/news-events/news/chairman-glicks-fair-rates-act-statement-southeast-eem-seem
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On episode 57, we talk to Reporter Elizabeth Ouzts of Energy News Network and Julie Robinson of Robinson Consulting Group about HB951. There's been a lot of news regarding the bill lately, including the newly released compromise between the Governor and legislative leaders. Tune in to find out where we stand on this comprehensive piece of legislation and what's in store for our state after the Governor's signature.
Additional resources from today's episode:
Elizabeth's reporting on HB951: https://energynews.us/2021/10/01/north-carolina-bipartisan-energy-compromise-gets-muted-mixed-reaction-from-advocates/
Offshore Wind for North Carolina Coalition: https://www.bpr.org/post/nc-coalition-forms-advocate-offshore-wind-energy-projects?utm_source=Energy+News+Network+daily+email+digests&utm_campaign=5d6669df63-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_05_11_11_39_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_724b1f01f5-5d6669df63-89273063#stream/0
Southeast Electric Transportation Regional Initiative: https://cleanenergy.org/blog/new-southeast-electric-transportation-regional-initiative-launches-to-accelerate-ev-market-expansion/
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On this episode, we talk to Brianna Esteves of Ceres to learn more about why companies like Google, New Belgium, Sierra Nevada, Mars, Nestle, and Unilever are all opposed to HB951. Brianna talks us through the letter penned by the business community outlining their concerns over a lack of access to affordable and accessible clean energy programs in this bill. Tune in to learn more about HB951 and where it currently stands in the legislature.
We also take another trip with the NC "Wind" Traveler to Northeastern North Carolina where we visit Pasquotank and Perquimans Counties with Daniel Pate.
Additional resources from today's episode:
Timbermill Wind Project from Apex Clean Energy: https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2021/09/17/va-company-files-to-build-ncs-second-wind-farm.html
Businesses with 100% renewable energy goals in North Carolina: https://energync.org/nclovesclean/re100/
Letter to legislators from NC business community: https://www.ceres.org/sites/default/files/NC%20Business%20Letter_Response%20to%20HB951.pdf
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
Clean electricity standard - you may have heard about it recently as part of Congress' infrastructure push, but what does it actually mean and what's the likelihood of it passing? On this episode, we're talking to Rebecca Leber, Senior Reporter at Vox for a deep dive on a clean electricity standard, how it would play out for utilities, and the benefits it'd provide to consumers all across the country. Rebecca also provides us an overview of all the clean energy policies on the table right now as part of the infrastructure package.
Check out Rebecca's latest reporting on the clean electricity standard: https://www.vox.com/22579218/clean-energy-standard-electricity-infrastructure-democrats
Elizabeth Biser's Senate Confirmation: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article253706003.html
Person County Solar Moratorium: https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2021/08/17/person-county-solar-farm-pine-gate-rejected.html?utm_source=st&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=me&utm_content=ra&ana=e_ra_me&j=24776982&senddate=2021-08-18
Duke Energy Political Spending: https://energynews.us/2021/08/13/as-duke-energy-promotes-controversial-legislation-in-n-c-money-pours-in-and-rumors-fly/?utm_source=Energy+News+Network+daily+email+digests&utm_campaign=759282d85e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_05_11_11_39_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_724b1f01f5-759282d85e-89273063
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
On this episode, we're diving in deep to the topic of carbon reduction. Specifically, we talk with Nick Jimenez, Staff Attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center about their recent petition with the NC Environmental Management Commission on the topic of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Will North Carolina be the next state to join this initiative and set a cap on carbon emissions? Tune in to find out. To view SELC's petition with the NC EMC, check out their website: http://www.ncclimateaction.org/. For additional background on the A-1 report mentioned in the interview, visit the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions website: https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/publications/power-sector-carbon-reduction-evaluation-policies-north-carolina
Additional Updates on H951 and Smart Wires: NCSEA Statement on Stakeholder Energy Legislation: https://energync.org/ncsea-statement-on-stakeholder-energy-legislation/
North Carolina Business Letter to Legislators on H951: https://bit.ly/3fYeVsx
California Power Technology Company Moves HQ to Durham after Landing NC Incentives: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article253062323.html
This episode's dad jokes courtesy of Duncan Campbell via DER Taskforce: https://twitter.com/DER_Task_Force
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
This episode completes our North Carolina focused energy storage supply chain mini-series. In this conversation with Jason Abiecunas, Vice President of Development at FlexGen, we cover the rapidly growing market for battery storage technology and its impact across the Southeast, but more importantly North Carolina. Abiecunas shares an overview of FlexGen’s history within the state, their diverse consumer base, as well as the benefits and challenges of the competitive storage market within the Research Triangle Park region. NCSEA’s Energy Program Manager Daniel Pate also gives us a quick download of “NC solar traveler,” this time stopping in Catawba County.
Presented by North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
As a follow up to our conversation with David Roberts, we're diving in deep on the topic of zinc storage. On this episode, we sit down with our new friends Andrew Green and Morgan Frederick of the International Zinc Association to talk about zinc's advantages in medium and long duration storage applications.
We also talk to Tom Fenimore of Duke Energy about the utility's use of zinc as a storage technology and the benefits they've seen through deployment.
Mentioned in this episode is NCSEA’s recently published Economic Impact Analysis of Clean Energy Development in NC report in partnership with RTI International: https://energync.org/rti2021/. To register for the July 21 Making Energy Work webinar, visit www.makingenergywork.com. To check out NCSEA's resources on clean energy powered breweries, visit https://energync.org/nclovesclean/breweries/.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
We've got a bonus episode coming at ya! Back on Earth Day, NCSEA participated in and recorded a live podcast episode out at Amberly Master Community's Earth Day Event in Cary. Residents in the 3200+ home community were invited out to visit with a host of vendors and organizations focused on sustainability and clean energy. In the mix included NCSEA, Plug-In NC, Yes! Solar Solutions, and NC Solar Now. Check out the episode as we chat with HOA board members, residents, and solar installers about installing solar on the home. If you've ever been interested in installing solar on your own home, then this episode is for you.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On episode 51 we sit down with David Roberts of Volts (@DrVolts on Twitter) to talk about the wide array of storage technologies starting to hit the market giving lithium-ion a run for its money. We talk flow, zinc, sodium-ion, and liquid metal batteries on this future looking episode. Tune in to hear about the advantages of each of these technologies and the role they may play on the grid here in North Carolina. This episode serves as a great primer for some of our upcoming episodes as part of this storage mini-series.
Subscribe to David Roberts' Volts Newsletter: https://www.volts.wtf/
We also travel to Currituck County for the latest segment of the NC Solar Traveler to talk about the investments being made in clean energy on the Outer Banks of NC.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
To celebrate the 50th episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we’re sitting down with Governor Roy Cooper to discuss his ongoing support for clean energy throughout the years, starting with his time at the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA). We dig deep into Executive Order 80 and the progress we’ve made, while re-emphasizing the need for a strong legislative commitment to reach our state’s goals. We also chat briefly on the plans for offshore wind development in North Carolina as it is central to Cooper’s latest Executive Order 218 which was issued yesterday.
Also mentioned in this episode is NCSEA’s 2021 report with RTI International featuring data on the economic impact of clean energy in North Carolina. The report will be released later this month and can be found at www.energync.org/publication
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.
We’re kicking off a mini-series focused on North Carolina’s role in the storage industry, starting from supply-chain, then highlighting research and innovation, and finishing off with markets and policy. On this episode, we’re highlighting the supply chain of storage and batteries here in North Carolina. We sit down and talk with Brian Risinger of Piedmont Lithium to highlight western North Carolina’s spodumene resource – a mineral used to make lithium ion batteries. We’ll talk about the process of extracting and refining this resource, along with the advantages of onshoring this industry that’s so important to the future of electric vehicles and storage.
On this episode we also provide some short highlights from the NC legislative session to date and bills introduced. We also briefly touch on the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack.
To wrap us up, Daniel Pate, NCSEA’s Energy Program Manager takes us on another virtual tour of installed clean energy projects on the NC Solar Traveler. On today’s episode we’re focused on Hertford and Northampton counties.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On this episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast – we’re LIVE! Say what?! Yes, we recorded this episode live from the 2021 (Virtual) State Energy Conference. This is a first for the pod, but definitely not the last. This episode kicks off a series of live recordings from the road that we’ll be sharing in the coming weeks.
For this live recording, we’re recapping some of the highlights from this year’s State Energy Conference. We had a chance to sit down with Leah Cooper of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company to talk beer and sustainability, Melissa Malkin-Weber of Self-Help Credit Union to chat workforce development and diversity, Alex Miller of Alex Miller Government Affairs to highlight what’s going on down at the legislature, and Steve Kalland of the NC Clean Energy Technology Center for an overview of this year’s conference. Make sure to join us at next year’s State Energy Conference taking place April 26-27 in Raleigh, NC.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Join us for the latest episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast where we discuss the importance of the military in North Carolina to achieving our clean energy goals. We’re joined by Scott Dorney, Executive Director of the North Carolina Military Business Center along with Diane Cherry, Energy and Environmental Strategic Industry Professional at the NCMBC to talk about the intersection between military preparedness and clean energy. On today’s episode, we talk energy security and resiliency, clean energy innovation, and economic opportunities associated with the military in our state.
As this episode, we mention the Fort Bragg floating solar project. If you’re interested in reading more about the 1.1MW solar installation paired with a 2MW storage system, check out this press release from Duke Energy: https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/largest-floating-solar-power-plant-in-the-southeast-coming-to-fort-bragg
Daniel Pate, NCSEA’s Energy Program Manager takes us on another virtual tour of installed clean energy projects on the NC Solar Traveler. On today’s episode we’re focused on Bladen County.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On this episode, we’re continuing our conversations on the stakeholder processes directed by the NC Clean Energy Plan. This time around though we’re focused on the North Carolina Energy Regulatory or B1 process. We sat down with Josh Brooks, formerly of RMI and now with Brooksform LLC to talk about the stakeholder processes that took place over the past year and the final report of recommendations published right before the end of 2020. If you’re interested in the topic of regulatory reform, than this episode is for you. To read the final B1 report, check out the NC DEQ website: https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/climate-change/clean-energy-plan/2020-NERP-Final-Report.pdf
Also, we’re introducing a new segment this time around – The North Carolina Solar Traveler. Daniel Pate, NCSEA’s Energy Program Manager will take us on a virtual tour of clean energy projects installed throughout the state of North Carolina and share some fun facts about the region along the way. On today’s episode we’re focused on Duplin County and the 65MW Warsaw solar project: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/coastal/news/2016/04/6/warsaw-solar-facility
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On this episode, we’re chatting with Kate Konschnik, Climate & Energy Director at the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions about the A1 recommendation from North Carolina’s Clean Energy Plan – decarbonizing the electric sector. Kate dives in and tells us more about the process and stakeholders in the room, along with some highlights from the final report titled ‘Power Sector Carbon Reduction: An Evaluation of Policies for North Carolina.’ To read the report that provides a menu of potential policy options to help the state reach our carbon goals, visit the link here: https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/sites/default/files/publications/Power-Sector-Carbon-Reduction-An-Evaluation-of-Policies-for-North-Carolina-Revised.pdf
Stay tuned for part 2 of this episode focused on the B1 stakeholder process coming out two weeks from now!
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On this episode, we’re talking about a topic that has been top of mind for a lot of people since the senseless killing of George Floyd last summer – systemic racism. We’ll address this topic and how it relates to clean energy. We have a chance to talk with Yuri Horwitz, CEO of Sol Systems, along with Sarah Slusser, CEO of Cypress Creek about the Renewables Forward Initiative and their efforts to address these issues through an industry-wide collaboration.
We’ll also talk with Rebecca Chilton and Allan Odour at Leyline Renewable Capital about their recently instated Leyline Addressing Racism program. To find out more about the current status and accomplishments of the program, you can check out Leyline’s recently published Q4 2020 report on racial equity, environmental impact, and social change: https://leylinecapital.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Leyline-ESG-Report-Q4-2020.pdf
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
We’re jumping right back in and diving in deep on the topic of offshore wind. Make sure you check out part 1 of this episode, before giving this a listen. In part 2, we continue our conversation with Abby Watson of Siemens Gamesa to talk about offshore wind manufacturing and the importance of a robust supply chain to the growth of the industry in the United States. We wrap up by talking to John Hardin of the NC Department of Commerce to highlight some of the recent developments from the state in support of the offshore wind industry.
And in a special addition to this week's episode - Ivan Urlaub of NCSEA joins us to break down what really happened in Texas this week.
More information on the offshore wind supply chain analysis and NC’s offshore wind MOU: https://www.nccommerce.com/business/key-industries-north-carolina/energy/offshore-wind-industry
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On episode 42 we’re exploring the depths of offshore wind and covering all the angles. On this episode, we talk with Eric Thumma of Avangrid Renewables, who provides an update on the current status of offshore wind development in the state and a quick recap of the already developed wind farm in Eastern North Carolina. We also sit down with Abby Watson of Siemens Gamesa to talk about offshore wind manufacturing and the importance of a robust supply chain to the growth of the industry in the United States.
More information on the offshore wind supply chain analysis and NC’s offshore wind MOU: https://www.nccommerce.com/business/key-industries-north-carolina/energy/offshore-wind-industry
PateOnThePod News Articles:
http://my40.tv/news/local/coalition-wants-to-use-group-purchase-campaign-to-make-solar-power-affordable-in-buncombe-county?utm_source=Energy+News+Network+daily+email+digests&utm_campaign=c182ecad7a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_05_11_11_39_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_724b1f01f5-c182ecad7a-89273063
https://www.charlotteagenda.com/245663/demand-for-solar-panels-surges-in-north-carolina/
The 42nd episode is brought to you by Moseley Architects, a full service architecture & engineering firm with offices in both Raleigh and Charlotte. Moseley Architects is a 2018 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year and has designed more than 140 LEED certified buildings. For more information check out @MoseleyArch on Twitter or visit moseleyarchitects.com.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On this episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we’re joined by D’Artagnan Beets, Workforce Development Project Lead at the Center 4 Energy Education, to talk about jobs, education, and training within the clean energy industry in North Carolina.
We dive in to urgent workforce needs in the state to support the continued development and growth of utility-scale solar, while outlining the need to continue to diversify the workers supporting these efforts. To find out more about workforce training programs in NC, including K-12 programs, visit center4ee.org.
PateOnThePod News Articles:
https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2021-01-15/energy-policy/poll-most-nc-voters-support-offshore-wind-100-clean-energy/a72813-1
https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2021/01/19/duke-energy-sees-solar-rebates-claimed-immediately.html?ana=e_me_prem&j=90546808&t=Morning&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiT0dKa1pXVXhZekkzTnpRMiIsInQiOiJTREVBVnhZdkdQbXJ2S3djcGg4czlmcUgxdEtFU0xWS3BZYWxGZjNHWjFTNDNcL0h5MHZNNEVYNmhJNHNycVJpVkR2QUF4QmNJK2dPY1RMTUlTQlRcL2xjZVUxQWVaRk5oMHY0N0lsQllQUTJybENZYnJVZWI3a1dXRkxLK3AzRDdCIn0%3D
The 41st episode is brought to you by Moseley Architects, a full service architecture & engineering firm with offices in both Raleigh and Charlotte. Moseley Architects is a 2018 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year and has designed more than 140 LEED certified buildings. For more information check out @MoseleyArch on Twitter or visit moseleyarchitects.com.
Additional Support for this week’s podcast comes from TS Designs, a Burlington, North Carolina based company creating sustainable t-shirts from sustainable US supply chains since 1977. Learn more about TS Designs' newly launched Solid State Clothing and 10,000 Pounds of Cotton Project, created to transfer power to U.S. cotton farmers and to you as a conscious consumer. Learn more at tsdesigns.com.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
Join us on the final episode of 2020, as we look back and recap the speakers who joined us in our ten-part, six month long Making Energy Work webinar series. On today’s episode we’re taking a clean energy train ride through topics from net metering to creative financing for LMI communities and wrapping up with a special keynote guest. Throughout this virtual 2020 journey we were joined by the likes of Jeff St. John from Greentech Media, Holmes Hummel of Clean Energy Works, Sushma Masemore of NC DEQ, Jigar Shah of the Energy Gang, and Amory Lovins of Rocky Mountain Institute.
We’re tuning into the highlights of these webinars, but for full recordings you can join NCSEA as a member today: energync.org/join.
Enjoy your Squeaky Clean holidays! We’ll see you in 2021!
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On this episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast we’re joined by our friends Susan Monroe, Director of Economic Development with the Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, and Laurie Barnhart, Executive Director of Conservatives for Clean Energy – North Carolina, to talk about some of the outstanding businesses and legislators supporting clean energy here in our state.
We recap the award winners of the 2020 Clean Energy Champions event, talk a little bit of NASCAR, and salivate over the eastern North Carolina brewed beers from Mother Earth Brewery. To find out more about this year’s clean energy champions and to view the event, visit cleanenergyconservatives.com. In this episode, we also give a special shoutout to NCSEA’s Annual Member Award Winners as well.
The 39th episode is proudly supported by CompostNow. With their home, office, and food service composting programs, CompostNow members have diverted over 26 million pounds of compostables from the landfill creating over 8 million pounds of nutrient-rich compost for local use! Get started on your composting journey at compostnow.org.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On this episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast we’re joined by NCSEA lobbyists Julie Robinson and Betsy McCorkle to break down the results of the 2020 elections in North Carolina and how those results might impact clean energy.
Tune in to hear about the future of the Clean Energy Plan under a second term Cooper Administration, along with additional opportunities for clean energy legislation at the NC General Assembly. We say goodbye to some longtime clean energy friendly legislators, welcome back some clean energy champions, and say hello to the new faces at the General Assembly.
The 38th episode is proudly supported by Larry’s Coffee, who would like to share that their Rockin Holiday blend is now available. Go to LarrysCoffee.com to explore!
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
On episode 37, we’re sitting down with Katie Lebrato of NC GreenPower to learn more about their Solar+ Schools program. Collectively, the program has already installed PV systems at 42 schools across the state, leading to nearly 150 million pounds of greenhouse gases mitigated by these and other carbon offset projects. Even further, over 31,000 students have already had a chance to learn more about solar and clean energy through the grant program to date.
Tune in to hear how voluntary contributions through utility bills to the Solar+ Schools program are inspiring the clean energy workforce of the future, while deploying more solar on the grid. To find out more about the Solar+ Schools program and to donate, visit: https://www.ncgreenpower.org/solar-schools/. Also, mentioned in today’s episode is the Duke Energy Renewable Advantage program: https://www.duke-energy.com/Business/Products/Renewable-Advantage?jur=NC01
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
In episode 36, we’re going back to college to learn about clean energy (well kind of). We’re actually talking with Lee Ball, Chief Sustainability Officer at Appalachian State University and Casey Collins, Energy Manager at Duke University to learn how these institutions have positioned themselves as regional and nationwide leaders in clean energy.
On this episode, we hear about how goals that were created at the very first Appalachian Energy Summit in 2012 have become reality with more than $1 billion in energy savings achieved across the entire UNC system by the end of 2019. Even further, Lee outlines the system’s goal of achieving another $1 billion in energy savings by 2025. We also have a chance to speak with Casey Collins about the 2024 carbon neutrality goal established for Duke University. To help achieve this goal, Duke University recently announced their participation in Duke Energy’s Green Source Advantage program to procure 101 MW of off-campus solar generation.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
In episode 35, we’re sitting down with Rachel Gold of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy to discuss the findings of their most recent report – How Energy Efficiency Can Help Rebuild North Carolina’s Economy. https://www.aceee.org/research-report/u2007
The report outlines a series of benefits energy efficiency could afford our state, including $5.9 billion in savings for businesses and customers, an 11% reduction towards NC’s greenhouse gas goals by 2030, and a return of $2.20 for every dollar invested in energy efficiency. Tune in to get a full download of the report, and the achievements we’ve already seen through energy efficiency in North Carolina.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (@Matt Abele)
In episode 34 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we’re talking jobs – clean energy jobs that is. We’re jumping back in the time machine to talk about the inception of NCSEA’s NC Clean Energy Jobs Census – developed to track the impacts of clean energy policy in creating new jobs across the state. Since then, this work has expanded into a partnership with the national organization E2, who also tracks clean energy job growth throughout the country. In this episode, we hear the results of the 2020 NC Clean Jobs Report from Bob Keefe, Executive Director at E2, along with Ivan Urlaub, who outlines North Carolina’s path to exponential clean energy job growth.
In this episode, we’re also saying goodbye to Host of the Pod Ben Stockdale, while ushering in a new era of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association.
In this episode, we sit down with David Neal of Southern Environmental Law Center to discuss the recent cancellation of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP).
The ACP was initially a $4.5 billion proposed project, but eventually ballooned to $8 billion until it was finally cancelled. This decision was a shocker to many in the industry, but not surprising that the project was too expensive, infeasible, and unjustified. Hear about why this massive fossil fuel project failed, and what it means for NC's clean energy future.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Ben Stockdale.
In this episode, we speak with Kiersten Williams, who is the host of a new clean energy podcast being presented by the Cleantech and Innovation Program at UNC Chapel Hill's Institute for the Environment. The new show is called "Innovating to a Clean Economy." We talk about IE Cleantech's work in North Carolina, and how this exciting new show will continue to advance the growth of NC's clean energy future.
To learn more about NCSEA's "Making Energy Work" webinar and register for the upcoming webinar on July 14th at 3pm which will cover the upcoming NC Clean Jobs Report, visit makingenergywork.com.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Ben Stockdale.
The Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast turns 1! After a year of "bringing the latest in clean energy, right to your ears," we are looking back on the highlights that have made Squeaky Clean the leading podcast for clean energy developments in North Carolina. Tune in for the greatest hits, featuring Governor Roy Cooper, NC DEQ Sec. Michael Regan, Fifth Third Bank CEO Greg Carmichael, NBA All-Star David West, and more!
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Ben Stockdale.
In this episode, we are learning about a national development that could upend the rooftop solar industry and reduce the amount that rooftop systems, both residential and commercial, are compensated for their excess generated energy. We sit down with the head of Solar United Neighbors (SUN), Anya Schoolman, about how people can step up and stop this attack on solar rights. NCSEA's Daniel Brookshire also weighs in with the North Carolina perspective.
To engage and stop the attack on solar, visit savesolar.org
And to access resources and see NCSEA's full statement on racism in the US, please visit our blog at energync.org
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Ben Stockdale.
In this episode, we're sitting down with one of North Carolina's top clean energy advocates and lobbyists, Julie Robinson. Julie has spent more than a decade working to advance clean energy policy in her home state. We discuss the major clean energy developments in NC, and Julie shares key insight on the best ways to communicate the importance of clean energy to leaders and lawmakers. You can follow Julie on Twitter-- @JulieRobinsonNC.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Ben Stockdale.
To learn more and register for NCSEA's free "Making Energy Work" webinar series, visit makingenergywork.com To learn
In this episode, we sit down (virtually, of course) with two clean energy leaders in NC who are advancing electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Featured in this episode are Cassie Gavin of the Sierra Club and Marcy Bauer of EVGo. From the NC Zero Emissions Vehicle Plan to policy developments at the NC General Assembly, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about EVs in our state.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Ben Stockdale.
And to learn more about NCSEA's Women In Clean Energy (WICE) project, please visit energync.org/wice
In this episode, we sit down (at a safe virtual distance) with clean energy business leader and entrepreneur Zack Hobbs, who founded Carolina Solar Services in 2015. Zack is a North Carolina native and speaks about what it's like to start a clean energy business in NC, how he started in clean energy, and how COVID-19 has affected his company and others in the clean energy industry.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and Produced by Ben Stockdale.
Our featured NCSEA Business Member is Utility Management Services.
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Visit energync.org/podcast to get Squeaky Clean email updates and be entered for a chance to win a free NCSEA Individual membership!
In this episode, we are sitting down (at a very safe virtual distance), with Susan Munroe, who is the Director of Economic Development for Chambers for Innovation in Clean Energy. Susan has been hard at work guiding Chambers of Commerce as they provide relief and COVID-19 recovery assistance to their clean energy business members. From NC's emerging off-shore wind industry, to the success of solar in rural areas, we are covering quite a bit of ground in this episode.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Produced and hosted by Ben Stockdale.
In this special kid-friendly episode, we are talking with some very smart students who are home from school about our favorite subject-- clean energy! We learn what clean energy is, what fossil fuels are, and what kids can do at home to reduce energy usage. We also talk about electric vehicles, and we learn why these super-smart kids love clean energy!
The kids featured in this episode are: Ruxin, Madison, Malin, Mason, Marshall, Layney, Adriana, Carissa, and Sylvie!
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Ben Stockdale.
Follow Squeaky Clean on Instagram! @squeakycleanpodcast
In this episode, we sit down with nationally-renowned political science professor and researcher, Leah Stokes. Leah works at the intersection of clean energy and politics, which is exactly where we are in this episode. We are talking about how clean energy might fare in the upcoming elections, as well as the growing bipartisan support for the transition to a clean energy future.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Ben Stockdale and Jarvis Arrington.
In this episode, we sit down with Dave Rogers of the Sierra Club, who is working to decommission coal resources in the southeast. With six coal plants in our state, North Carolina is working to move beyond coal and replace the dirtiest fossil fuel with clean energy resources that serve the grid, the economy, and the communities who are most often affected by the negative impacts of fossil fuels.
This episode is presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association and hosted by Ben Stockdale and Jarvis Arrington.
In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Parker of NCSEA to talk about an energy that flies under the radar-- literally. Geothermal energy comprises nearly half of all clean energy systems in North Carolina, yet represents a small percentage of the overall clean energy economy. What explains this? We uncover this and more as we dig deeper on this important source of clean energy.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Ben Stockdale and Jarvis Arrington.
In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Hartung of the NC Chapter of The Nature Conservancy to talk about the best practices of solar design. Pollinators, sheep, donkeys, and "deer-buster fencing" are just a few of the topics discussed on this important episode! We look at the wildlife impacts of utility-scale solar and address some of the concerns that low-impact design can help alleviate.
For more information on NC solar siting and design guidance-- nature.org/ncsolarguidance]nature.org/ncsolarguidance
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Ben Stockdale and Jarvis Arrington. Produced by Ben Stockdale.
In this episode, we sit down for two conversations with leaders from NASA. Dan Lockney, head of Technology Transfer, talks about how NASA's R&D work produces spin-off technologies that drive private industry innovation. Then, we talk with Paul Stackhouse, a Senior Research Scientist, who leads clean energy data initiatives that are helping utility-scale solar developers site projects, as well as building efficiencies.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Created and hosted by Ben Stockdale and Jarvis Arrington.
In this episode, we're back at it with NCSEA's Executive Director, Ivan Urlaub. We're hopping back into the time machine, but this time, we're going into the future. We talk about what the 2020s might hold, and we even make some far-future predictions for the year 2050.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Ben Stockdale and Jarvis Arrington.
In this episode, we sit down with NCSEA's Executive Director, Ivan Urlaub, and cover the most important highlights (and lowlights) of the 2010s. We talk about the growth of clean energy in the past decade, the challenges that the industry faced, and Ivan reveals his number one most significant development of the decade.
Presented by North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Ben Stockdale and Jarvis Arrington.
In this episode, we sit down with Creighton Blackwell, VP of Corporate Affairs and Community Engagement for Coastal Federal Credit Union. Creighton is a nationally recognized leader in clean energy, banking, and clean energy. We explore the true impact of clean energy on all communities, and discuss how financial institutions view clean energy.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. To learn more, visit energync.org.
Hosted and Produced by Ben Stockdale. Co-hosted by Jarvis Arrington.
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In this episode, we sit down with 2-time NBA All-Star and 2-time NBA Champion, David West, and Jerome Ringo, the founder and chair of Zoetic Global. Jerome is a historic figure within clean energy and was the first African-American head of a national environmental organization as board chair of the National Wildlife Federation. David served as a clean energy advocate under President Barack Obama and helps Zoetic advance clean energy projects in developing countries.
We talk about the importance of diversity within clean energy, how David's NBA experience has translated into his clean energy advocacy, and predictions for the clean energy future.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Ben Stockdale and Jarvis Arrington. Produced by Ben Stockdale. Follow Squeaky Clean on Instagram! @squeakycleanpodcast
In episode 15, we are continuing our coverage of the 2019 long legislative session at the NC General Assembly. We're talking Senate Bill 559 with NCSEA lobbyist Tom Bean, and discussing the key takeaways from the long session.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Jarvis Arrington and Ben Stockdale. Produced by Ben Stockdale.
In this episode, we sit down with NCSEA lobbyist Tom Bean, who has over 30 years advocating for environmental and energy policies. In part one of this 2-part coverage, we are talking about policies advancing EVs, battery storage, and how we stopped a ban on wind energy.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Jarvis Arrington and Ben Stockdale. Produced by Ben Stockdale.
In this episode, we sit down with a host of The Energy Gang podcast, Katherine Hamilton. We talk emerging clean energy trends, the federal regulatory structure, and learn about the relationship between state and federal energy policy. As always, this episode comes fully loaded with a Policy Update.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Created by Ben Stockdale.
In this episode, we sit down with Tammy Agard, Co-Founder and CEO of EEtility, which provides energy efficiency upgrade opportunities to low and moderate income earners. We talk about EEtility's innovative tariff on-bill investment program that creates immediate savings for participants, and provides energy efficiency upgrades at no upfront cost.
As always, this episode comes fully loaded with a Policy Update.
Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Produced and hosted by Ben Stockdale.
In this special episode, we sit down with NC Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Michael Regan. We talk about North Carolina's clean energy future, the recently released NC Clean Energy Plan, and get Secretary Regan's insight on Senate Bill 559. [SPOILER ALERT] Secretary Regan will be advising Governor Cooper to veto SB559 if it passes the house, and Regan said a veto is "likely."
As always, this episode comes fully loaded with a Policy Update.
The Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast is presented by NCSEA and hosted by Ben Stockdale.
In this episode, we're taking a deep dive on South Carolina's recently signed Energy Freedom Act, which will expand clean energy markets in the state. We'll be talking in-depth with Thad Culley of Vote Solar, and he'll explain what this means for the southeast now and in the future. As always, this episode comes fully stocked with a Policy Update. Episode 10 is sponsored by Fifth Third Bank.
In this episode, we're taking you to the ribbon cutting ceremony for Fifth Third Bank's new 80MW solar farm. Our featured interview is with JP Morgan's global head of sustainability Sam Stockdale. Other interviews include NC Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Michael Regan, Fifth Third Bank's President and CEO Greg Carmichael, NC Senator Bob Steinburg, and NC Representative Howard Hunter.
In this episode, we're on tour with NC Governor Roy Cooper at Jones County's brand new public school, which is "the best school in the state." With more than 2,000 solar panels and over 60 geothermal wells, this school creates 50% more energy than it uses. Tune in for Gov. Cooper's insight on clean energy in NC. Thanks to our sponsors SfL+a Architects and First Floor.
In this episode, we are live in the mountains of Boone, NC for the Appalachian Energy Summit, hosted by Appalachian State University. Featured on this show are the three leaders of the NC Energy Centers, student perspectives, and the lead on implementing Governor Cooper's Executive Order 80, Sushma Masemore.
Created and hosted by Ben Stockdale.
In this episode, we sit down with the Sophie Mullinax, Campaign Coordinator of the Blue Horizons Project. This public-private partnership is an innovative initiative that includes government and utility stakeholders to advance a clean energy future in Western North Carolina.
We talk about Sophie's experience as a woman in clean energy, and we get down in the weeds on some wonky topics like demand response and peak load.
As always, this episode comes complete with a Policy Update. Created and hosted by Ben Stockdale.
In this episode, we sit down with President and CEO of Conservatives for Clean Energy, Mark Fleming. We're talking about the conservative perspective on clean energy, dispelling myths about who supports clean energy, and predicting the future of clean energy.
As always, this episode comes fully loaded with a Policy Update.
The episode is sponsored by Kairos Government Affairs. To learn more about Kairos, visit kganc.com
In this episode, we are live at Advanced Energy Economy's first annual Eastern Regional energy policy conference -- Advanced Energy Now | East. Google, Microsoft, Landis+Gyr, Rocky Mountain Institute, and Advanced Energy Economy weigh in on the latest clean energy trends, reveal their latest work, and predict the future of the clean energy economy. Recorded at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia and sponsored by Advanced Energy Economy.
In this episode, Katharine Kollins of the Southeastern Wind Coalition sits down to talk about the history of wind energy in North Carolina, where we are headed with this emerging industry, and why legislative "Wind Bans" are unnecessary. Of course, this episode comes fully loaded with a Policy Update.
In this episode, we talk with Jacquie Ayala of the NC Justice Center on some of the most pressing issues facing the clean energy industry, including energy burdens and an equitable transition to clean energy. This episode also includes a legislative update and a shoutout to Katherine Hamilton of Greentech Media's Energy Gang podcast for recommending Squeaky Clean!
SPOILER ALERT: We reveal NCSEA's studio setup!
Gettin' Down in the Weeds with Senate Bill 559: Multi-year Rate Plans and Securitization by NC Sustainable Energy Association
The Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast is a fresh take on all things clean energy in North Carolina. From developments in the General Assembly to the top news in North Carolina’s clean energy industry, this show will be your one-stop shop for clean energy in our state.