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/3joHgfS
Winter Storm Elliott Coverage: https://bit.ly/3wgnUgo
Southern 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 84: What Caused the Elliott Outages? Renewables? Nope…guess again.

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/3GiiMwE
SELC/NCSEA Press Release on Carbon Plan Order: https://bit.ly/3i9OyUA
Carbon Plan Analysis from CPSA: https://bit.ly/3QFOcSk
NCSEA’s Carbon Plan Webinar: https://bit.ly/3XyQZiN

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: North Carolina’s Carbon Plan is Here – All the Deets

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/3QfjRdl
NC Utilities Commission Carbon Plan Order: https://bit.ly/3GiiMwE
SELC/NCSEA Press Release on Carbon Plan Order: https://bit.ly/3i9OyUA
Duke Energy’s Rolling Blackouts: https://bit.ly/3ZaRW23
NCSEA’s CLE Event: https://bit.ly/3joHgfS

Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)
 
Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

Episode 82: Green Light— North Carolina is Ready for EVs, Are You?

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/3WiwPci
NCSEA’s CLE Event: https://bit.ly/3joHgfS
Past Clean Energy Champions Episodes: https://bit.ly/3WxY1ng, https://bit.ly/3VpHFwc
Clean Energy Champions Event Winners: https://bit.ly/3FPIZCH
ACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard: https://bit.ly/3WjlSrd
North 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.

Episode 81: Middle of the Pack— NC’s Energy Efficiency Report Card

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.

Episode 80: Aligning Customer & Utility Interests: Lessons from PG&E’s Shortcomings

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.

Episode 79: #InflationReductionAct – Getting the Funds to Those Who Need it Most

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.

Episode 78: The Big Fix—A Citizen’s Guide to Carbon Neutrality

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.

Episode 77: Conserving the Clean Energy Future

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/3AVxHLN
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.

Episode 76: From the Ground Up - Better Plans to Achieve a Carbon-Free 2050

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.

Episode 75: Out with Inflation, In with Clean Energy

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.

Episode 74: Raising the Roof on NC's Residential Solar Market

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.

Episode 73: SEIA Later Solar Tariffs

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.

Episode 72: Cooperatively Electric - Addressing the Energy Burden in NC

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.

Episode 71: So, What's the Plan for All of That Carbon??

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.

Episode 70: Buckle Up! On the Road to Electrification with NC's Clean Transportation Plan

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.

Episode 69: Farm to Table for Electrons

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!

Episode 68: They Invited us Back?! Live from the '22 State Energy Conference

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.

Episode 67: Canary in the Retired Coal Mine

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.

Episode 66: DEQ Secretary Elizabeth Biser Stops by the Pod

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.

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