Episode 131: The Real Reasons Behind Rising Electricity Costs

Episode 131: The Real Reasons Behind Rising Electricity Costs

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/4eRnSCE North 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.

Episode 130: Changing the Course of NC’s Energy Future – SB266

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.pdf Ratepayer Impacts of Senate Bill 266: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-ZU9hz-hVh2gWopla5R1WdHN5uLiEI6L/view Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele),

Episode 129: the Role that Microgrids Played in Recovering from NC’s Costliest Natural Disaster

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/250285897063163 Vendor Registration Form: https://footprintproject.jotform.com/252294035063957 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele), produced by Taylor Wanbaugh.

Episode 128: Goodbye 25D/25C - What’s Next for DERs and Household Electrification?

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.

Episode 127: All Rewards, No Risk – Fixing the Reliance on Costly, Volatile Fuels

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/