Renewable Rides

Ep 113: Gareth Evans on his Book and Why the Cost of Waiting on Onsite Energy Has Never Been Higher

What happens when energy stops being something businesses can take for granted? In this episode, we discuss the launch of Gareth’s new book, Powering Profits. Gareth explains why businesses are entering a completely new energy paradigm where rising costs, grid instability, and operational risk are forcing leaders to rethink how they power their companies. You’ll learn why onsite energy is no longer just about sustainability, but about profitability, resilience, competitive advantage, and long-term business survival. Listen in as Gareth shares the personal experiences that shaped his perspective on energy security, the biggest misconceptions holding businesses back, and practical strategies companies can use to reduce costs, protect operations, and gain greater control over their energy future. From financial models and real-world case studies to organizational resistance and leadership mindset shifts, this conversation breaks down how businesses of any size can start taking action today. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: * Why energy has become a major business risk. * How rising energy costs impact profitability. * The biggest myths businesses believe about energy. * Why doing nothing can cost companies millions. * How onsite energy improves operational resilience. * The financial models behind renewable energy projects. * How businesses can align internal stakeholders. * Why mindset is the biggest barrier to action. * Real examples of companies succeeding with renewables. * How leaders can create a long-term competitive advantage. Resources in Today's Episode: * Powering Profits [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H1XCVQ31] by Gareth Evans * Gareth Evans: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-evans-41015726/] * Dan Roberts: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrobertsdan/] * VECKTA: News [https://veckta.com/news/] You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/6wa9s8c5  [https://tinyurl.com/6wa9s8c5]

Ep 112: Building an Energy Program that Scales with Carson Bristol of Lithia & Driveway

What does it actually take to move sustainability from strategy decks into real-world projects? In this episode, Carson Bristol from Lithia Motors shares how one of the world’s largest automotive retailers is approaching energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonisation in a practical, scalable way. From rolling out solar and EV infrastructure across hundreds of locations to balancing financial outcomes with sustainability goals, Carson explains why progress comes from getting projects in the ground, not endlessly planning for the perfect solution. Listen in to learn how Lithia supports its operators with site-specific energy strategies, why partnerships matter in renewable energy projects, and what businesses often misunderstand about EV infrastructure and grid capacity. Carson also shares valuable lessons from building sustainability programs, as well as his perspective on the future of battery storage, distributed energy, and why businesses need to start acting now instead of waiting for perfect conditions. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: * Why action matters more than endless planning. * How Lithia approaches decarbonisation at scale. * The realities of EV infrastructure deployment. * Why partnerships are critical in energy projects. * How operators influence sustainability success. * The role of battery storage in the energy transition. * Why energy projects must deliver financial value. * Challenges around grid capacity and electrification. * How businesses can customize energy strategies. * Why incremental progress creates long-term impact. Resources in Today's Episode: * Carson Bristol: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carson-bristol-230138174/] * Lithia & Driveway [https://www.lithiadriveway.com/] * Gareth Evans: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-evans-41015726/] * Dan Roberts: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrobertsdan/] * VECKTA: News [https://veckta.com/news/] You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/yydfaev9  [https://tinyurl.com/yydfaev9]

Top Moment from The Price of Power: Examining the Costs Behind Keeping the Lights On and What's Next with Mark Ellis

Why do your electricity bills keep rising—and who actually benefits from it? In this highlight episode, we unpack the complex (and often hidden) financial mechanics behind utility companies and how they make money. From cost-of-service regulation to the role of operating costs, capital investments, and returns, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how pricing is determined and why it doesn’t always feel fair. Listen in as we break down where utility companies generate profit, how return on equity (ROE) is set, and why this one factor can significantly impact what consumers pay. You'll learn the difference between how the system should work versus how it actually operates today, including the long-term financial implications for households and businesses. If you’ve ever wondered why energy costs seem to keep climbing, this conversation will give you the insight to make sense of it all. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: * How utilities are designed to make money. * What cost-of-service regulation means. * The difference between operating and capital costs. * Why utilities spread costs over time. * How depreciation and amortization work. * The role of return on capital. * Why profit comes from return on equity (ROE). * How utilities finance investments with debt and equity. * Why ROE is set by regulators—not the market. * How inflated ROE impacts consumer energy bills. Resources in Today's Episode: * Mark Ellis: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-edward-ellis/] * Gareth Evans: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-evans-41015726/] * Dan Roberts: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrobertsdan/] * VECKTA: News [https://veckta.com/news/] You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3vfb6c7e [https://tinyurl.com/3vfb6c7e]

Ep 111: How Onsite Energy Adds Real Estate Asset Value with Brian Rappaport, JLL

What happens when energy stops being just a cost and becomes a strategic advantage? In this episode, Brian Rappaport from JLL unpacks the evolving role of energy in today’s market, from grid constraints and rising demand to the growing impact of AI and distributed energy systems. You’ll learn how energy is becoming a critical factor in real estate decisions, why reliability is now front of mind for businesses, and how leaders can better navigate risk, cost, and opportunity in a rapidly changing landscape. Brian also shares practical insights on how organizations can rethink energy as a value driver—not just an expense—including how onsite solutions like solar and battery storage can create new revenue streams, improve resilience, and enhance asset value. If you want to understand where the energy market is heading and how it impacts your business, this episode is a must-listen. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: * Why energy is now a real estate issue. * How grid constraints are impacting businesses. * The rise of distributed energy systems. * Why reliability is becoming critical. * How AI is driving power demand. * Turning energy from cost into revenue. * The value of on-site energy solutions. * How tenants and landlords are adapting. * What energy risk means for asset value. * Where the market is heading next. Resources in Today's Episode: * Brian Rappaport: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-rappaport-3413787/] * Powering Profits Newsletter [https://poweringprofits.substack.com/about] * Gareth Evans: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-evans-41015726/] * Dan Roberts: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrobertsdan/] * VECKTA: News [https://veckta.com/news/] You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/2dhzdrwh  [https://tinyurl.com/2dhzdrwh]

Top Moment from Lessons Learned in Deploying a Hybrid Microgrid System From Aerospace Manufacturer Kirkhill

What does it really take to reduce energy costs and future-proof a large-scale manufacturing operation? In this highlight episode, Charlie Marquez, Senior Manager of EHS and Facilities at Kirkhill, shares how his team tackled rising energy expenses by moving beyond quick wins and into a fully integrated energy strategy. You’ll learn how projects like LED retrofits and battery storage created immediate savings and how those early wins led to bigger, more complex decisions around infrastructure and long-term energy planning. Listen in to hear how Charlie approached large-scale investments like combined heat and power (CHP) and solar, how to bundle operational and financial benefits to make projects viable, and what it takes to navigate long planning cycles, supply chain challenges, and internal approvals. If you’re looking to reduce costs while improving performance, this episode offers a practical roadmap for building a smarter, more sustainable energy strategy. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: * How Kirkhill reduced energy costs at scale. * The impact of LED retrofits and quick wins. * How battery storage supports peak shaving. * What CHP systems are and how they work. * How to bundle savings for stronger ROI. * Why infrastructure constraints matter. * How to evaluate large energy projects. * The role of solar in reducing costs. * How to manage long planning cycles. * Strategies for sustainable operations. Resources In Today's Episode: * Kirkhill [https://kirkhill.com/] * Gareth Evans: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-evans-41015726/] * Dan Roberts: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrobertsdan/] * VECKTA: News [https://veckta.com/news/] You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/585huj6a [https://tinyurl.com/585huj6a]