See the Unseen

Ep.3: The $24 Question: Decoding PG&E's New Billing Structure

Are you being punished for saving energy? In Episode 3 of See the Unseen, host Shin Sano breaks down the major changes hitting your PG&E bill starting in March 2026. PG&E is introducing a new, fixed $24 "Base Service Charge" while lowering the per-kilowatt-hour rate. While they claim this will incentivize home electrification, Shin runs the actual math to reveal a highly controversial reality: heavy electricity users will see a discount, average users will break even, but households that actively conserve energy could face a staggering 40%+ increase on their bills. We dive deep into the numbers, the true ROI of going all-electric, and the unseen political engineering behind this compromised rate structure. In this episode, we cover: * The New Base Service Charge: What is this $24 fee, and why is it suddenly unbundled from your usage rates? * Winners and Losers: We run the math on 3 different households to show exactly who benefits and who gets penalized under the new system. * The Political "Sweet Spot": Why the break-even point was perfectly engineered at 500 kWh to keep the silent majority quiet, and how this targets the affluent off-grid solar owners. * Bonus Side Talk - Generation vs. Delivery: Why does your utility bill read like an engineering manual instead of a restaurant menu? We decode the confusing language utilities use to hide the true cost of your power. Tune in to learn how to read your new bill, protect your wallet, and see the unseen forces shaping California's energy policy. Music Credits: Theme song "The Woods" - composed by Iris Sano

Ep.2: Berkeley's New BESO Rules 2026

Don't list your Berkeley home until you hear this. As of January 1st, 2026, the rules for Berkeley’s Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO) have undergone a massive shift. Whether you are a homeowner, a buyer, or a real estate agent, these changes will directly impact your next transaction. In this episode of See the Unseen, Building Scientist Shin Sano breaks down the new "Resilience Upgrade" requirements and shares strategic advice on navigating the 2026 market. Key Takeaways: * The End of Procrastination: Why sellers are now required to complete energy assessments before the property is listed. * The $5,000 Ransom: Understanding the compliance deposit held in escrow and how to navigate the 6-credit "à la carte" menu of upgrades. * Heat Pumps as a "Magic Bullet": Why investing in a heat pump is the ultimate "Golden Ticket" for a frictionless sale, especially in a buyer's market. * Insider Story: How a small difference in interior vs. exterior square footage measurements saved one homeowner thousands of dollars. Featured Compliance Menu: For the full list of credits and requirements, refer to the official BESO COMPLIANCE GUIDE [https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/BESO-Compliance-Guide-Small-Residential-Buildings.pdf]. * 6 Credits (Instant Compliance): Heat Pump Water Heaters, Heat Pump HVAC, or Service Panel Upgrades. * 3 Credits: Solar PV or Battery Storage. * 1-2 Credits: Smart Service Panels, Attic Insulation, or EV Chargers. Stop guessing and start building. Visit Ambience.House [https://ambience.house] to learn more or to book a consultation with Shin Sano. Disclaimer: All information is based on regulations as of January 23rd, 2026. Music Credits: Theme song "The Woods" - composed by Iris Sano

Ep.1: From Designing Cars to Decoding Houses

Hello, I am Shin Sano. Welcome to See the Unseen. In this introductory episode, I share my journey from Automotive Design and a PhD in Informatics to becoming a Building Scientist and Home Energy Score Assessor in the San Francisco Bay Area. Why does a designer/researcher spend time crawling under houses? Because it’s all about Data-Driven Design. I believe in making the invisible visible—decoding the hidden energy flows in our homes to create comfort and value. Join me as I bridge the gap between human-centered design and building science, sharing DIY war stories and cultural insights from my roots in Japan. Links & Resources: * Official Website: https://ambience.house [https://ambience.house] * Book a Home Energy Score: ⁠https://ambience.house [https://ambience.house] * Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shin-s-86b4953/ Music Credits:Theme song "The Woods" — Composed by Iris Sano