Can Energy Ever Be Free?

The Story of Natural Gas: Global Powerhouse and Feel Good Delusions

Natural gas has quietly shaped the last 25 years of energy policy, global politics, and the electric grid itself. In this episode, we unpack how the U.S. went from fearing shortages to becoming an energy powerhouse, why pipelines and fixed charges matter more than most people realize, and the contradictions at the heart of today's electrification debate. It's a conversation about unintended consequences, feel-good narratives, and the systems we depend on, whether we acknowledge them or not. Link to the story [https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2011/02/full_cause_of_fairport_harbor.html]on the Fairport Harbor gas explosion.

The Great Data Paradox: From Creepy to Capable

The podcast episode delves into the topic of data usage in the utility world, exploring the challenges and opportunities it presents. It discusses the transition from pilot programs to scalability, the reluctance of utilities to embrace data, regulatory concerns, and the role of trust and transparency in shaping the future of energy and data. From California to New York, who is doing it right? What does it take to get it right? And Spencer Pratt? Really? Takeaways * Data usage in the utility world is no longer seen as creepy, but as a valuable tool for understanding usage patterns. * The transition from pilot programs to scalability requires a shift in mindset from surveillance to service, and a focus on building trust and transparency.

Can Energy Ever Be Free?

Energy prices have increased faster [https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=65284] than the rate of inflation since 2022, with the average American seeing a 13% increase in their energy bills. With that backdrop, Bethany and Teresa discuss whether or not energy could ever be free (spoiler alert, it can't). The real question is why can't it be free. Monopoly utilities? Aging infrastructure? Lack of resources? Overpaid CEOs? The future of energy might be greener, but that doesn't mean it's going to be cheaper. Ohio Electric Bills Are High - And So Are Utility CEO Salaries [https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/05/01/ohios-electric-bills-are-high-and-so-are-utility-ceo-salaries/] PA Gov Shapiro Says Regulated Utility System Is 'Broken" [https://whyy.org/articles/pennsylvania-governor-josh-shapiro-utilities-letter-corporate-profits/]

ETS26 Hack The Planet: We Came, We Saw, We Learned

The Bloom team traveled to San Antonio for ETS26, Hack The Planet. Energy experts from all over the country, from every layer of energy, convene and share ideas and learnings. Workforce development, AI, transmission, infrastructure, even neuro science, all had a seat at the table. Bethany and Teresa talk about some of their favorite and most surprising moments. Links to folks and organizations mentioned in the pod: envelio [https://us.envelio.com/] Advanced Energy Group [https://aeg.team/] Workforce Policy Lab [https://www.niu.edu/workforce-policy-lab/about/index.shtml] Energy Plexus Institute [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/energy-plexus-institute_the-energy-landscape-today-demands-a-new-activity-7439653186497519616-_R1o/] Integral Analytics [https://integralanalytics.com/] ETS26 Hack The Planet [https://energythoughtsummit.com/]

Imagine This: A World Without Monopoly Utilities

Taylor Swift helped take down the Live Nation/Ticketmaster monopoly, can she do the same with the electric grid? Teresa and Bethany explore what a world without monopoly utilities could look like. The conversation delves into the future of energy monopolies, the impact of deregulation, innovation and competition in the energy industry, challenges faced by monopoly utilities, cost implications of phasing out monopoly utilities, and accelerating innovation in the energy industry. Taylor, if you want to help, call us.