Not Another Energy Podcast

Public Safety Power Shutoffs are becoming normal, addressing safety concerns around high winds, wildfires and weather events. But should they be? Power companies have one job, keep the power on, and there are tools and technologies to help them do just that in a variety of scenarios. So why aren't they? In this episode, Teresa and Bethany talk about the whys and why nots. Link to the Kennywood mic...

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 conseq...

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? Wha...

Energy prices have increased faster 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...

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 men...

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 p...

Teresa and Bethany are back for season two of Not Another Energy Podcast! They kick off with why you should be shopping for natural gas now. Spring is the perfect time to get yourself set up for the next year. They also compare who has the worst driver's license photo, and give you a comprehensive step by step of how you can successfully find the right natural gas product. You can read the checkli...

Bethany and Teresa recap the first season of their podcast, discussing topics such as celebrity energy investors, utility scandals, data centers, heat pumps, Energy Star, and tribal energy. Did you know Shaq is now making furniture for tall people? This nugget of info and more await you in this week's Not Another Energy Podcast. See you in April! To access the LEAP white paper, The Road to Seven G...

Bethany and Teresa threw an energy party, and everyone was invited! There was a potluck, a party crasher, and two lucky attendees even found love. This conversation delves into the world of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and microgrids, highlighting their transformative impact on the energy landscape. It explores the role of residential customers as the future of VPPs and microgrids, along with the c...

Bethany and Teresa discuss Bethany's experience at the Carry the Fire Tribal Energy Summit, focusing on the concept of energy sovereignty and the challenges faced by tribal nations in achieving energy independence. The conversation highlights the importance of Right of Way, the need for reliable resources, and the impact of bad actors in the energy space. Link to the BIA Handbook for TUA

Follow Bethany and Teresa as they travel back in time to 1992. The music? Grunge. The hair? Big. The manatees? Possibly saved by Teresa's t-shirt. And, of course, the launch of Energy Star. The conversation delves into the inception of Energy Star in 1992 and its relevance in the modern world. It explores the challenges faced by Energy Star in adapting to the changing landscape of energy efficienc...

The podcast episode delves into the hype and reality of heat pumps, exploring the personal experience of one of the hosts and the rationale behind heat pump adoption. It also discusses the challenges of controlling heat pump costs and the need for smart rate design and demand response programs. PNNL Field Study on Heat Pump Load Flexibility (DOE, 2024) Department of Energy ICF Winter Demand Respon...

Gather round to unravel one of Teresa's favorite conspiracy theories! This episode delves into the controversy surrounding data centers and their impact on electricity costs. It challenges the narrative that data centers are solely responsible for rising electricity bills and explores the complex factors at play, including transmission spending, capacity market design, and utility incentives. The...

The podcast delves into the scandals involving ComEd and First Energy, highlighting the impact on policy, systemic issues in utilities, and the controversies surrounding media attention. It explores the implications for customers, utilities, policy goals, and the impact on energy solutions, offering lessons learned and a future outlook. Takeaways Utility corruption Impact on policy Systemic issues...

Summary Has energy become, dare we say, cool? In this episode, Bethany Ruhe and Teresa Ringenbach explore the evolving landscape of energy, emphasizing its cultural significance beyond traditional utilities. They discuss how energy has transformed into a lifestyle choice, influenced by celebrities and technological advancements. The conversation highlights the misconceptions surrounding energy, th...