Episode 3: Jonah Asks Karsten (On Energy, Solar Obstacles, Market Forces and Government Subsidies and Maintaining Optimism)

Welcome back to Jonah Asks!Recorded: 6/12/26Karsten works as a director of policy and regulatory strategy in the electric and gas utility business. Karsten has helped lead clean energy innovation in the utility industry for 12 years, developing launching new initiatives in electric transportation, grid modernization, distributed generation, building decarbonization and the future of gas. 15mSolar at Home - ObstaclesDistributed energy sources (EVs, Solar for homes) -  Obstacles - cost, roof replacements, shared buildingsEl Cerrito, California houses - 1920sHouses built in 1920s around development of Chevron Oil Refinery in Richmond. 21mPolicy IssuesHow policy interacts with physical world, policy, economics: Policy vs Actionable Plans - From Policy to RealityCan public utilities genuinely serve the public? 28mInvestor-run Utility Model Karsten reiterates that % of household income spent on electricity has generally stayed the same over the last 30 years. But...the burden on lower-income families is far-greater than middle and upper-middle class groups.In his work, Karsten has advocated for more support for lower-income communities. In 2023, DPU increased energy assistance programs from a flat 32% for eligible customers to a sliding scale up to 70% off of energy bills for customers in the lowest income tiers.To see these charts on electricity costs over the last forty-five years, more detailed show notes and info here.48mWill we be using nuclear energy in the future? ***As always to support Jonah Asks, please share, subscribe and/or rate this podcast.Clean energy initiatives Clean Air Task Force (CATF): Science-backed advocacy, pushing for carbon capture, advanced nuclear, and zero-emissions tech deployment in the U.S. and globally.GRID Alternatives: Perfect for a localized impact, solar power for low-income communities.Earthjustice: The premier environmental law organization, using litigation to enforce policies that accelerate the transition to clean energy and defend frontline communities from pollution.