The Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast

On episode 130 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we’re taking some time to digest the comprehensive piece of energy legislation that made its way through the NC General Assembly in 2025, and what it means for the future of our electricity (and electricity prices) in the state. We’re joined by Justin Somelofske of NCSEA and Will Scott of EDF to break down NC’s Senate Bill 266. More information on Senate Bill 266: https://www.energync.org/north-carolina-senate-bill-266/ Economic Impact of Senate Bill 266: https://www.energync.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025.7.24_Economic-Impacts-of-SB266-Memo.pdf Ratepayer Impacts of Senate Bill 266: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-ZU9hz-hVh2gWopla5R1WdHN5uLiEI6L/view Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele),

We’re now more than a year removed from North Carolina’s worst natural disaster in history. On this episode, we are joined by Will Heegaard from Footprint Project and Sara Nichols from Land of Sky Regional Council. As the state continues to recover, we talk about the role that microgrids have played in bringing power to vulnerable populations, and the continued investments necessary to help the region fully recover. We also highlight the state’s $5 million investment in permanent and mobile microgrid solutions for western and eastern North Carolina. Make sure to give this episode a listen to hear more about the life-saving impacts of technologies like solar and battery storage. Footprint Project Beehive Microgrids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_apblwKhOA State Energy Office Microgrid Investment: https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/08/12/north-carolina-launches-clean-energy-microgrid-initiative-boost-disaster-resilience Microgrid Interest Form (For Potential Site Hosts in NC): https://footprintproject.jotform.com/form/250285897063163 Vendor Registration Form: https://footprintproject.jotform.com/252294035063957 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele), produced by Taylor Wanbaugh.

On episode 128 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we’re turning back the clock to go back to the news of a little bit earlier this summer with the reconciliation bill. On this episode we’re spending time with the CEO of Rewiring America to talk specifically about the impacts to residential household electrification and what the US needs to do to keep the downward pressure on technology and installation costs to continue seeing widespread deployment post-25D and 25C.  Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited by Yash Mistry. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @nccleanenergy.

On episode 127 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Jeremy Kalin, Attorney at Law, at Avisen Legal, and Albert Lin, Consultant with Gizmo Global. We discussed fuel costs and the current regulatory structure that allows utilities to pass along 100% of the cost of the fuels that go in to powering natural gas and coal generation facilities. We also took a closer look at the concept of fuel cost risk sharing and the current model in North Carolina. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited by Yash Mistry. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @nccleanenergy. Link to AMPlify Appalachia tickets: http://wncconcert.com/

Episode 126 of the Squeaky Clean Energy podcast features a live recording from the 2025 State Energy Conference. This year, we feature a panel with a few of the region’s energy leaders: * Bill Malcolm, AARP, Government Affairs Director - Utilities * Lon Huber, Duke Energy Corporation, Senior Vice President, Pricing and Customer Solutions * Lakin Garth, Smart Electric Power Alliance, Senior Director, Grid Strategy * Matthew Winslow, NC General Assembly, Representative * Jeremy Keltner, Novo Nordisk, Project Manager - Industrial Symbiosis We discuss the fast-changing conversations around load growth and the impacts that meeting demand could have on all customer classes, and the strategies necessary to help ensure we’re maintaining affordable electricity rates in North Carolina.  Federal energy tax credit defense action alert: https://p2a.co/wjhjnqx Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited by Yash Mistry. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @nccleanenergy.

On episode 125 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Tim Echols, a commissioner at the Georgia Public Service Commission. We discussed topics like load growth and data centers, new electricity generation, including the Vogtle Nuclear plant, and the role that clean energy plays in meeting new electricity demand in the state.   Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited by Yash Mistry. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @nccleanenergy.

On episode 124 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Josh Kaplowitz, a lawyer at Troutman Pepper Locke focusing on regulatory, policy, contractual, and litigation matters related to offshore wind and renewable energy. We discussed recent wind energy federal executive actions, what impacts they have on current projects under development, and what’s likely to shake out as time goes on for this resource that’s integral to meeting future load growth in the electricity sector. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited and produced by Taylor Wanbaugh. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @nccleanenergy.

On episode 123, we feature a conversation with Clinton Britt and Eric Fins of Grove Climate Group to talk about recent changes in the federal government and how these changes will impact clean energy policy in the country. Britt and Fins provide additional background on the current makeup of the U.S. House and Senate, energy-related changes at the federal level, and energy priorities we can expect to hear about in the future. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited and produced by Taylor Wanbaugh. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @nccleanenergy.

On episode 122, we feature a conversation with Heather Patti of Montrose Environmental to talk about solar permitting and development best practices in the era of rapid clean energy proliferation throughout the country. Heather shares some insights on agrivoltaics, surveys and permitting, and some of her most interesting experiences from the field. If large-scale clean energy development and deployment is up your alley, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele). Edited and produced by Taylor Wanbaugh. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On episode 121 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Mark Duda, a board member of Solar United Neighbors, about the benefits of virtual power plant programs across the country. We outline what defines a virtual power plant program, the successful characteristics of a VPP program, and also dig in to the model VPP tariff developed by Solar United Neighbors. Additional Resources: Solar United Neighbors VPP Model Tariff: http://bit.ly/4gRl2eY Canary Media Story on VPPs: https://bit.ly/4gujNT8 NCSEA’s End of Year Fundraising Campaign: https://www.energync.org/2024-annual-giving-campaign-2 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On episode 120 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Nick Jimenez of the Southern Environmental Law Center, Casey Collins from Duke University, and Lucas Grimes from the Center for Resource Solutions about the recently approved Green Source Advantage Choice customer clean energy program in North Carolina. These experts break down the details of this large customer program, along with some of its shortcomings that may lead to low or no uptake. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On episode 119, Justin Somelofske, Senior Regulatory Counsel at NCSEA helps to break down the NC Utilities Commission’s 2024 Carbon Plan Order. We dive in and talk about the new generation resource additions, implications of the order, and what’s to come next on the path to deploying these resources. This is a can’t miss episode if you’re interested in the future of electricity generation in North Carolina. Additional Resources: 2024 Carbon Plan Order: https://bit.ly/3YDu9Zl WFAE Coverage of the CPIRP: https://bit.ly/4eqKF4K NCSEA’s Summary of Carbon Plan Proceedings: https://energync.org/carbon-plan/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On episode 118 of the podcast, we’re joined by Tyler Norris, James B. Duke Fellow and PhD student at Duke University’s Nicholas School for the Environment. Tyler talks interconnection and the challenges experienced by utility-scale renewable developers across the country. We also dive into some potential solutions to expedite deployment of low-cost renewable solutions in order to meet decarbonization mandates. Additional Resources: Flexible Interconnection Report and News Story: https://bit.ly/3UpwVjq Western North Carolina Clean Energy Relief Efforts: https://energync.org/disaster-relief-fund/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On episode 117 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, Zoe Gamble from CleanChoice Energy joins to talk about retail choice electricity markets across the country. We cover how these markets operate and how customers are electing more and more to consumer electricity from clean resources. Tune in to hear about how retail choice is helping to drive down utility rates, while accelerating decarbonization. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On episode 116 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Richard Bunch and Win Dale from Apex Clean Energy about the Timbermill Wind Project currently under construction in Chowan County, NC. Once completed, this 45-turbine project will have a total capacity of 189MW, enough to power 47,000 homes every year. This project will not only add clean electrons to the grid, but it will also drive significant economic benefits to Eastern North Carolina as the largest taxpayer in Chowan County. Additional Resources: Timbermill Wind: https://www.timbermillwind.com/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On this episode, we’re talking with Brett Henderson, CEO of SolarPanelRecycling.com, about solar module end of life and solar farm decommissioning. We’ll dive in to the process of recycling solar modules and the facilities in place across the country equipped to handle these modules. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On episode 114 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with an expert on land use and zoning to talk about solar farm development across the state of North Carolina. Tom Terrell of Fox Rothschild breaks down the benefits that solar brings to farmers across the state with the unique perspective of being a farmer himself. Additional Resources: NCSEA Increased NC County Tax Revenue from Solar Development Report: https://bit.ly/3WlR2z8 NCSEA NC Solar Land Use and Agriculture Report: bit.ly/3WB2Xe1 Northampton Enacts Solar Farm Moratorium: bit.ly/3WzmJqi Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

For Episode 113 we talk with John Larson of Dominion Energy about the development efforts currently underway on the 176 turbine, 2.6GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project. John shares how this project has fueled significant economic development in the region while helping the utility diversify their generation portfolio and save on fuel costs. Additional Resources: NCSEA/CICE CVOW Tour: https://www.chambersforinnovation.com/insights/dominion-osw-tour Dominion Acquires Kitty Hawk North: https://prn.to/3W0KHch BOEM Greenlights Additional Leasing Areas: https://bit.ly/45YmOH0 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On this episode, Justin Somelofske shares the details of NCSEA’s expert testimony filed in the 2024 Carbon Plan (CPIRP) proceedings with a focus on generation resources that require longer development timelines. In particular, Justin outlines the need for expedited offshore wind development activities in the state, along with the need for authorization of funding for early development of these facilities in NC’s current wind leasing areas. This is a can’t miss episode to stay up to date with the latest happenings in the 2024 CPIRP proceedings. Additional Resources: More details on Carbon Plan proceedings: https://energync.org/carbon-plan/ Energy News Network CPIRP Coverage: https://bit.ly/3xLSZg2 NCSEA’s Testimony on Long Lead Resources: https://bit.ly/4bk3epJ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On Episode 111, Katie Southworth of the Clean Energy Buyers Association and John Burns of the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association join the podcast to highlight the current demand for clean energy by large commercial utility customers across the state of North Carolina and the current lack of available programs to serve that demand. We also talk about the current state of Duke Energy’s Green Source Advantage program, data centers, and the importance of reliability for businesses in NC. Additional Resources: NCUC Green Source Advantage (GSA) Docket: https://bit.ly/3Rth4iF Energy News Network Story on GSA: https://bit.ly/3VK3D0h Clean Energy Buyers Institute Report: https://bit.ly/3XpvSTg Clean Energy Buyers Association: https://cebuyers.org/ Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association: https://carolinasceba.com/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On Episode 110, Rob Gramlich of Grid Strategies LLC helps us breakdown FERC Order 1920 and what it means for transmission planning across the country. In particular, we talk through how this order may accelerate renewable deployment and what it may mean for utilities in the Carolinas like Duke Energy. We also cover the procedural process and when the order may go into full effect. Additional Resources: FERC Order 1920 Fact Sheet: bit.ly/3R5VuAs RMI FERC Order 1920 Overview: bit.ly/3yGzkhN Grid Strategies LLC: https://gridstrategiesllc.com/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)

On Episode 109, we’re bringing you the live keynote conversation from the 2024 State Energy Conference focused on distributed energy resources in North Carolina. On this live episode we feature a panel of experts that break down the current state of behind the meter resources and the opportunities that lie ahead with new incentive programs like PowerPair and Solar for All. Tune in to hear from Caitlin Vincent of the Solar Energy Industries Association, Shelley Robbins of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and Hannah Elliott of Renu Energy Solutions. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On Episode 108, we’re talking about a topic that has become more prevalent as residential solar has taken off across the country - consumer protection. As the industry grows and matures, it’s incredibly important that the clean energy ecosystem is focused on protecting and educating consumers to help them make well-informed, financially advantageous decisions. On this episode, Amir Yazdi from the Solar Energy Industries Association shares some resources their association has put together for installers and customers alike, and Stew Miller from Yes Solar Solutions shares some of their keys to success in being a highly reputable local installer. Additional resources from today’s episode: SEIA Solar Consumer Protection Resources: https://www.seia.org/initiatives/consumer-protection NC Consumer Guide to Solar Electricity: https://www.ncsolarconsumerguide.com/ NCSEA Solar Code of Conduct: https://energync.org/solarcode/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On Episode 107, Jen Banks, Permitting & Development Director for TotalEnergies joins the podcast to talk about offshore wind development efforts currently underway in the state of North Carolina and the importance of the Carbon Plan proceedings to determining how future investments could continue to play out moving forward. We talk at length about TotalEnergies’ offshore wind projects further in the development pipeline in the Northeast and how they are already paying significant dividends to local communities through jobs and investments, and how North Carolina can capitalize on that same success with regulatory certainty to help attract a thriving, robust offshore wind supply chain. Additional resources from today’s episode: Carolina Long Bay Leasing Area: https://carolinalongbay.com/ TotalEnergies: https://corporate.totalenergies.us/wind Southeastern Wind Coalition Resource on NC OSW: https://bit.ly/4aIKxg9 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On Episode 106, we talk with Don Moreland of the Georgia Solar Energy Association about everything taking place at the Georgia legislature and Public Services Commission. For clean energy policy aficionados, this is a can’t miss episode as we talk about community solar, solar consumer protections, integrated resource planning, and economic development. Additional resources from today’s episode: Georgia Solar Energy Association: https://www.gasolar.org/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On Episode 105, we talk with Chris Carmody of the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association about the current legislative session in South Carolina and what it means for energy in the state moving forward. In particular, there are a few significant pieces of legislation they’re tracking related to new natural gas assets and a bill focused on carrying forward the conversation on market reform. Additional resources from today’s episode: Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association: https://carolinasceba.com/ SC’s Ten Year Energy Transformation Act: https://bit.ly/4c4dRi0 SELC Statement on SC Market Reform Bill: bit.ly/3vaRBCm Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On Episode 104, we talk to Blair St. Olson-Ledger from Climate Cabinet Action about the legislative session currently underway in Virginia. In particular, we dive into the significant number of clean energy related bills that have been introduced this session and the potential impact they’d have moving forward. Additional resources from today’s episode: Shared Solar Bills in Virginia: bit.ly/4bNqFZU Climate Cabinet Action: https://climatecabinet.org/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On Episode 103, we talk with Graham Alexander of Southern Energy Management about the recently approved PowerPair solar and storage incentive pilot program. We dive into the details of the incentives, timing, and program capacity. Make sure to tune in for can’t miss details of this new monumental program here in North Carolina. Additional resources from today’s episode: NCSEA’s Clean Energy in the Mountains: https://bit.ly/3Uwk14h SEM’s Webpage on PowerPair: https://bit.ly/3SxAiDl Duke Energy’s PowerPair Webpage: bit.ly/3SAQ7Jj Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

Now that 2024 is underway, we’re joined by the policy team at NCSEA to talk about what’s in store for the year ahead. On this episode we’re joined by Cassie Gavin, Ethan Blumenthal, Justin Somelofske, and Michael Fairrington, who all recap some of the top moments of 2023 and highlight the potential opportunities over the course of the next 365 days. If North Carolina energy policy is important to you, then this episode is a can’t miss. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

We're bringing back an episode from 2021 featuring North Carolina's role in the energy storage supply chain highlighting the Western part of the state's spodumene resources. We also briefly touch on the recently approved PowerPair solar and storage incentive approved by the NCUC. The order can be found here: https://bit.ly/3O3wjNw We’re kicking off a mini-series focused on North Carolina’s role in the storage industry, starting from supply-chain, then highlighting research and innovation, and finishing off with markets and policy. On this episode, we’re highlighting the supply chain of storage and batteries here in North Carolina. We sit down and talk with Brian Risinger of Piedmont Lithium to highlight western North Carolina’s spodumene resource – a mineral used to make lithium ion batteries. We’ll talk about the process of extracting and refining this resource, along with the advantages of onshoring this industry that’s so important to the future of electric vehicles and storage. On this episode we also provide some short highlights from the NC legislative session to date and bills introduced. We also briefly touch on the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. To wrap us up, Daniel Pate, NCSEA’s Energy Program Manager takes us on another virtual tour of installed clean energy projects on the NC Solar Traveler. On today’s episode we’re focused on Hertford and Northampton counties. Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)

On Episode 101, we’re joined by the top official at North Carolina’s leading economic development arm, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, to talk about recent clean energy investment announcements, the reasons that make the state so attractive to outside businesses, and what’s in our pipeline for future investments. Additionally, Chris Chung shares why energy is such an important part of the conversation when recruiting new businesses to the state. This is an episode you won’t want to miss to finish out 2023. Additional resources from today’s episode: NCSEA’s End of Year Campaign: https://energync.org/2023-annual-giving-campaign/ EDPNC: https://edpnc.com/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On Episode 100, we’re joined by three innovative leaders who talk about the power of inclusive utility investment and how this can be a tool for transformation in communities of most need across the country. We’re joined by Dr. Holmes Hummel of Clean Energy Works, Marshall Cherry of Roanoke Cooperative, and Claire Williamson of the NC Justice Center, who each outline what the NC Utilities Commission recent order authorizing a statewide tariffed on-bill program could mean for NC. Join us in celebrating this monumental decision and 100 episodes of the podcast. Additional resources from today’s episode: NCSEA’s End of Year Campaign: https://energync.org/2023-annual-giving-campaign/ NCUC Order on TOB: https://starw1.ncuc.gov/NCUC/ViewFile.aspx?Id=c1010fb1-05a9-4c60-a4a7-4a2d3a38e465 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On this bonus episode, we’re bringing you Governor Roy Cooper’s speech from NCSEA’s recent Making Energy Work conference which took place November 2-3 in Raleigh. In this speech, Governor Cooper reflects on the transformational progress that has already been made to recruit billions of dollars of clean energy investments to the state, while reemphasizing the statutory requirements to reduce carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 70% by 2030. Presented by the NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On this bonus episode, we’re joined by Zach Amittay, Southeast Advocate at E2, to discuss the latest results of North Carolina’s annual clean jobs report and how the state continues to see year over year growth in this incredibly strong sector of the economy. We break down the latest numbers, while also diving into the some of the policies fueling the growth, including the Inflation Reduction Act. Additional resources from today’s episode: E2’s IRA Announcement Tracker: https://e2.org/announcements/ Presented by the NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

In the last episode before #100, we’re joined by the team at the NC Clean Energy Fund, who share how they’re positioning North Carolina to take advantage of the significant federal clean energy investments to further accelerate the energy transition here in the region. Specifically, Jen Weiss and Melissa Malkin-Weber talk to us about programs like Solar for All and how they’re partnering with financial institutions across the state to ensure families from all walks of life have the opportunity to invest and participate in the clean energy economy. Additional resources from today’s episode: Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com Solar for All: https://bit.ly/3LCP9tE NC Clean Energy Fund: https://www.nccleanenergyfund.com/ This episode is brought to you by Solarize the Triangle: https://bit.ly/3NRPoRL Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

In August 2023, Duke Energy filed their proposal for the next iteration of the Carbon Plan, also known as the CPIRP. We’re joined by Katharine Kollins of the Southeastern Wind Coalition, Steve Levitas of Pine Gate Renewables, and Dave Rogers of the Sierra Club, who break down the filing and share what it means for short- and long-term clean energy deployment in the state. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Additional resources from today’s episode: Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com Duke Energy’s 2023 Carbon Plan Filing: bit.ly/45TVXuy This episode is brought to you by Solarize the Triangle: https://bit.ly/3NRPoRL Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

Caitlin Marquis of Advanced Energy United joins this episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast to share the details of FERC Order 2023 and how it sets out to untangle the backlog of renewable projects in interconnection queues. Specifically, we talk about how the order outlines a new ‘cluster study’ approach to speed up studying grid impacts for proposed projects. Should the order move forward with implementation, it’ll address one of the many barriers the country is facing with interconnection and transmission – an important topic of conversation for expediting clean energy deployment. Additional resources from today’s episode: Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com NC Building Code Update: https://bit.ly/44hJ3Fz FERC Order 2023: https://bit.ly/3YKI67x NCUC Duke Energy Carolinas Interconnection Report: https://bit.ly/45Fivir NCUC Duke Energy Progress Interconnection Report: https://bit.ly/3PaCqR9 Duke University Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability Report on FERC Order 2023: https://bit.ly/47KkpQC This episode is brought to you by Solarize the Triangle: https://bit.ly/3NRPoRL Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On episode 96, we’re joined by Susannah Tuttle and Ren Martin of North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light to talk about the role that communities of faith play in advancing the clean energy transition in the state of North Carolina. In the conversation, we talk about the issues they’re tracking and advocating for including solar rebates, building codes, and church-specific rate structures with Duke Energy. In addition, we highlight the fact that many houses of worship across the state have also invested themselves in clean energy with their own solar installations. Additional resources from today’s episode: Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com Houses of worship across the state with solar: bit.ly/3QFvmgl This episode is brought to you by Solarize the Triangle: https://bit.ly/3NRPoRL Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On episode 95, we’re joined by Maia Hutt of the Southern Environmental Law Center to break down the latest status of the Southeast Energy Exchange Market in light of a recent appeals court ruling. What does this ruling mean for SEEM moving forward? Tune in to hear what the future looks like for this trading market in the southeast. Additional resources from today’s episode: Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com Solar Surpasses Coal Generation: https://bit.ly/3rOG8Xm This episode is brought to you by Solarize the Triangle: https://bit.ly/3NRPoRL Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On episode 94, we’re joined by an icon of the sustainability and clean energy movement – legendary author, organizer, and educator Bill McKibben. You’ve probably followed his work starting with his book The End of Nature, and most recently as the founder of Third Act. In our conversation, we cover the challenges currently standing in the way of the clean energy transition from ‘regulatory capture’ to local opposition of projects like wind and solar. But fortunately, these challenges have solutions. Tune in to hear how Bill envisions the clean energy future playing out and what it means for North Carolina. Additional resources from today’s episode: Making Energy Work: www.makingenergywork.com Latest Updates on HB488: https://bit.ly/46O4ArD Third Act: https://thirdact.org/ This episode is brought to you by Solarize the Triangle: https://bit.ly/3NRPoRL Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On episode 93, we’re joined by two experts who have been at the intersection of energy efficiency, building codes, and policy for quite some time. Julie Robinson of Robinson Consulting Group and Rob Howard of Howard Building Science share the latest on efforts to update NC’s significantly outdated residential energy efficiency standards and how those updates could save homeowners some serious cash. We’ll also hear about efforts at the NC General Assembly to stall updates to the code until 2031. Tune in to hear how the saga is playing out and how you can get involved. Additional resources from today’s episode: Current NC Codes: https://bit.ly/3CNjh0h HB 488 Action Alert: https://bit.ly/42Mcvn4 Latest Building Code Council News: https://bit.ly/3XiELf4 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

Ever since the $8.5 Billion VC Sumner nuclear plant failure in South Carolina, the region has been exploring ways to better protect ratepayers from utility overreach and unchecked spending. This led to the introduction and passage of a bill in SC to study the benefits of market reform for the state. And the results are in…South Carolina ratepayers could save upwards of $360M a year by joining a regional wholesale market. Earlier this year, NC experienced our own utility challenges with Winter Storm Elliott, which knocked out power to more than 500k customers. These reliability concerns led to the NC General Assembly introducing our own version of a study bill to explore potential savings and reliability improvements that would come with alternative market structures. In fact, some third parties already authored a study that showed NC could save nearly $593M/year by joining an RTO market. On this episode, we discuss the latest developments on related to market reform in the southeast and the potential benefits it could bring to ratepayers. We’re joined by Chris Carmody of the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Alliance and Reese Rogers of the Clean Energy Buyers Association who break down the latest! Additional resources from today's episode: SC Brattle Study: bit.ly/43LShtR NC Brattle Study: bit.ly/42tAaHU Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On this episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we’re back and in action at the 2023 State Energy Conference. In this live recording, we host a conversation with some of the leading influencers in the electric transportation sector to cover all angles of the federal investments being made via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. The keynote plenary panel conversation features Dr. Shelley Francis of EVNoire, Walter Thorn of ChargerHelp!, and Richard Ezike of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. Tune in to this conversation to hear how the public and private sectors are combining forces to ensure we map out an equitable and accessible electric transportation future. Additional resources from today’s episode: NEM Extension Order: https://bit.ly/3IkBaH4 HB 488 Action Alert: https://bit.ly/42Mcvn4 NC NEVI Plan: https://bit.ly/3o5PI6L Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

Just a few weeks ago, the NC Utilities Commission (NCUC) issued a long-awaited order determining the future of rooftop solar compensation in North Carolina. The order comes after a large group of settling parties, including utilities, solar installers, and clean energy advocates, filed multiple compromise agreements in 2021/2022 to determine a path forward for rooftop solar in the state. Taylor Jones (NC Sustainable Energy Association), Will Giese (Solar Energy Industries Association), Lon Huber (Duke Energy), and Bob Kingery (Southern Energy Management) join the podcast to discuss the order and how it’s set to transform the industry moving forward. Additional resources from today’s episodes: NC Utilities Commission Order: https://bit.ly/3AW5DHC NCSEA’s Blog on 2023 Net Metering Updates: https://bit.ly/44wPu92 Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @Matt Abele)

NASCAR driver and sports icon Leilani Münter joins the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast to talk about her commitment to clean energy and how she’s used her vehicles as a platform to promote solar over the years! In this episode, we talk about her career as a high-speed professional, and as a star on the silver screen. We also dive into her own experience with EVs and solar right here in the Carolinas. Tune in to hear how this icon has helped to transform public perception around clean energy and what she’s doing next! Additional resources from today’s episode: State Energy Conference: https://www.ncenergyconference.com/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

The NC Governor’s Office just released their Deep Decarbonization Pathways Analysis which outlines potential strategies that the state can adopt to reach carbon neutrality across the economy by 2050. In this episode, we sit down with Zach Pierce, Senior Advisor for Climate Change Policy for Governor Roy Cooper, to discover the interplay between emissions reductions efforts in electricity, transportation, and harder-to-abate sectors. Equipped with the latest standards and scenarios, the report gives a better understanding of the progress we’ve made and recommends how NC can achieve the Governor’s goals moving forward. Deep Decarbonization Pathways Analysis: https://bit.ly/3nlcruN Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On one of our shorter episodes of the podcast, we travel out to Pembroke, NC to learn more about a commercial PV system installed for the Lumbee Regional Development Association. Eagle Solar & Light, along with Sunwealth, put together a financial package for the non-profit, allowing them to install the solar system with no upfront costs via a monthly lease. Learn more about why solar leasing hasn’t taken off yet in North Carolina and what the loss of the Duke Energy rebate program means for disadvantaged communities. What unrealized benefits do scalable solar leasing models offer marginalized communities across state? Tune in to find out! Building Code Council Meeting: https://bit.ly/3wT2ztD South Carolina RTO Study: https://bit.ly/3T3dCKX Duke Rate Increase Proposal: https://bit.ly/3J3Dimf Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On the latest episode of the podcast, we sit down with Ben Catt, CEO of Pine Gate Renewables to talk about the secret sauce of scaling a clean energy business. We cover the company’s success along the way, some of the unforeseen challenges, and how the clean energy market as a whole has changed over the past 10 years. The conversation also covers the intersection of policy, business model, and timing as crucial factors to growing a leading clean energy company.

Imagine a future where EVs can travel 50% further with batteries that are cheaper than they are today. What if that future was being led by research and development stemming out of North Carolina? Well that’s exactly what we’re covering on this episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, where we feature an interview with Dr. Glen Merfeld, Chief Technology Officer with Albemarle. Tune in to hear about the exciting investments they’re making right here in North Carolina, and the innovations they have in store for the next generation of storage technologies. Additional resources from today’s episode: Albemarle Technology Park Announcement: https://prn.to/3DD56vI NCSEA’s CLE Event: https://bit.ly/3joHgfS Building Code Council Meeting: https://bit.ly/3wT2ztD Customer Clean Energy Programs Filed: https://bit.ly/3l5ZCmO Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

On episode 84, we’re highlighting what really happened during Winter Storm Elliott, which led to millions of customers without power across the southeast. Despite some who were quick to blame renewables, the outages actually were caused by natural gas and coal plants, forecasting miscalculations, and issues importing power from neighboring states. We talk with Simon Mahan of the Southern Renewable Energy Association about what really happened and what can be done in the future to prevent similar outages from occurring. Additional resources from today’s episode: NCSEA’s CLE Event: https://bit.ly/3joHgfS Winter Storm Elliott Coverage: https://bit.ly/3wgnUgo Southern Renewable Energy Association: https://www.southernrenewable.org/ Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.