The Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 132: Bolstering the Battery Belt in the Southeast Jul 30, 2026

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On episode 132 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with Stephanie Gagnon-Rodriguez from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) about their recently released domestic battery supply chain policy roadmap. Stephanie outlines a series of policy recommendations for federal policymakers and state legislatures, along with steps the industry itself should take to expand domestic manufacturing. Given the prominent role batteries are set to play over the coming decade, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Additional Resources: C2ES Critical Battery Materials Supply Chain Policy Roadmap: https://bit.ly/4wqY7zu Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele)

Episode 131: The Real Reasons Behind Rising Electricity Costs Jul 09, 2026

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On episode 131 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, we speak with a former regulator about the rising costs of electricity and the impacts on ratepayers across the country. We spend time digging in to the reasons behind rising electricity rates, along with some of the strategies public utility commissions can take to slow those rising costs. This episode features a conversation with Tremaine Phillips, an Advisor to PowerLines, President of Third Coast Strategies, and former Commissioner at the Michigan Public Service Commission. Additional Resources from this episode: PowerLines Utility Bills are Rising Report: https://bit.ly/4eRnSCE North Carolina Legislation to Address Rising Fuel Costs: https://bit.ly/4yexMGg Presented by NC Sustainable Energy Association. Hosted and produced by Matt Abele (Twitter: @MattAbele) Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @squeakycleanpodcast.

Episode 130: Changing the Course of NC’s Energy Future – SB266 Mar 17, 2026

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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),

Episode 129: the Role that Microgrids Played in Recovering from NC’s Costliest Natural Disaster Jan 08, 2026

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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.

Episode 128: Goodbye 25D/25C - What’s Next for DERs and Household Electrification? Oct 27, 2025

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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.

Episode 127: All Rewards, No Risk – Fixing the Reliance on Costly, Volatile Fuels Jul 31, 2025

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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: Balancing Affordability and Load Growth Jun 27, 2025

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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.

Episode 125: Georgia Utilities Commissioner Talks Nuclear, Data Centers, and Clean Energy May 22, 2025

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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.

Episode 124: Winds of Policy Change Apr 17, 2025

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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.

Episode 123: Keeping up with federal policy changes Feb 16, 2025

Show notes

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.

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