In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall and S&P Global Commodity Insights climate and energy reporter Karin Rives discuss the increasing involvement of state lawmakers in electric utility regulations and their impact on the power industry and ratepayers.

Guests on today's show are Lillian Federico, a research director with Commodity Insights, California state Senator Josh Becker and Paul Alvarez with the consulting firm Wired Group.

They highlight how the energy transition and concerns over climate change have prompted lawmakers to shape energy policy, disrupting the traditional relationship between regulators, politicians and ratepayer advocates.

The episode explores various cases where legislators have pushed for utility investments, resulting in unintended consequences and financial burdens for ratepayers. It also examines the challenges of regulatory lag and the uncertainty created by swings in policy.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. Veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall co-host the show, which routinely features regular correspondents Camilla Naschert and Camellia Moors.

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, host Taylor Kuykendall interviews William "Bill" Daley, who was White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama and Commerce Secretary during the administration of President Bill Clinton. Daley joined Taylor to discuss the role of climate technologies in driving economic growth and job creation. Daley explained the work of Crux Climate, a sustainable finance technology company, and how they facilitate the transferability of energy credits. He also emphasized the need for government support and investment in advanced manufacturing and new energy sources. Daley also highlighted the opportunities for economic development in various sectors, including solar, wind, batteries, hydrogen and nuclear energy. Daley also addressed the role of large organizations in the climate technology space and the importance of a balanced approach to energy sources.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall is joined by Tom Dichristopher, senior reporter at S&P Global Commodity Insights, to discuss the movement to ban new gas hookups and require all-electric construction for new buildings.

In 2023, a court struck down a gas ban in Berkeley, California, which was the first of its kind in the nation. The decision came as part of a legal settlement with the California Restaurant Association, and Berkeley will no longer enforce the ban while it goes through the process of repealing it.

The court opinion that led to the settlement is expected to set a precedent for other cities and counties in California and West Coast policymakers to reconsider their own gas bans and building electrification policies. Despite the repeal in Berkeley, many cities in California have implemented their own versions of gas bans, and there is still momentum to transition buildings away from natural gas in several states.

Local areas are exploring options to strengthen building codes and encourage electrification without violating federal energy laws.

Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications. The show is co-hosted by veteran journalists Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall.