Episodes

  • The Offshore Truth: Five Facts to Fight Misinformation

    The Offshore Truth: Five Facts to Fight Misinformation
    Oct 1 2025
    In this episode, we're diving into the top 5 things we learned from the New York Offshore Wind Alliance (NYOWA) over the past year.

    From public misconceptions to unexpected performance insights, these takeaways highlight just how much there still is to understand about offshore wind and how far we've come in 2025.

    Whether you're a clean energy advocate, policymaker, or just wind-curious, this episode will get you up to speed on how NYOWA and its partners are helping reshape the conversation around offshore wind and what it really means for New York’s energy future.

    Learn more about clean energy at ACENY.org

    "Plugging In" is produced by Barry Wygel and Angela Calcagno.
    The "Plugging In" theme song was written and performed by Jared Haines.

    Find Us On…. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allianceforcleanenergy/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACENY/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-clean-energy-new-york/
    X/Twitter: https://x.com/ACE_newyork
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6r1_q6x_-HSBx1ZbKh5a0A

    Have suggestions? We want to hear them! Episode Suggestions Box: https://forms.office.com/r/cLnSdchsD9
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    8 mins
  • Powering Long Island: Balancing Affordability and Reliability

    Powering Long Island: Balancing Affordability and Reliability
    Sep 17 2025
    Join us as we delve into the complexities of maintaining affordable and reliable electricity on Long Island with Carrie Meek Gallagher, CEO of the Long Island Power Authority.

    Discover how LIPA navigates the unique challenges of operating a public power utility, balancing infrastructure investments with affordability, and leveraging renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Learn about the innovative strategies being implemented to ensure resilience and sustainability in the face of evolving energy demands and environmental considerations.

    Learn more about LIPA: https://www.lipower.org/

    Learn more about clean energy at ACENY.org

    "Plugging In" is produced by Barry Wygel and Angela Calcagno.
    The "Plugging In" theme song was written and performed by Jared Haines.

    Find Us On…. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allianceforcleanenergy/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACENY/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-clean-energy-new-york/
    X/Twitter: https://x.com/ACE_newyork
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6r1_q6x_-HSBx1ZbKh5a0A

    Have suggestions? We want to hear them! Episode Suggestions Box: https://forms.office.com/r/cLnSdchsD9

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    17 mins
  • What's in it for me?: Why Towns Say Yes to Renewable Energy

    What's in it for me?: Why Towns Say Yes to Renewable Energy
    Sep 3 2025
    Ever wonder what a community really gains from hosting a wind or solar farm?

    In this episode of Plugging In, host Barry Wygel is joined by Marguerite Wells, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, to explore how local renewable energy projects create lasting community benefits.

    We explain the different ways these projects give back, through annual landowner payments, tax agreements with towns, counties, and schools, and PILOTs (Payments in Lieu of Taxes).

    You’ll learn how this new revenue helps communities build town halls, pave roads, improve schools, and even eliminate property taxes in some cases.

    Plus, Marguerite shares why public engagement is essential to making these projects successful.

    Discover how Lewis County leveraged its natural resources to thrive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5oyL1sJrxw&t=218s

    Learn more about clean energy at ACENY.org

    "Plugging In" is produced by Barry Wygel and Angela Calcagno.
    The "Plugging In" theme song was written and performed by Jared Haines.

    Find Us On…. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allianceforcleanenergy/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACENY/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-clean-energy-new-york/
    X/Twitter: https://x.com/ACE_newyork
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6r1_q6x_-HSBx1ZbKh5a0A

    Have suggestions? We want to hear them! Episode Suggestions Box: https://forms.office.com/r/cLnSdchsD9

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    19 mins
  • Let's Get Loud: Fighting for Clean Air in a New Political Climate

    Let's Get Loud: Fighting for Clean Air in a New Political Climate
    Aug 20 2025
    It's not just a technical or political problem; it's personal.

    On this episode, we talk with Dominique Browning, the founder of Moms Clean Air Force, a national group with more than 1.6 million members.

    Dominique shares how 2025 has changed her organization's approach and how now is the time to be louder than ever.

    Learn how a grassroots movement is pushing back against deregulation, fighting defeatism, and using personal stories to drive change from the state level all the way to Washington.

    Learn more about Moms Clean Air Force: https://www.momscleanairforce.org/

    Learn more about clean energy at ACENY.org

    "Plugging In" is produced by Barry Wygel and Angela Calcagno. The "Plugging In" theme song was written and performed by Jared Haines.

    Find Us On….
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allianceforcleanenergy/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACENY/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-clean-energy-new-york/
    X/Twitter: https://x.com/ACE_newyork
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6r1_q6x_-HSBx1ZbKh5a0A

    Have suggestions? We want to hear them!
    Episode Suggestions Box: https://forms.office.com/r/cLnSdchsD9
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    16 mins
  • Go Geo: Your Guide to Geothermal for Your Home and Beyond

    Go Geo: Your Guide to Geothermal for Your Home and Beyond
    Aug 6 2025
    Thinking about switching to a cleaner way to heat and cool your home? This episode is your comprehensive guide to geothermal heating and cooling.

    John Ciovacco, a leading expert from NY Geo and Aztech Geothermal, explains the fundamentals of ground source heat pumps, how they differ from air source heat pumps, and what homeowners should consider before making the switch.

    Learn about the economic sweet spot for a geothermal project and the exciting large-scale projects happening across the state and country. John also shares critical information on the current federal tax credits, helping you decide if now is the right time to "go geo."

    Learn more about clean energy at ACENY.org

    "Plugging In" is produced by Barry Wygel and Angela Calcagno. The "Plugging In" theme song was written and performed by Jared Haines.

    Find Us On….
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allianceforcleanenergy/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACENY/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-clean-energy-new-york/
    X/Twitter: https://x.com/ACE_newyork
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6r1_q6x_-HSBx1ZbKh5a0A

    Have suggestions? We want to hear them!
    Episode Suggestions Box: https://forms.office.com/r/cLnSdchsD9
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    25 mins
  • The First Year: 5 Big Takeaways from Plugging In

    The First Year: 5 Big Takeaways from Plugging In
    Jul 23 2025
    As we celebrate one year of Plugging In, let's reflect on some of the biggest takeaways.
    • Why do your energy bills spike unexpectedly? Energy Policy Analyst Christian Roselund broke down how global events from wars to trade disputes can send energy prices soaring, showing why local clean energy matters more than ever.

    • Did you know battery storage facilities are built with round-the-clock, year-round safety measures? Phil Denara from Key Capture Energy explained how these systems are monitored 24/7/365 to keep communities safe and the grid secure.

    • We busted a big myth with marine biologist Lesley Thorne. There is no scientific evidence linking offshore wind projects to whale strandings. Protecting marine life and expanding clean energy can go hand in hand.

    • Community solar is always a win for your wallet. Kate Daniel from the Coalition for Community Solar shared how these programs guarantee customers always pay less for power with no rooftop panels required.

    • Climate change solutions have not always been a partisan fight. Chelsea Henderson from RepublicEN reminded us that protecting the environment has deep bipartisan roots and can be again.




    Learn more about clean energy at ACENY.org

    "Plugging In" is produced by Barry Wygel and Angela Calcagno. The "Plugging In" theme song was written and performed by Jared Haines.

    Find Us On….
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allianceforcleanenergy/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACENY/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-clean-energy-new-york/
    X/Twitter: https://x.com/ACE_newyork
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6r1_q6x_-HSBx1ZbKh5a0A

    Have suggestions? We want to hear them!
    Episode Suggestions Box: https://forms.office.com/r/cLnSdchsD9
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    10 mins
  • Investing in Tomorrow's Energy: Modernizing New York's Grid

    Investing in Tomorrow's Energy: Modernizing New York's Grid
    Jul 9 2025
    New York's energy future depends on strategic investments, not just in generation, but in the infrastructure that delivers power. Join us as Girish Behal, VP of Projects and Business Development at the New York Power Authority (NYPA), details the ambitious plans to modernize the state's electric grid.

    Girish explains the vital planning processes, including the Public Policy Transmission Need (PPTN), that ensure reliable, cost-effective power delivery. Understand why these long-term transmission projects are not just about keeping the lights on, but about driving economic development and benefiting New Yorkers for decades to come.


    Learn more about clean energy at ACENY.org

    "Plugging In" is produced by Barry Wygel and Angela Calcagno. The "Plugging In" theme song was written and performed by Jared Haines.

    Find Us On….
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allianceforcleanenergy/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACENY/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-clean-energy-new-york/
    X/Twitter: https://x.com/ACE_newyork
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6r1_q6x_-HSBx1ZbKh5a0A

    Have suggestions? We want to hear them!
    Episode Suggestions Box: https://forms.office.com/r/cLnSdchsD9
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    22 mins
  • Unpacking Your Electric Bill: Why Clean Energy Can Bring Down Costs

    Unpacking Your Electric Bill: Why Clean Energy Can Bring Down Costs
    Jun 25 2025
    Ever wonder why your electric bill fluctuates? Energy policy analyst Christian Roselund joins Plugging In to demystify the economics of our power system. Christian explains the fundamental differences between the "free fuel" of solar and wind versus the variable costs of natural gas, and how this impacts wholesale electricity prices.

    Learn why, despite rising transmission and distribution costs (often due to grid upgrades), the supply portion of your bill is benefiting from clean energy. Plus, get practical tips for reducing your personal energy use and discover how strategic investments in solutions like offshore wind can act as a crucial hedge against costly winter price spikes.

    Learn more about clean energy at ACENY.org

    "Plugging In" is produced by Barry Wygel and Angela Calcagno. The "Plugging In" theme song was written and performed by Jared Haines.

    Find Us On….
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allianceforcleanenergy/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACENY/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-clean-energy-new-york/
    X/Twitter: https://x.com/ACE_newyork
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6r1_q6x_-HSBx1ZbKh5a0A

    Have suggestions? We want to hear them!
    Episode Suggestions Box: https://forms.office.com/r/cLnSdchsD9
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    22 mins