Why the Rules Matter

In episode 2, we explored how to build a championship zero-carbon “team” on the grid. We could have the best players in the world — rooftop solar, batteries, net metering, demand response, high-voltage transmission, and so many others — but if the rules prevent these technologies from playing ball, then we won’t be able to decarbonize fast enough.  How do we make sure the rules strike the right balance between innovation and reliability — while making the zero-carbon grid system equitable? In our fifth episode of season 1, Dr. Melissa Lott explores how the rules of the grid impact everyone. We’ll look at how the lack of rules in Texas caused an economic disaster for some consumers during this winter’s blackouts. And we’ll discuss how to reform and refine them to support a fast transition to clean energy. Guests: Deandre Upshaw, Dr. Destenie Nock, and Alison Silverstein. The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. Our producers are Daniel Woldorff, Dalvin Aboagye and Stephen Lacey.  A special thanks to Kirsten Smith, Genna Morton, Artealia Juilliard and Kyu Lee.