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As a longtime clean energy advocate, Eric Williams understands the potential of renewable energy. So he's quick to note that "intermittent does not mean unreliable," calling claims to the contrary misinformation by people who intentionally oppose the clean energy transition, specifically renewables.

He believes it's possible to keep an electricity grid fueled by renewable energy stable every minute of every day, despite the variability of wind and sunlight, and he's working to prove it. 

Eric is one of eight Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) board members who oversee one of the largest publicly owned electric utilities in the U.S., serving 855,000 people in Omaha and 13 surrounding southeast Nebraska counties.

In today's podcast, SunCast host Nico Johnson talks with Eric about the benefits of public power and its pivotal role in the transition to clean energy. Eric highlights the advancements in accurate projections and forecasts, which make solar and wind energy dependable, and suggests that the definition of reliability needs to be updated to reflect the capabilities of low-cost clean energy technologies now available.

Eric has worked to advance clean energy since 2009 as a community organizer, coordinator for a city-operated project and founder of a biofuels cooperative before being elected to the OPPD in 2018. 

His extensive knowledge and deep involvement in the energy sector provide valuable insights into the unique nature of public power in Nebraska and its impact on shaping energy production.

Accountability and Accessibility

Eric highlights the crucial role of elected officials representing their constituents' interests, ensuring that public power entities prioritize customer concerns over profitability and shareholder demands. Public utilities should be accessible and responsive, and, as a director, Eric actively engages with the community and provides his personal contact information. In contrast, private or investor-owned utilities often prioritize profits at the expense of customer needs.

The Power of Public Power

Nico and Eric delve into the fundamental differences between public and private utilities, how public power benefits the energy transition and shares what we can learn from the nation's only 100% public power state. Eric said the unique governance structure and commitment to the people it serves distinguish public power as a model with significant benefits.

Affordability, Reliability, and Environmental Sensitivity

Eric expands on the importance of affordability, reliability, and environmental sensitivity in public power. While public power is not a panacea, it is generally less expensive and more reliable than investor-owned utilities. The interview explores the challenges of quantifying the clean energy transition progress, with a focus on public power's contribution to providing affordable and reliable electricity during this crucial period.

Leveraging Local Resources

Eric shares his firsthand experience with solar energy and its decreasing costs. He emphasizes the availability of natural resources in Nebraska, such as wind, solar, and biomass, and their potential for clean, renewable energy generation. The interview touches upon the transition from gas to electric appliances, discussing the benefits of this shift regarding energy cost control and reduced carbon emissions.

Local Representation and Engagement

Nico and Eric discuss the importance of local representation and engagement in shaping the trajectory toward decarbonizing the grid. They address the resistance and zoning restrictions that renewable energy projects face at the grassroots and county levels and how local officials like county commissioners can influence renewable energy deployment to drive economic benefits for rural communities. The conversation also covers recent federal legislation allowing direct ownership of renewable energy resources and its positive impact on the market.

Join us to learn practical insights about advancing clean energy in your community and strategies to ensure your elected officials adopt the right policies to increase clean, reliable, affordable electricity for all. 

This insightful interview between Nico and Eric will deepen your understanding of the benefits and importance of public power in the clean energy transition and shed light on the challenges and opportunities associated with adopting renewable energy. It's a call to action, highlighting the need for proactive policies, local engagement, and representative leadership to accelerate the shift towards a sustainable and equitable energy future.

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ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.

Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.

If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.