The Energy Gang

If there’s any concept that can cut through politics of distributed energy, it’s “personal energy independence.” Some utilities may not like the idea, but many supporters believe it’s a helpful way to frame policies supporting solar, storage and microgrids, both nationally and locally. That is what encouraged Senator Angus King (I-ME) to introduce a bill in Congress that would establish a nationwide integration plan for distributed energy. Called “The Free Market Energy Act,” the legislation wouldn’t mandate any specific technology; rather, it would direct states to establish rate structures and interconnection laws supporting on-site energy systems in a way that’s fair to utilities and individual customers. “It’s absolutely clear this is where the future is going and people are going to demand their own personal energy,” explained King, speaking on the Energy Gang. This week, we talk with Senator King about his bill and discuss the politics of energy in Congress. Later in the show, we’ll explore the business