Episodes

  • Ep 90: Spotlight on Texas Energy Policy and Unpacking the Impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on Distributed Generation
    Jun 17 2025

    The pace of policy change is accelerating, and if you're in the energy space, you can't afford to fall behind. Let’s break down the latest legislative shifts shaking up the U.S. energy landscape from Texas to Washington and what they mean for onsite energy projects, investor confidence, and the future of distributed energy.

    Listen in as we cover the highs and lows of recent state and federal bills, including the surprising defeat of three anti-renewable proposals in Texas, the potential of SB 1202 to dramatically cut soft costs, and the razor-thin passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” in Congress.


    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • Why Texas’ attempt to curb renewables failed.
    • How SB 1202 could slash permitting timelines and soft costs.
    • The key provisions (and limitations) of the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
    • What tight timelines mean for your access to federal tax credits.
    • Real-world case studies: When energy projects still pencil out without the ITC.
    • Why soft cost reductions may be the industry’s biggest opportunity.
    • How rising utility rates make behind-the-meter systems more attractive than ever.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/m54aau6c

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    19 mins
  • Ep 89: A New Suite of Solutions for the New World: Our Talk with Ember’s Kingsmill Bond on Electrotech and Energy Security
    Jun 3 2025

    The global energy transition is moving fast—are you ready for what comes next? Today's guest is Kingsmill Bond, energy strategist at Ember, who joins the show to unpack the seismic shift underway in how we power our world—and why clinging to outdated solutions could spell economic stagnation. He introduces “electrotech,” the production of electricity from solar and wind, smart usage via EVs and heat pumps, and connected technologies like batteries and grids. These innovations benefit from steep learning curves and exponential growth, making them cheaper and faster to scale than fossil fuels.

    Listen in as Kingsmill shares how energy security is being redefined, why countries reliant on imports face growing risks, and how forward-thinking policies can dramatically cut electricity costs. This episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to embrace electrification—not as a moral imperative, but as a strategic advantage in a rapidly evolving world.


    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • What “electrotech” means and why it matters.
    • How renewables are outpacing fossil fuels in cost and deployment.
    • The global risks of fossil fuel dependence.
    • The economic dangers of clinging to carbon capture.
    • How policy drives electricity price and competitiveness.
    • Why global manufacturing of solar and batteries matters.
    • How to lead through energy change with clarity and urgency.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • Kingsmill Bond: Website | LinkedIn
    • Ember Energy
    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/mt38rsmh

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    47 mins
  • Ep 88: Lessons From the Recent Major Outages and Putting a Value on Resilience
    May 20 2025

    What happens when an entire country goes dark? In this episode, we break down three recent massive power outages — in Spain, Chile, and at London’s Heathrow Airport — that disrupted millions of lives and exposed the fragility of our global energy infrastructure. You’ll learn what triggered each blackout, why these failures are more than just isolated incidents, and how interconnected, inverter-heavy grids are creating new vulnerabilities in a world rapidly shifting to renewables.

    We also unpack what these crises reveal about resilience in both national and business-critical energy systems. You'll walk away with a better understanding of why energy resilience matters now more than ever, and what it means for the future of clean tech, critical infrastructure, and global business continuity.

    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • What caused Spain's largest power outage in recent history.
    • How inverter-heavy grids react to rapid solar drops.
    • Why Chile’s national blackout triggered military intervention.
    • The business cost of a single blackout.
    • How centralized infrastructure becomes a single point of failure.
    • The economic ripple effects of nationwide outages.
    • What industries are most vulnerable to voltage spikes.
    • Lessons from biotech and semiconductor facility resilience.
    • How airports are rewriting their power recovery procedures.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/y37ym5sc

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    22 mins
  • Ep 87: Insights into Commercial Real Estate Technology Trends with JLL’s Lee Jackson
    May 6 2025

    Lee Jackson, Senior Vice President of Digital Solutions at JLL, joins the show to share his unconventional journey and how his unique background gives him an edge in transforming real estate portfolios. You'll hear how shifting consumer behavior, from traditional retail to immersive destination experiences, has forced the industry to adapt, and how digital tools are helping it do just that.

    Lee also breaks down the key differences between public and private ownership structures, how asset life cycles impact decision-making, and why the next evolution in sustainability isn’t just measurement—it’s action. With examples ranging from energy optimization to tenant engagement tools, you’ll learn how innovation is reshaping real estate and what it means for landlords, investors, and tenants alike.

    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • Why destination-focused retail is replacing traditional models.
    • How COVID-19 accelerated tech adoption in buildings.
    • The importance of acting on energy data.
    • How digital tools boost tenant satisfaction and retention.
    • The role of ownership type in real estate decisions.
    • Why stakeholder pressure drives sustainability innovation.
    • Metrics that matter most in managing real estate portfolios.
    • How leaders can use data for real-world impact.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • Lee Jackson: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/bwr8mb4m

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    44 mins
  • Ep 86: The Business Value of Sustainability: Our Discussion with UPS, CBRE, Jamestown and Southface Institute
    Apr 29 2025

    What if the key to long-term profit isn’t faster growth, but smarter, greener strategy? In this panel discussion, leaders from UPS, CBRE, Jamestown, and Southface Institute break down why sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s smart business. James Marlow opens the conversation by challenging the obsession with quarterly gains, advocating instead for "hundred-year thinking." Becca Timms, Tommy Bledsoe, and Zach Marchlik share how companies like UPS are tracking emissions across facilities, why LEED buildings command higher rent, and how sustainability is now a top tenant priority, beating out gyms and parking.

    Listen in to learn how long-term value creation, systems thinking, and life cycle cost analysis can unlock resilience and real savings. Whether it’s starting small with pilot programs or reimagining energy systems, you’ll hear how to tie green initiatives to tangible results. From real estate to logistics, this conversation highlights practical ways to embed sustainability into the core of any business.

    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • Why short-term thinking threatens long-term business.
    • How “hundred-year thinking” drives resilience.
    • Practical steps to integrate sustainability company-wide.
    • How UPS manages global emissions at scale.
    • Why sustainability is a top office building amenity.
    • How to use data to win internal sustainability support.
    • Ways to start small and build momentum.
    • How energy systems are shifting from passive to proactive.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • James Marlow: LinkedIn | Website
    • Becca Timms: LinkedIn | Website
    • Tommy Bledsoe: LinkedIn
    • Zach Marchlik: LinkedIn
    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3k3bekuf

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    47 mins
  • Ep 85: Reflecting on the Ending Intermittent Energy Subsidies Act and a Phased-Down Investment Tax Credit
    Apr 22 2025

    Today we are looking into the latest developments around the 48E tax credits and a proposed bill—the Ending Intermittent Energy Subsidies Act—that could drastically reshape clean energy investment. You'll learn what these changes mean for solar, wind, and energy storage projects and how they're being weighed against long-standing subsidies in the oil and gas industry.

    Listen in to hear how rural EV infrastructure is lagging behind urban areas, the surprising economics of off-road electric vehicles, and how a gradual tax credit step-down could actually spark innovation. If you want to understand what’s happening in American energy policy and how to strategically plan your energy projects in a volatile market, this one’s for you.

    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • What the 48E Tax Credit is.
    • Why the proposed Ending Intermittent Energy Subsidies Act matters.
    • How phased tax credit reductions work.
    • Differences between clean energy and oil and gas incentives.
    • The economics of energy project planning during policy change.
    • How energy tax policy affects consumer costs.
    • Why strategic timing matters in renewable energy rollouts.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/32aavsky

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    17 mins
  • Ep 84: How the U.S. Tariffs Will Impact Onsite Energy Project Economics
    Apr 15 2025

    What if all the chaos in the tariff headlines isn’t as disastrous as it seems? In this episode, we cut through the noise to break down the real economic impact of the latest tariff developments on onsite energy projects. From the initial bloodbath in the markets to a surprising bounce back, we unpack what’s driving energy project economics—and it’s not just equipment costs.

    You’ll learn why utility tariffs, consumption patterns, and costs play a far bigger role than most people think, and how strategic scenario planning can preserve project value even in the face of rising costs and political uncertainty. We will walk through real-world modeling and surprising results from a 200-site portfolio analysis, including what happens when tax credits vanish or equipment costs spike.

    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • The biggest drivers of project economics.
    • How tariff volatility is impacting equipment costs.
    • What soft costs are and why they matter more than you think.
    • The role of incentives like the Investment Tax Credit.
    • How to scenario-plan for rising utility escalation rates.
    • What happens when tax credits are removed.
    • The surprisingly small impact of moderate tariff increases.
    • How optimization engines preserve NPV and IRR.
    • Why modular, flexible energy deployments are smart in uncertain markets.
    • How to future-proof energy investments despite policy chaos.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/33juje54

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    20 mins
  • Ep 83: The State of U.S. Energy Infrastructure and Its Recent D+ Grade
    Apr 8 2025

    Every day, we hear debates about energy—should we rely on coal, nuclear, gas, or renewables? But what no one is discussing is the backbone of it all: the power grid. With demand skyrocketing, prices climbing, and outages increasing, the latest report from the American Society of Civil Engineers reveals some alarming truths about our aging infrastructure.

    In this episode, we break down the key findings of the 2025 Infrastructure Report Card, focusing on energy. We discuss why the U.S. power grid received a D+ rating, the economic and security implications of failing infrastructure, and the rising costs consumers are facing. Plus, we explore potential solutions, including on-site energy and grid modernization. If you want to understand how the energy crisis affects you and what can be done about it, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • Why the U.S. power grid was rated D+ in the latest Infrastructure Report Card.
    • The impact of outdated transmission and distribution systems on energy reliability.
    • How increasing energy demand is outpacing grid capacity.
    • The economic consequences of failing infrastructure and rising energy costs.
    • The role of renewables and gas plants in meeting future power needs.
    • Why replacing aging transformers is becoming a critical challenge.
    • How energy failures in other countries foreshadow potential U.S. risks.
    • The growing importance of energy resilience for businesses.
    • The potential of on-site energy solutions to bypass grid weaknesses.
    • How policy and investment can help modernize the power grid.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • 2025 Infrastructure Report Card
    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/y6w4zrbf

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    20 mins