We Need a “Do-Something” Moment for Energy Affordability
Note sull'episodio
Energy costs keep rising. In October 2025, at least four states saw utility revenue per kilowatt hour jump more than 20% year over year, and more than 10 states saw increases in the double digits. Most Americans haven’t seen headlines like this since the oil embargo during the Carter administration.
Heather Reams knows what it will take to fix this. As President and CEO of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, she leads an effort to find solutions that Republicans can say yes to. She’s a Republican talking to Republicans about meeting others in the middle on issues like climate change and sustainability.
The good news is that while bipartisanship is hard, Heather has proof that compromise solutions are more durable. The bad news is that she believes we may need a “do-something moment”—an acute crisis—before there’s enough focus and political will to fix the electricity grid.
1:30 The mission of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES). Why engaging Republicans on climate and energy policy is central to durable reform.
5:30 Heather has seen Republicans become more willing to acknowledge climate change.
6:40 Meeting lawmakers where they are, using state-specific economic and employment realities
8:20 Solar and clean energy have gained Republican support in regions where they create local economic benefits.
11:43 Advocacy organizations help count votes and build coalitions.
16:40 The US has abundant energy resources but struggles with transmission, permitting, and grid constraints.
22:00 In Heather’s view, divided government often produces better bipartisan solutions on major issues.
22:30 Energy transmission reform may require compromise on states’ rights and federal authority.
23:00 Heather introduces the idea of a “do-something moment,” a crisis forcing policymakers to act
27:00 How the business community fits into energy and climate policymaking.
35:02 CRES’s biggest accomplishments