Brokering the ongoing energy transition

In our fraught and ongoing energy transition, the metrics of finance are largely determining how, when, and where the electricity sector transitions to low-carbon energy sources—if at all. Author Conor Harrison (Brokers of Power) draws from case studies including 2021’s Winter Storm Uri and interviews people working in the electricity and financial sectors to reveal how the various entanglements of private equity, investment banking, and financial modeling are shaping the future and raising the costs of this vital infrastructure. Harrison is joined here in conversation with Shelley Welton.

Conor Harrison is associate professor in the Department of Geography and School of Earth, Ocean, and Environment at the University of South Carolina.

Shelley Welton is Presidential Distinguished Professor of Law and Energy Policy with the Kleinman Center and Penn Carey Law School at the University of Pennsylvania.

EPISODE REFERENCES:

Article, New York Times: “His Lights Stayed on During Texas’ Storm. Now He Owes $16,752.”

Stephen Maher and Scott Aquanno, The Fall and Rise of American Finance

Brett Christophers,The Price is WrongandOur Lives in Their Portfolios

Matt Huber

Nikki Luke

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
"It’s hard to think of two more important industries than energy and finance. Not much happens in the world without the supply of both, so it’s surprising that little attention gets paid to the nexus of the two: energy finance. Showing that Wall Street, not Washington, ultimately dictates the pace of America’s energy transition, Conor Harrison busts open the black box."
—Brett Christophers

"This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand why the electricity system looks like it does—and the forces that must be reshaped to accomplish a just and rapid energy transition."
—Shelley Welton

Brokers of Power: The Financialization of the US Electricity System by Conor Harrison is available from University of Minnesota Press. Thank you for listening.