In this episode of Know Power, hosts Noha and Mike speak with Rich Powell, CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA). Rich outlines the evolving dynamics in U.S. electricity markets, focusing on the policy decisions shaping clean energy deployment and pricing. He shares insights into CEBA’s advocacy priorities, including maintaining voluntary clean energy markets, removing permitting roadblocks, and ensuring market structures support diverse buyers. The conversation digs into the political complexities of federal tax credits, grid reliability concerns, and what it takes to meet fast-growing demand from sectors like AI and data. Rich also reflects on global competitiveness, the future of firm clean energy, and the realities of work-life balance in a high-stakes policy world.

Guest bio: Rich Powell is the CEO of Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), a business association with 400 members including energy buyers and partners dedicated to advancing low-cost, reliable, carbon emissions-free global electricity systems. CEBA’s members represent more than $20 trillion in market capitalization.

Prior to CEBA, Rich was the CEO of ClearPath and ClearPath Action, the DC-based organizations advancing policies that accelerate breakthrough innovations to reduce emissions in the energy and industrial sectors. He currently sits on the Advisory Board of ClearPath.

In addition, Rich advises policymakers on investing wisely in energy innovation, removing roadblocks to building and exporting American clean energy and industrial technology, and maintaining and promoting our flexible clean energy resources.

Previously, Rich was with McKinsey & Company in the Energy and Sustainability practices. He focused on corporate clean energy strategy, government low carbon growth strategy, and clean tech market entry.

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[00:01:21] Rich Powell explains the mission and membership of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA).

[00:03:23] His career journey from environmental studies to McKinsey to nonprofit leadership in climate policy.

[00:07:13] How CEBA builds consensus across a diverse range of electricity buyers.

[00:10:24] CEBA’s three policy goals: voluntary clean energy markets, removing development barriers, and enabling market structures.

[00:11:07] The critical role of clean energy tax credits and what’s at stake in current federal policy negotiations.

[00:14:02] Rich breaks down the budget reconciliation process and its timeline implications for clean energy.

[00:20:16] Senate dynamics and strategic outreach to protect clean energy incentives.

[00:23:09] Projected electricity price impacts if clean energy tax credits are rolled back.

[00:24:29] What a legislative compromise could look like to preserve tax certainty without open-ended subsidies.

[00:30:52] How policy uncertainty is slowing corporate clean energy deal flow and affecting investment.

[00:33:09] Global competition: why some U.S. companies are reconsidering international siting decisions.

[00:36:37] Optimism for meaningful permitting reform under the current administration.

[00:42:49] Balancing clean energy goals with reliability demands from large energy buyers.

[00:47:33] The Department of Energy’s role in grid reliability and market-based approaches to preserving resilience.

[00:50:10] ERCOT as a case study for effective market signals, clean energy deployment, and reliability gains.

[00:55:07] Realistic expectations for future power sources and timelines in today’s interconnect-limited environment.

[00:58:28] Rich’s optimistic forecast for a fast-growing, tech-integrated U.S. power grid by 2035.

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In this episode of Know Power, hosts Noha and Michael are joined by Mark Todoroff, Head of APAC Business Development for Yes Energy. Together, they explore the dynamic changes within Japan’s energy market following its deregulation in 2016. Mark shares his journey into the energy sector and offers insights into Japan’s energy landscape, including its dual-grid system, the impact of renewables like solar and offshore wind, and the influence of global trends on Japan’s evolving energy market.

The discussion dives into market design comparisons with the U.S. and Europe, the role of cultural and regulatory factors in shaping market participation, and the complex interplay of challenges like renewable integration, pricing mechanisms, and demand forecasting. Mark also highlights Japan's energy transition efforts amid growing industrial demands and its push toward sustainability.

Tune in to understand the key drivers, challenges, and opportunities in one of the world’s largest power markets.

Guest bio:

Mark Todoroff is Business Development Director of APAC at Yes Energy (formerly TESLA Forecasting), based in New Zealand. His areas of expertise are gas and electric load forecasting, energy economics and econometrics. Through his leadership, he established and grew TESLA’s APAC forecasting team from 1 client in 1 country to 35+ clients across 6 countries.

Mark is one of the 100 World Energy Council’s Future Energy Leaders and was previously Co-Chair of the Young Energy Professionals Network (YEPN), the national FEL programme of New Zealand.

Prior to relocating to New Zealand, Mark worked as a Senior Energy Economist at TESLA’s USA branch for four years. Mark is well known in the global energy forecasting and trading communities with his analysis frequently shared in industry news such as Bloomberg and high scores in forecasting competitions like Tokyo Electric Power Company’s 1st Electricity Load Forecasting Technology Contest. Mark received an MA in Economics from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BBA in Economics and Finance from James Madison University.

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[00:00:00] Introduction to Japan’s energy market and Mark Todoroff’s background.

[00:04:03] The evolution of Japan’s deregulated market post-2016.

[00:06:11] Regional demand dynamics: industrial hubs and seasonal peaks.

[00:09:03] The impact of Japan’s dual-grid (50Hz/60Hz) system.

[00:11:00] Market design comparisons: lessons borrowed from the U.S. and Europe.

[00:15:07] Data transparency challenges and their impact on market participation.

[00:18:05] The absence of negative pricing in Japan's power market.

[00:23:12] Challenges in forecasting and data reliability amid energy transition.

[00:27:02] Impacts of global LNG dependency and Fukushima on energy policy.

[00:29:46] Rising industrial demand from AI, semiconductor manufacturing, and data centers.

[00:32:15] Key barriers to market entry for foreign participants.

[00:37:20] The role of futures markets in stabilizing Japan’s energy sector.

[00:42:10] Opportunities for innovation in smart meters and real-time data integration.

[00:47:23] Recommendations for improving market functionality through weather and demand forecasting.

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Noha Sidhom

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Mike Borgatti

In this episode of Know Power, hosts Noha and Mike sit down with Asim Haque, Senior Vice President at PJM Interconnection and former Chair of the Ohio Public Utilities Commission. Asim shares his winding path into the energy sector, from real estate litigation to one of the most influential roles in the country’s power grid. The conversation explores how PJM navigates a complex web of state interests, grid reliability, and market pressures in a time of rising demand and clean energy transition. From the recent Pennsylvania capacity settlement to stakeholder frustrations, Asim offers clarity on the challenges PJM faces and the role markets play in shaping our energy future.

Guest bio: Asim Haque PJM is a distinguished leader in the field of energy policy and government regulation, with a career spanning over 15 years. His passion for public service, coupled with his expertise in energy policy, has led to significant contributions in shaping energy regulations and policies.

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[00:03:04] Asim shares how a legal career unexpectedly led to energy regulation.

[00:06:40] The unusual interview that landed Asim a role at the Ohio PUC.

[00:08:50] Comparing commissioner and chair roles — and the politics behind the policy.

[00:10:27] Major regulatory moments: Clean Power Plan, grid modernization, and market transitions.

[00:11:55] Inside Asim's day-to-day at PJM and how his role has expanded.

[00:14:54] PJM’s growing visibility and engagement with state governments.

[00:16:53] The value of PJM’s regulatory diversity — and how it can be a strength.

[00:18:23] Asim on maintaining one consistent message across all 13 states.

[00:20:49] Breakdown of the Pennsylvania complaint and PJM’s capacity market settlement.

[00:24:07] Why PJM introduced a capacity price floor — and how it affects reliability.

[00:26:17] PJM’s stance on market design via settlement and independent action.

[00:28:53] Why the focus must now shift to energy market reforms.

[00:30:25] Addressing fears that future policy will follow the “file a complaint” model.

[00:31:24] A call for urgency and focus in PJM’s stakeholder process.

[00:34:52] Why market signals matter — and what happens if they’re ignored.

[00:37:34] Facing rapid demand growth and declining supply across the grid.

[00:39:00] Asim outlines short-term, mid-term, and long-term solutions.

[00:41:35] The role of big tech and innovation in solving demand challenges.

[00:43:24] Why markets need to do their job — and what’s at stake if they can’t.

[00:44:27] State vs. federal tensions and how FERC might respond to recent settlements.

[00:45:48] A lighter moment: parenting, sports, and balancing work-life chaos.

[00:56:12] Asim reflects on aging, perspective, and what matters most.

[00:58:00] The team shares current TV obsessions and grid irony: powering the binge.

[01:00:13] Asim sees energy as foundational to broader innovations like AI and medicine.

[01:01:03] Why data centers could actually become part of the grid solution.

[01:03:55] Looking ahead: Asim’s optimistic vision for PJM in 2035.

Learn more and stay up to date at KnowPowerShow.com

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Noha Sidhom

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Mike Borgatti

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