Ben Paulos
@paulosanalysis.com
Consulting on energy policy, technology and trends at http://PaulosAnalysis.com. Affiliated with the Incentive Finder (govcentives.com), Ava Community Energy, Clean Energy States Alliance, and @solarunitedneighbors.org but posts are my own.
The coal industry truly has no friends in America. Just false friends in the White House.
December 24, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The coal industry truly has no friends in America. Just false friends in the White House.
I’m not prone to hyperbole, but this is a huge deal.
21,000,000,000 Watts of solar on impacted land.
21,000,000,000 Watts of solar on impacted land.
This week the Westlands Water District board approved the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan to develop 21 GW of solar + 21 GW of batteries on 136,000 acres of the west Central Valley into solar farms, with over 400 miles of new transmission lines and substations. ☀️🔌💡 ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2024020124/3
December 19, 2025 at 11:00 PM
I’m not prone to hyperbole, but this is a huge deal.
21,000,000,000 Watts of solar on impacted land.
21,000,000,000 Watts of solar on impacted land.
It’s time for legislation assigning liability to AV companies for EVERY infraction of traffic laws. Enforced by audit of the car’s logs, not by cops on the street.
@jessearreguin.bsky.social @buffywicks.bsky.social
flip.it/6XMiiy
@jessearreguin.bsky.social @buffywicks.bsky.social
flip.it/6XMiiy
Tesla’s ‘Mad Max mode’ points to a big problem for self-driving cars
Mad Max mode exposes a risk for AV innovation. To stay competitive, computer-powered cars are emulating human drivers.
flip.it
December 19, 2025 at 4:43 PM
It’s time for legislation assigning liability to AV companies for EVERY infraction of traffic laws. Enforced by audit of the car’s logs, not by cops on the street.
@jessearreguin.bsky.social @buffywicks.bsky.social
flip.it/6XMiiy
@jessearreguin.bsky.social @buffywicks.bsky.social
flip.it/6XMiiy
It's really a shame that California regulators stuck with fuel cell cars despite early consensus that it was a dead end technology. Now the car owners are taking matters in their own hands with a class action lawsuit against Toyota.
www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco...
www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco...
Bay Area hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle owners part of a lawsuit against Toyota
The lack of fuel availability for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles has prompted 700 Mirai owners to sue Toyota, an attorney said.
www.cbsnews.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:46 PM
It's really a shame that California regulators stuck with fuel cell cars despite early consensus that it was a dead end technology. Now the car owners are taking matters in their own hands with a class action lawsuit against Toyota.
www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco...
www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco...
The National Lab of the Rockies (formerly NREL) has a new mascot!
December 18, 2025 at 8:03 PM
The National Lab of the Rockies (formerly NREL) has a new mascot!
Reposted by Ben Paulos
I've read two stories on this deal and neither bothered to point out the obvious issues with the president's majority owned company investing in a sector his DOE is actively favoring -- and for which the federal government has the power to expedite permitting and free up funding.
December 18, 2025 at 4:22 PM
I've read two stories on this deal and neither bothered to point out the obvious issues with the president's majority owned company investing in a sector his DOE is actively favoring -- and for which the federal government has the power to expedite permitting and free up funding.
So, this guy has a PhD in computer engineering from Georgia Tech and worked as a machine learning engineer in Silicon Valley. He thought he should blow up some PG&E electrical transformers, and gets to spend 10 years in the pen for it. Can someone explain this?
www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/17/s...
www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/17/s...
San Jose man sentenced to 10 years for two electric transformer bombings
He had previously pleaded guilty to the bombings, which he carried out in December 2022 and January 2023.
www.mercurynews.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:06 AM
So, this guy has a PhD in computer engineering from Georgia Tech and worked as a machine learning engineer in Silicon Valley. He thought he should blow up some PG&E electrical transformers, and gets to spend 10 years in the pen for it. Can someone explain this?
www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/17/s...
www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/17/s...
There have been at least 75 school shootings in the United States so far this year, as of December 13. Forty-three were on college campuses, and 32 were on K-12 school grounds. The incidents left at least 31 people dead and more than 100 other victims injured.
www.cnn.com/us/school-sh...
www.cnn.com/us/school-sh...
School shootings in the US: Fast facts | CNN
CNN is tracking school shootings across the United States. Follow the numbers here.
www.cnn.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:28 PM
There have been at least 75 school shootings in the United States so far this year, as of December 13. Forty-three were on college campuses, and 32 were on K-12 school grounds. The incidents left at least 31 people dead and more than 100 other victims injured.
www.cnn.com/us/school-sh...
www.cnn.com/us/school-sh...
Why is @rockefellerfdn.bsky.social wasting our time with this?
What sheer fantasy to think that developing nations are going to build the most expensive power source (nuclear) rather than the cheapest (solar+storage).
www.rockefellerfoundation.org/wp-content/u...
What sheer fantasy to think that developing nations are going to build the most expensive power source (nuclear) rather than the cheapest (solar+storage).
www.rockefellerfoundation.org/wp-content/u...
December 16, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Why is @rockefellerfdn.bsky.social wasting our time with this?
What sheer fantasy to think that developing nations are going to build the most expensive power source (nuclear) rather than the cheapest (solar+storage).
www.rockefellerfoundation.org/wp-content/u...
What sheer fantasy to think that developing nations are going to build the most expensive power source (nuclear) rather than the cheapest (solar+storage).
www.rockefellerfoundation.org/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Ben Paulos
Providence Police Commander Timothy O’Hara urges residents who live in the vicinity of the shooting to check their home security cameras for any footage that could help the investigation.
If you see something suspicious - please immediately call 911.
If you see something suspicious - please immediately call 911.
December 14, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Providence Police Commander Timothy O’Hara urges residents who live in the vicinity of the shooting to check their home security cameras for any footage that could help the investigation.
If you see something suspicious - please immediately call 911.
If you see something suspicious - please immediately call 911.
Reposted by Ben Paulos
Earlier this year, the director of CalTrans presented this chart to members of the state Senate’s Transportation Committee, showing a dramatic rise in deaths on California's roads.
No lawmakers asked about the chart. Or what CalTrans was doing about it.
1/9
No lawmakers asked about the chart. Or what CalTrans was doing about it.
1/9
December 11, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Earlier this year, the director of CalTrans presented this chart to members of the state Senate’s Transportation Committee, showing a dramatic rise in deaths on California's roads.
No lawmakers asked about the chart. Or what CalTrans was doing about it.
1/9
No lawmakers asked about the chart. Or what CalTrans was doing about it.
1/9
Reposted by Ben Paulos
Yet another example of why we should get rid of fossil gas, and electrify our homes and businesses.
Six people were injured and three buildings were destroyed in a residential explosion and fire Thursday morning near Hayward in Alameda County, which happened hours after a construction crew hit an underground gas line.
December 12, 2025 at 5:41 AM
Yet another example of why we should get rid of fossil gas, and electrify our homes and businesses.
I bet you a dollar this driver gets to keep his license.
@jessearreguin.bsky.social and @buffywicks.bsky.social can we get some legislation to tighten the rules to revoke licenses from dangerous drivers?
flip.it/G2JqAa
@jessearreguin.bsky.social and @buffywicks.bsky.social can we get some legislation to tighten the rules to revoke licenses from dangerous drivers?
flip.it/G2JqAa
8 California high school athletes out on a run hit, injured by car in suspected DUI collision
A car struck a group of Anaheim High School track team students out on a run just before 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 as they stood on the sidewalk waiting for a light to change, injuring eight, and t…
flip.it
December 11, 2025 at 5:06 PM
I bet you a dollar this driver gets to keep his license.
@jessearreguin.bsky.social and @buffywicks.bsky.social can we get some legislation to tighten the rules to revoke licenses from dangerous drivers?
flip.it/G2JqAa
@jessearreguin.bsky.social and @buffywicks.bsky.social can we get some legislation to tighten the rules to revoke licenses from dangerous drivers?
flip.it/G2JqAa
Public ownership is one way to have more public control. But New York allows community choice aggregation, which might cut procurement costs. Why not try that? 🎁
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
How to Fight Rising Utility Bills? Take Over the Company, Activists Say.
www.nytimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Public ownership is one way to have more public control. But New York allows community choice aggregation, which might cut procurement costs. Why not try that? 🎁
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
Solar PV is now killing off solar water heaters.
Israel looks to combine PV with heat pump water heaters.
www.timesofisrael.com/new-plan-loo...
Israel looks to combine PV with heat pump water heaters.
www.timesofisrael.com/new-plan-loo...
New plan looks to replace Israel's solar water heaters with PV cells and heat pumps | The Times of Israel
www.timesofisrael.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:07 AM
Solar PV is now killing off solar water heaters.
Israel looks to combine PV with heat pump water heaters.
www.timesofisrael.com/new-plan-loo...
Israel looks to combine PV with heat pump water heaters.
www.timesofisrael.com/new-plan-loo...
Reposted by Ben Paulos
Holiday season = higher energy usage. Energy-efficient upgrades can help reduce costs. Act now. Federal tax credits for completed eligible projects end Dec. 31, 2025. zurl.co/RXfcB
#HomeEnergyEfficiency #SustainableLiving #WeAreVCE
#HomeEnergyEfficiency #SustainableLiving #WeAreVCE
December 10, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Holiday season = higher energy usage. Energy-efficient upgrades can help reduce costs. Act now. Federal tax credits for completed eligible projects end Dec. 31, 2025. zurl.co/RXfcB
#HomeEnergyEfficiency #SustainableLiving #WeAreVCE
#HomeEnergyEfficiency #SustainableLiving #WeAreVCE
Some national news coverage of plug-in solar on @pbsnews.org. I helped a friend put one on his roof last week. It's fun to go from policy to practice now and then.
This little thing could be big!
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
This little thing could be big!
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
Small plug-in solar panels gain traction as an affordable way to cut electricity bills
For years, solar power at home was mostly limited to people who owned their rooftops and could afford the steep upfront costs. But now, a new generation of small, affordable systems — often called “pl...
www.pbs.org
December 10, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Some national news coverage of plug-in solar on @pbsnews.org. I helped a friend put one on his roof last week. It's fun to go from policy to practice now and then.
This little thing could be big!
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
This little thing could be big!
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
Reposted by Ben Paulos
We're #hiring! 📣
We're looking for a full-time Grant Associate to support #grant development, research, #funder relations, and development #operations.
This is a #virtual/#remote position.
Learn more and apply today! bit.ly/4aG18DV
We're looking for a full-time Grant Associate to support #grant development, research, #funder relations, and development #operations.
This is a #virtual/#remote position.
Learn more and apply today! bit.ly/4aG18DV
Grant Associate - Virtual/Remote
Our energy system is on the brink of a major transformation, and we're looking for someone to help us ensure this new system puts rooftop solar energy at the cornerstone!About the PositionThe Grant As...
bit.ly
December 9, 2025 at 5:33 PM
We're #hiring! 📣
We're looking for a full-time Grant Associate to support #grant development, research, #funder relations, and development #operations.
This is a #virtual/#remote position.
Learn more and apply today! bit.ly/4aG18DV
We're looking for a full-time Grant Associate to support #grant development, research, #funder relations, and development #operations.
This is a #virtual/#remote position.
Learn more and apply today! bit.ly/4aG18DV
Reposted by Ben Paulos
The Institute of Public Utilities is proud to be teaming up with the MSU Institute of Public Policy & Social Research on their 12/16 policy forum! The event will be recorded.
Topic: Data centers and energy/water use
Guests: Ryan Wiser (LBNL), Douglas Jester (5 Lakes Energy), and Dong Zhao (MSU).
Topic: Data centers and energy/water use
Guests: Ryan Wiser (LBNL), Douglas Jester (5 Lakes Energy), and Dong Zhao (MSU).
Data Centers | Institute for Public Policy and Social Research
ippsr.msu.edu
December 8, 2025 at 3:15 PM
The Institute of Public Utilities is proud to be teaming up with the MSU Institute of Public Policy & Social Research on their 12/16 policy forum! The event will be recorded.
Topic: Data centers and energy/water use
Guests: Ryan Wiser (LBNL), Douglas Jester (5 Lakes Energy), and Dong Zhao (MSU).
Topic: Data centers and energy/water use
Guests: Ryan Wiser (LBNL), Douglas Jester (5 Lakes Energy), and Dong Zhao (MSU).
I've owned cats for over 30 years. To take good care of cats, you don't let them walk around city streets at night. Kit Kat was neglected, and was fated to die young because of it.
It is not a debate about Waymo safety.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/u...
It is not a debate about Waymo safety.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/u...
December 6, 2025 at 2:51 AM
I've owned cats for over 30 years. To take good care of cats, you don't let them walk around city streets at night. Kit Kat was neglected, and was fated to die young because of it.
It is not a debate about Waymo safety.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/u...
It is not a debate about Waymo safety.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/u...
King tides bring a glimpse of the future, as sea levels rise. This photo is the highway north out of SF, in Sausalito. Imagine the billions of dollars to be spent on adaptation just in the Bay Area.
The Bay took over the highway during this morning's #KingTides in Marin.
December 5, 2025 at 5:48 AM
King tides bring a glimpse of the future, as sea levels rise. This photo is the highway north out of SF, in Sausalito. Imagine the billions of dollars to be spent on adaptation just in the Bay Area.
The lights go out in Florida, as the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) lays off 90% of staff. This is their 50th anniversary! Seems like something FPL, Duke Energy, etc. could keep funding, with or without federal money.
@cleanenergy.org @sas.cleanenergy.org
www.cfpublic.org/environment/...
@cleanenergy.org @sas.cleanenergy.org
www.cfpublic.org/environment/...
Nearly all staff laid off at UCF energy research institute
The state legislature designated the Florida Solar Energy Center as the state’s energy research institute in 1975.
www.cfpublic.org
December 4, 2025 at 10:41 PM
The lights go out in Florida, as the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) lays off 90% of staff. This is their 50th anniversary! Seems like something FPL, Duke Energy, etc. could keep funding, with or without federal money.
@cleanenergy.org @sas.cleanenergy.org
www.cfpublic.org/environment/...
@cleanenergy.org @sas.cleanenergy.org
www.cfpublic.org/environment/...
Reposted by Ben Paulos
Did you know?
The U.S. #solar industry employed 280,119 workers in 2024. #Florida led the Southeast, ranking #2 nationwide with 14,303 solar jobs!
Join Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) for a #webinar on December 16th to explore this #data and more:
The U.S. #solar industry employed 280,119 workers in 2024. #Florida led the Southeast, ranking #2 nationwide with 14,303 solar jobs!
Join Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) for a #webinar on December 16th to explore this #data and more:
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Clean Energy Workforce Insights: Baseline Findings from the 2024 National Solar Jobs Census. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about ...
IREC has recently released the 15th annual National Solar Jobs Census, the authoritative benchmark for solar industry employment data and workforce trends across the United States. The 2024 Solar Jobs...
irecusa.zoom.us
December 4, 2025 at 4:03 PM
It’s fitting that Westinghouse is part of the Trump Administration’s move to socialism, as documented by @ericboehm87.bsky.social in @reason.com.
Nuclear power is incompatible with a competitive private sector energy business. It has to be government owned.
reason.com?p=8357484
Nuclear power is incompatible with a competitive private sector energy business. It has to be government owned.
reason.com?p=8357484
December 2, 2025 at 5:47 AM
It’s fitting that Westinghouse is part of the Trump Administration’s move to socialism, as documented by @ericboehm87.bsky.social in @reason.com.
Nuclear power is incompatible with a competitive private sector energy business. It has to be government owned.
reason.com?p=8357484
Nuclear power is incompatible with a competitive private sector energy business. It has to be government owned.
reason.com?p=8357484
Does anybody know if LIHEAP staff have been rehired?
This @apnews.com article blames the delay on the shut down, but the Trump administration had previously fired everyone, initially causing the delay. 💡🔌
apnews.com/article/lihe...
This @apnews.com article blames the delay on the shut down, but the Trump administration had previously fired everyone, initially causing the delay. 💡🔌
apnews.com/article/lihe...
Long-awaited $3.6B in heating assistance released to states and tribes
The federal government has released about $3.6 billion in delayed funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
apnews.com
November 29, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Does anybody know if LIHEAP staff have been rehired?
This @apnews.com article blames the delay on the shut down, but the Trump administration had previously fired everyone, initially causing the delay. 💡🔌
apnews.com/article/lihe...
This @apnews.com article blames the delay on the shut down, but the Trump administration had previously fired everyone, initially causing the delay. 💡🔌
apnews.com/article/lihe...