Power Grid 101: Electricity and the Green New Deal

Start: 2021-03-11 18:00:00 UTC Eastern Standard Time (US & Canada) (GMT-05:00)

This is a virtual event

The mass electricity blackouts in Texas have exposed the pitfalls of a privatized, profit-driven power grid based on fossil fuels. But what exactly is the grid, what’s wrong with it, and what does it have to do with the climate crisis?  

Join us for an interactive discussion of DC’s electricity system as it relates to our local search for climate justice and a Green New Deal. We’ll address questions like:

  • Where does our electricity come from?

  • How much of our electricity comes from renewable energy?

  • Why is the existing grid unsuited for the climate crisis, and what kind of grid do we need?

  • Who owns electricity generation, transmission, and distribution—and who should own it?

  • How can we translate abstract goals like “more renewable energy!” into concrete political demands?

The event will feature presentations by Vijay P and Zach E, both of whom are PhD scientists and climate justice advocates, followed by a moderated discussion based on audience questions. At the end, local climate organizers will briefly plug ongoing campaigns and discuss ways you can get involved.

This event requires pre-registration. RSVP here for the Zoom link.

Everyone is welcome! This presentation is free and open to the public. If there is anything that you need to be able to fully participate (for example, ASL interpretation or translation) please email wepowerdc@gmail.com.

This event is sponsored by the Metro DC DSA's Green New Deal campaign.