Juice: Why Wind and Solar Make Our Power Grid Less Reliable

Politicians and activists tell how “renewable" energy will save us from the climate “crisis.”
They don’t tell us about the real costs of green power.
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To get our new weekly video from Stossel TV, sign up here: www.johnstossel.com/#subscribe
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My new video covers a documentary series called, “Juice: Politics, Power and the Grid.”
It reveals how although renewables sound green, they have lots of problems.
California promises to get 50% of their electricity from renewable sources.
Now they deal with blackouts, rationing, and prices that increased 3x faster than in the rest of the US.
You can watch the full documentary at @JuiceTheSeries .

[@tropictom5996]

Nothing is so addictive as spending other people’s money.

[@yodaiam1000]

Most of the money Californians spend on electricity goes into the hands of a corporate monopoly.

[@glennmartin6492]

That's the fossil fuel industry for you.

[@VariantAEC]

​@@glennmartin6492 Lol, what was Solydra's excuse?

[@grimaffiliations3671]

@@VariantAEC tesla also got federal money and it's doing great

[@grimaffiliations3671]

the federal government doesn't spent other peoples money, it spends its own money

[@khukri_wielderxxx1962]

You just know Stossel is spot on when Wikipedia tries to debunk him at the top of the page

[@user-pj5ub5cp9k]

How is the Wikipedia note incorrect?

[@Cspacecat]

Wikipedia is basically a technical resource for science and engineering.

[@nerdicusdorkum2923]

When you're catching the most flak, you're right on target.

[@geminijim6655]

@@user-pj5ub5cp9k nothing in that tag has ever been proven, and the people slinging that B.S. have been caught ignoring inconvenient data, falsifying data and changing data in records multiple times.

[@garycarpenter2932]

@@user-pj5ub5cp9kwhat part of stossels' video is incorrect?

[@lkj0822g]

I retired after 45 years in the electric utility industry. There is not a single person in my circle of electric friends and acquaintances who think you can supply this country's electrical needs solely with renewable energy - and that is a group with thousands of years of practical utility experience, including engineers, accountants, managers, finance people, power plant operators, line crew, etc, etc, etc. But I guess if Biden, AOC, and Gavin Newsome think we can, then who are we to disagree....

[@franssusan]

Please continue speaking about this!

[@ledzeppelin1212]

Elon Musk thinks it's possible.

[@davidedwards5119]

Who said anything about "solely" on renewables??? I think the idea is to eliminate coal first while our country ramps up renewables. That alone would make a big difference and will likely take 10-20 years.

[@bills5009]

@@davidedwards5119 "Who said..." Pretty much every green energy virtue signaling politician has said that they plan to eliminate fossil fuels altogether. Biden himself promised that on the campaign trail.

[@jovetj]

People like to say, "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result," but the _REAL_ definition of insanity is the inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. That sound familiar to anyone??

[@TMacGamer]

The fact that KZbin added a "context" tag to this video shows how strong their grift truly is.

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

... and those little "info" boxes are getting more common by the day... its almost as if they think we need to be told what & how to think... 🙄😂

[@RoyBoy2019]

Context is important when tackling complex issues. Like how drought caused the power crisis referred to here.

[@republicoftexas3261]

Getting something for free is the entire platform of the party that runs California

[@RealMTBAddict]

Free until the bill collector comes knocking. And the bill collector is a Depression like 1930 just for California.

[@Emppu_T.]

People vote them to get free stuff after all

[@Gitn2it]

Almost everything is taxed, including utilities. I wonder how much people are paying in fees for their "free" renewable energy.

[@wirekat]

Insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result. We're insane to keep reelecting these clowns.

[@inlikeflynn7238]

Here's the thing. Wind and solar power are unreliable forms of energy and always have been. Wind turbines rely on wind to power them, which means they can only be placed in certain locations and if there are changes to temperature, air density or overall wind speed then the turbines won't produce as much power. Wind turbines are unreliable, and the same reasoning can used with solar power. Any obstruction to a solar panel will either outright stop it from functioning or reduce its ability to produce electricity. That being said, solar and wind are useful forms of energy production. It doesn't require hundreds of men and back-breaking labor to install a solar panel or a wind turbine like a nuclear power plant or a coal power plant would. You could potentially install a solar panel on the roof of your home without any help and produce your own electricity without the government or an energy company involved in the process. It should be understood that solar and wind are supplementary forms of power and you should not rely upon them because they are unreliable.

[@MountainMan.]

Politicians don't know anything about energy, so why are they allowed to make policies based upon their ignorance?

[@Qeqoification]

Hello? They dont work for us anymore.. they own us now

[@MisterEC1]

Lobbyist bought them out.

[@andrewm1660]

Shut up and pay your taxes. 😉

[@kimmer6]

@@andrewm1660 Und shott opp und eat ze zolar kooked inzect patties ve giff to you uns schtop complainink.

[@kimmer6]

@@MisterEC1 Look further up the Gravy Train. The Davos crowd bought the lobbyists and politicians out. They are in lock step with the guys who wrote Agenda 30.

[@jgesselberty]

When the people that talk about renewables fly in private jets, and have yachts, I will seek my information elsewhere.

[@jasondashney]

Bingo. I’ll believe there’s a crisis when the people who keep screaming about there being a crisis start acting like it.

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

I've worked in the energy business for 50 years. John Stossel is right on point. Everything. Give us hydro and nuclear. And clean coal fire plants.

[@londeaux]

If they want reliable and renewable energy, invest in wave technology.

[@ChrisM186]

Hydro, only if it's possible though. Not the first time we've seen "drought" (Lack of drinking water) because of having to meet CO2 goals by letting all the water out with hydro.

[@jovetj]

Obama's done his best to kill coal.

[@michaelxcx]

Im a power systems engineer, 20 years now. I build solar farms and install battery back ups, but have also worked in Oil and gas. We need nuclear for base load. hydro for storage, and solar/wind for said hydro. nuclear will handle most power demands, excess will pump into water storage. solar and wind will power during the day and excess will pump into hydro. hydro will then power loads during the night that nuclear cant handle. and small scale natural gas will make up any differences....... easy.......

[@thespectator5259]

Clean coal fire plants? There's an oxymoron if I ever heard one. If your going to mention a fossil fuel, you would be remiss to not mention Natural Gas. It's *relatively* low in emissions (certainly much lower than "clean" coal), cheap, and reliable. Between that, nuclear, and solar/wind is where all the R&D should be going.

[@DJJ81]

Our government is so pathetic it’s scary. And i never thought id see the so many people just entirely refuse to ever admit they were wrong and take responsibility for their actions and policies. They’ve destroyed so much chasing a dream that THEY KNEW would never be anything close to a reality. The amount of corruption and idiocy is breathtaking.

[@TheBDD1970]

A politician's job is not to solve anything but to create new problems and new solutions that need annual funding streams.

[@jovetj]

So what are We going to do about it?

[@svegetax]

Almost spot on. You forget the between pocketing and getting their friends the contracts. You only missed the circle jerk.

[@KBergs]

Stossel should look towards other countries doing this transition. Part of the problem in the USA is the lack of technical knowledge in our elected officials. We vote for lawyers based on their ability to lie to people and buy votes via advertising with money donated by corporations. That's a failed system. The other issue is that any youth government group is basically made up of nepo babies and the other avenue is through unpaid internships which can only be afforded by said nepo babies. To get authentic leaders we need better systems to find those with the most merit, not the deepest pockets or sociopathic tendencies. China does one thing right, they have smarter people in positions of power.

[@johnmarx3919]

and their digging in after Covid is proof of that

[@Mrmaniqs]

Everyone NEEDS to listen to Milton Friedman. The minute govt wants to help you, you are screwed. Government meddling drives up cost of living.

[@patrickbateman1660]

So you are anti trump?

[@aliendroneservices6621]

​@@patrickbateman1660You didn't know that Trump deregulated?

[@patrickbateman1660]

@@aliendroneservices6621 you didn't know trump created 80 billion in new taxes with tariffs? Ans was constantly intervening in agriculture?

[@silent_stalker3687]

@@patrickbateman1660did you know he saved over 19 million americans from covid, due to the projected 20 million minimum loss? Stopped millions of crimes and so on, even aided medical benefits? Oh and literally recruited the entire army? Unless you’re gonna say ‘that was made before hand’ i can say the same for the agriculture bills already made and still active

[@aliendroneservices6621]

@@patrickbateman1660 There needs to be an instant, permanent ban on trade with China, and a conditional ban on trade with countries trading with China. Trump's proposed 60% tariff on trade with China doesn't go far enough.

[@rzellmer219]

How do you tell when a politician is lying? His mouth is open.

[@HeyMykee]

And when they're writing.

[@Drewtheelder]

God, that's a very old joke.

[@joedeal151]

Lips are moving...

[@user-pb2vo4pt3t]

"... they're awake, and their lips are moving." That's been my answer since I was a kid. Nixon was President!🤣

[@brettmiller8306]

I have lived in Northern California all my life. I'm 35 years old, married, no kids yet, small business owner and my wife also works full time. We make about 140k a year combined and live in a rented 1 bedroom apartment and drive a $5000 car. Last month's power bill was $350. Again, this is for a 1 bedroom apartment, we live by the coast where it only gets down into the low 40s at night. I just got a notification from the county that they're having public meetings to consider how to accelerate the electrification of our county. This is in no way sustainable. I, like many other Californians, may have to eventually make the choice to leave for the good of my family. I love my home but forcing all of the logical and productive people to leave the state will be to its ultimate detriment.

[@jovetj]

Don't wait. Get out now.

[@seandelap8587]

The Wikipedia context box is always an indication of how true it is

[@patrickbateman1660]

John is literally funded by the fossil fuel lobby

[@aliendroneservices6621]

​@@patrickbateman1660No fossil-fuels = no wind and solar.

[@vod96]

Quick! Use this Approved™ fact-check™ resource to lull yourself back to sleep!

[@RealMTBAddict]

That's the KZbin propaganda banner

[@sirsaint88]

Orwell's America!

[@frederick6008]

John, I'm a tree farmer in Maine. An energy group wants min. 10 acres to lease for 99 years for a Solar Farm. I keep saying hell No. Only I cut down trees selectively.

[@TheBDD1970]

Doesnt the irony irk you? They cut down the only green thing about the Earth and then install poison for a subsidy.

[@dustintacohands1107]

Good don’t ever give em anything those farms kill everything their on

[@thenarrator869]

From a Mainer in Pittston. I thank you. I hate seeing all the fields turned into solar farms. How much power you think they made last summer? It rained almost daily.

[@runswithraptors]

@@thenarrator869landscaping for solar should be the last option when we have so many bare rooftops 🤷‍♂️

[@thenarrator869]

@@runswithraptors That's a perfect point. If this was about actually getting us "green" energy. That's what they'd do.

[@josephsummerhays4650]

"how well do solar panels work in the snow? not well", my goodness, I love it.

[@wheel-man5319]

I've seen that! Just this winter I drive past a solar powered sign. When it was cloudy all day and snow covered the collector then the sign stopped working.... Now imagine that was a hospital and you were on the operating table receiving emergency surgery... Oops! You died.

[@user-pb2vo4pt3t]

I lived in Wyoming for 25+ years. Back around 2002, I had a new neighbor from Cali go completely solar on his new house. Before his first winter, he had to get power lines and propane installed!! They almost froze to death!

[@bgg5090]

Whenever I see the KZbin context warning, I know the information in the video must be 100% true.

[@grimaffiliations3671]

its on every video discussing the topic

[@RoyBoy2019]

Then why was drought not mentioned in California power crisis?

[@epicemmalee2000]

"Politicians should just stop their destructive meddling" 👏👏👏

[@lemdixon01]

The sails of a wind turbine are fibre glass and get burried in the ground when the turbine is too old to be used.

[@aliendroneservices6621]

They're called *_blades._*

[@BrianK-zz4fk]

Thats if they decommission them at all. Plenty of cases they just leave them up as eyesores.

[@randb4865]

Creating even more hazardous waste.

[@st-ex8506]

Non, they are not... at least not in Europe, where their re-use/recycling is mandated by law. NONE is being land-filled. If it can be done over, is there a reason why it can't be done in the US of A?

[@stephenmaury941]

This all going green is causing an environmental nightmare face it

[@kinjunranger140]

thank God there's a link to the UN's climate change website. I couldn't have lived without it. Thank you youtube.

[@ernestimken6969]

Politicians aren't engineers. Texas had a winter grid disaster a few years ago. People froze to death.

[@scockery]

If you consider Texans people. 😆

[@RoyBoy2019]

Texas was warned after 2011 freeze to winterize their natural gas lines. As deregulated grid, they chose not (made it voluntary) then charged people $9000 / mwh due to shortages they allowed to happen while people froze, then got ahead of it with social media nonsense about renewables being at fault and showed a video from Sweden of wind ice removal. Due to market mechanism, gas providers are incentivized to create a shortage. Like how Enron did to California a while back, ever see: Smartest Guys in the Room?

[@recoveringnewyorker2243]

It has been my experience that once someone has an idea in their head it is wired into their “hard drive”. Speaking as a retired auto mechanic people have balked at me when I told them their Pontiac Vibe was actually a Toyota Matrix . Or their Chevrolet Tracker was actually a Suzuki. Or their Buick Envision SUV was actually made in China. When I try to explain to them, that wind and solar panel are not yet practical and are not the environmental savior they think they yell at me calling me a “climate denier” The main problem I’ve seen is most people do not have the desire or the inclination to uncover the facts and get real news. After their long, hard day at work or a long hard day negotiating at the welfare office, they are far happier to enjoy the fiction of the nightly broadcasts.

[@countryjoe3551]

Progressive propaganda programming is a helluva drug.

[@recoveringnewyorker2243]

@@countryjoe3551 YOUBETCHA! I further point out as a retired auto mechanic, one day wind and solar, as well as electric vehicles, will eventually be practical. As an example I point out when Henry Ford introduced his model T there wasn’t a gas station on every corner. If you were going on a long trip in a Model T you not only had to fuel up, you had to take extra fuel with you, because you didn’t know when you’d find fuel again. Many of them shout back “EVENTUALLY ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH! WE NEED TO DO IT NOW!”

[@TheBDD1970]

I have a perpetual motion machine for sale for these folks......

[@BalugaWhale37]

The lack of motivation comes from their moral perspective. They think that mankind should not impact the earth. They think that the earth is fragile, and mankind's actions hurt it. So, to be a good, secular Christian, you must sacrifice your desire to live to preserve the weak planet systems. People have to give up this ethics of self-sacrifice and choose effective egoism. Your life is the source of values. Your reason is your means of survival. With this perspective, they can use their mind to see how nature is wild potential and we can create values that improve our life and the environment. Usually, fossil fuels are a net benefit. Nuclear would be better. But you have to be willing to value yourself and your life to want to know these facts and choose the appropriate actions they imply.

[@Paladin1873]

And how many of these people have any serious technical training or education in the hard sciences, much less basic economics?

[@Zetact_]

There's apparently legislation down the pipeline in CA that will "solve" the rising cost of electricity by changing energy bills to be flat rates based on income bracket rather than how much electricity the household is using. There will surely be zero negative side effects of this.

[@grimaffiliations3671]

maybe they should just build more solar and wind like they do in texas

[@elultimo102]

I believe that income-based "flat rate" is an additional monthly tax, on top of the highest per KW rates in the country.

[@wheel-man5319]

😂 yep zero negative consequences of price setting by the govt 🤣😂🤣😂

[@danielboone8256]

Lol California is literally collapsing. Let it be a lesson to everyone

[@wheel-man5319]

@@danielboone8256 yet Norman Bates Jr is very apt to be selected as the next president of the USA....

[@artmakersworlds]

OH COOL Stossel on youtube. I forgot all about John Stossel because we cut cable TV years ago. But Stossel is probably one of the best and maybe one of the last true "journalists" left. SO glad I found this channel and oh yea, I hammered that subscribe button.

[@michaelc.3812]

I’ve worked in the power sector for my entire career,including 20 years in the utility biz and 15 with a DOE lab. I focused on getting these renewables online safely and reliably, but they can’t cover 50% let alone 100%!!!

[@grimaffiliations3671]

didn't they just cover 80% of spain for an entire month?

[@KennethAnimates]

Yup, they’re a supplemental source, not the solution, but they do buy us time.

[@Scoots1994]

California also allows PG&E to cut the power when the wind is too high to be safe for their ancient and poorly maintained infrastructure.

[@edwardcuevas6974]

The reason is simple. Every time an attempt is made to upgrade and improve infrastructure, the greenies sue. They are forced to spend on lawyers, not improvements. Saw it first hand.

[@londeaux]

And the state is paying PG&E on being green propaganda. They could have used that money to upgrade their grid.

[@elultimo102]

Don't forget they also outlawed small engines, as in emergency generators, to supply power when they shut down the grid. (There's some real brainpower at work).

[@Scoots1994]

@@elultimo102 Guess where I no longer live? And where my servers are no longer housed?

[@wheel-man5319]

Because CA would not let them remove hazards from the right of way. Among other stupid things that Norman Bates Jr has promulgated.

[@Mastermindyoung14]

John Stossel is a true journalist doing actual unbiased investigatory journalism. How refreshing.

[@yodaiam1000]

"unbiased". You must be joking. I hope this is sarcasm.

[@Mastermindyoung14]

​@@yodaiam1000 keep eating bugs and driving your Prius. You'll control the weather eventually!

[@yodaiam1000]

@@Mastermindyoung14 You must be one of the smarter anti-renewable Stossel a55 kissers. I am sure you are a typical representative.

[@Mastermindyoung14]

@yodaiam1000 I don't really know the dude from a hole in the wall. But I've seen a few of his pieces and they're always on point. You clearly have an agenda. I'm not interested in what you're selling, ma'am.

[@yodaiam1000]

@@Mastermindyoung14 No agenda. I just prefer fact over fiction. Why did you believe that he was on point and not full of BS?

[@EveryHappening]

As Milton Friedman said, when it isn’t your money, cost and quality are of no concern.

[@RoyBoy2019]

Would also apply to oil getting more expensive while receiving trillions in subsidizes globally. Some places like E.U. and Hawaii learned the hard way after Ukraine war.

[@Paladin1873]

"turn off the gas, cut off the oil, and let 'em all freeze and boil" - from the classic 1979 comedy song "Freeze a Yankee"

[@rosefurball1509]

If politicians on either side of the aisle truly cared about clean energy, they would reconsider nuclear power. Some places in the US like South Carolina have had nuclear power plants since the 70s and they have been superior in efficiency and cleanliness and in return the state as a whole is able to meet half of their energy needs by nuclear as a whole.

[@grimaffiliations3671]

bidens has funded nuclear a lot

[@wheel-man5319]

Palo Verde....

[@ericnelson8406]

I ran an energy intensive business for 25 years in MN. Even with subsidies for solar, it always made more sense to spend money on conservation and efficiency. If people want to go “green” start with conservation in your own back yard before mandating it for others.

[@fixedguitar47]

One guy misinterpreted one reading on one control panel on March 28th 1979 and we are still living in the wake of that mistake.

[@Charonupthekuiper]

In Britain we famously specialise in dark or cloudy days with little wind, or too much wind. One recent offshore wind tender had no takers because the government were not guaranteeing a high enough rate, despite it being higher than gas.

[@George4943]

There is the right way, the wrong way, and the government way - in order. Government involvement always - ALWAYS - makes things worse.

[@grimaffiliations3671]

ozone?

[@wheel-man5319]

​@@grimaffiliations3671Giving DuPont a backdoor subsidy by outlawing something they lost the patent on?

[@Tithis]

Fossil Fuel subsidies?

[@wheel-man5319]

@@Tithis What do you consider to be a subsidy?

[@wayward03]

As someone in the power industry I can verify most of what was said through personal experience. The rest makes logical sense and Stossel has a great track record.

[@wertigon]

As someone in the power industry that actually keeps up with the latest research, I can attest that the above video is 100% bollocks and scaremongering. Renewable grids with batteries, today in 2024, are on average cheaper and more reliable than baseload-driven grids. But of course you can always find that single cherry picked example that counters the rule. :) Look at what is happening in Australia if you do not believe me. Australia is set to be 100% renewable by 2030-2035 sometime.

[@RoyBoy-vq9iw]

Not really, he forgot to mention the heat waves & drought & lack of hydro power here.

[@MB-lr5fp]

80 year old family friend lives in Bakersfield, CA. He spent a lot of money to install solar panels. Found out rather quickly that solar panels dont work well when they are covered in dust. He was told by the installer to clean the panels twice a day.

[@wheel-man5319]

But in Bakersfield you can be fined for using that much water!!!

[@sylviaisgod6947]

Use hobo urine to clean them.@@wheel-man5319

[@jamesspringer-rj3iq]

I read about a new solar farm that was built in Nebraska, and a week after it went on line it was destroyed by a hail storm. Our best choice for green energy is nuclear power.

[@WorBlux]

You can build 10 solar farms every 5 years, for what one nuclear plant would cost. Nuclear is also more inherently a base load. You still need a way to handle peak load and seasonal spike.

[@tracymclaughlinholmes677]

Biden says: reminder windmills don't cause cancer. No, they do however disrupt the migration of birds, disrupt the migration of enormous sea animals when you know these wind farms are put out at sea, kill countless number of flighted, land, and sea animals. That doesn't even begin to discuss how long these items last, the fact that they are not recyclable, how many non-renewable resources that are in short supply go into each and every one of them, oh yeah and how much oil products are used in the production, shipping, maintenance, and just overall use of each individual windmill. It is insane.

[@MattBuild4]

Yes they do, but your average skyscraper kills more than two magnitudes more and the offshore wind farm has a higher benefit in a CBA than your average skyscraper. So until New York decides to tear down their entire skyline, offshore wind shouldnt be demonized like your doing.

[@maszkalman3676]

@@MattBuild4 Skyscrapers last smore then 2-3 years and doen't need to be greased in every few week and have 3800 failures a year just in the us and later the skyscrapers don't get buried in pits to secretly poison the soil with glass fibers and oils...

[@KennethAnimates]

The issues of bird migration are extremely easy, paint one of the blades black to make it easier for birds to see, along with playing repellant noises for more noise-oriented animals. The blades are usable in several other ways, we’ve created all sorts of stuff with them, and a large part of their functionality relies upon quality spending. Not to mention that one wind turbine can have a very wide breadth of power output depending upon size and intended width in blades. The power it can produce could power a neighborhood for a day with a single spin, it all depends on how big it is, and the quality of the blade. The problems of renewables and nuclear have been mostly solved, we just need to drastically increase our research into it, using nuclear as the main source, and renenewabkes as a supplement for energy. Oil can stay in building things until we figure out a solution, but employing other energy sources gives us a lot more precious time.

[@gearhead7896]

Not just any birds, Bald Eagles too.

[@MattBuild4]

@@maszkalman3676 Where are you getting the data that the average wind turbine lasts only 2-3 years? Considering the fact that the US has had an operational offshore wind farm for the last 16 years and numerous onshore wind farms with generating lifetimes of up to 25 years I have no idea how you came up with your figures.....

[@josiahgibbs5697]

The windmills are supposed to last 25yrs, but in the state I live in, they are lasting about 12-13yrs. A lot of the money for renewables is going into replacement, which still gets those federal subsidies.

[@brandonkenney6310]

0:43 "...the idea that you can get [energy] for nothing..." This nails one of the key reasons why so many people think solar, wind, and other "renewable energy sources" are so amazing. But anyone who has actually researched, or invested in such technology knows better. There is large upfront cost, both economical and environmental, as well as maintenance anytime a part breaks down. I personally bought a solar system at one time and within 2 years it required 3 repairs, and 2 of those repairs involved some of the panels being replaced. I hope to see a day where such technologies are competitive to traditional energy sources, but until then, I would advise anyone wanting to invest in such technologies to make sure they know what they are getting into.

[@KennethAnimates]

Then let’s increase research into solar, it’s drastically decreased in cost in comparison to the past, and that trend hasn’t changed. Solar itself is fragile, so protective layering can help should they find a way to maintain the energy output of the panels. Much of the use of solar is on housing, and that’s where it should remain, but we can increase its efficiency and durability overtime, the field of that tech is still young and growing.

[@LMacNeill]

Boy, I'm glad I live in a state where we not only have nuclear power, but we're brining MORE nuclear power online!! The first new nuclear power plant in 30+ years in the United States was brought online a few months ago in my state. And another new one is scheduled for just a couple of years from now. Renewable has its place -- but absolutely should NOT be subsidized by the government!

[@grimaffiliations3671]

thanks to a lot of funding from biden

[@LMacNeill]

​@@grimaffiliations3671 When they started building the Vogtle 3 and 4 plants, *in March of 2013,* Joe Biden wasn't President. Further, of the $34 billion spent building it, only $12.03B has come from DOE loan-guarantees -- LOANS, not GRANTS. Meaning they will be PAID BACK. PLUS, those loan guarantees were obtained in 2010 ($8.33B when George W. was President) and 2019 ($3.7B when Donald Trump was President). The remainder of the costs are being spread out amongst Georgia Power, it's parent company The Southern Company, its shareholders, and its customers. So tell me, again, how Joe Biden is responsible for any of this?

[@mrbeez8631]

​@@grimaffiliations3671lol ... no .... Biden?? Hahahahaha... wasn't his idea. But it's a good thing. 100% renewable electrical grid by 2035? In you're dreams sleepy Joe

[@guthreleonard4164]

How about we just stop funding all power sources? Then we can see how each source stacks up. Go nuclear!

[@RoyBoy-vq9iw]

Nuclear is great baseload, but expensive even subsidized. Unsubsidized folks wouldn't be so enthusiastic.

[@jeffgarner3903]

At the very most, the very most we can get 20% from wind and solar. Now this is with the power structure/system that we now have. This could change but we have a long way to go to have an electrical system that will allow more.

[@RoyBoy-vq9iw]

On good days California already gets 115% for 5 hours+ on renewables (incl hydro & geothermal). True on grid, but reconductoring is a faster option.

[@anthonymorris5084]

Profits ensure good ideas succeed. Subsidies ensure bad ideas are adopted.

[@RoyBoy-vq9iw]

So hybrids are a bad idea? Have smog alerts increased or decreased?

[@anthonymorris5084]

@@RoyBoy-vq9iw Your question is utterly vague. From 500 years ago? Increased. From the 1970's? Decreased. Across the planet including places like China? Increased. Throughout the Western world? Decreased. Not sure what this has to do with my initial post which I still stand by.

[@RoyBoy2019]

@@anthonymorris5084 ​ well the video is about California, which pioneered ZEV due to public health impacting smog; hence decreased & others took notice. Diesel profits do not care if people die prematurely, profits before people ain't ethical or even logical in my view. China cities decreased, due to BEV.

[@anthonymorris5084]

@@RoyBoy2019 "Profits before people" is a socialist trope. It's a manipulative slogan. You cannot even make a profit unless you please the people. In fact, the only way to make a profit is to successfully provide a product or service that humanity wants, needs and demands. Failure to achieve this and no profit will be realized. If the people want and demand clean air, then things that pollute the air won't sell very well. Subsidies provide products and services that bureaucrats think you want, or force you to have.

[@RenegadeManta799]

As I've told people for years, if you live in the South and have batteries, solar panels are great. In Minnesota though?! They make no sense.

[@jimmyr545]

Energy storage like a battery is how you solve the problem of solar not producing energy at night time

[@TedSeeber]

The context warning says "Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns." I agree, so we should adapt to use that.

[@bills5009]

The problem with 'renewables' is energy density & cost. Wind & solar take up A LOT of space. They also cost a fortune relative to their output and length of service. If they were cheap & efficient, California would have the lowest electricity cost in the country.

[@bills5009]

I assume yt will shadow-ban this since it goes against their narrative.

[@grimaffiliations3671]

solar is cheap as dirt

[@wheel-man5319]

Solar is more expensive than gold.​@@grimaffiliations3671

[@KennethAnimates]

Efficient as a supplement for the individual. They can’t power cities effectively, but they can cut a lot of energy usage from non-renewable sources, buying us some time while we implement nuclear and other new sources that are sustainable in the long run.

[@bills5009]

@@grimaffiliations3671 It's cheap when everyone else is helping pay for it through subsidies...

[@shannonbrown7433]

Keep fighting the good fight John!!!!

[@jbs7979]

Stossel is a rare breed. Long live Stossel.

[@MoosesValley]

I live in sunny Queensland, Australia and have 13.3 kW of solar panels on my roof and export excess power to the grid at least 9 hours a day. Even on the cloudiest / rainiest days in Winter, I am still exporting at least 30 kWh to the grid everyday. Most days, I export 40-50 kWh to the grid. Am now looking to add some big batteries (and more solar panels as needed) to charge with excess solar during the day so that I can export 5 kW back to the grid 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This will be enough to provide the energy needs of 6 average houses. If I can get my export limit lifted from 5 kW to 15 kW (I need to pay to run 3 phase power lines about 600 yards - a cost of approx $100K), then I will add more solar panels and batteries and export 15 kW back to the grid 24/7, which is enough to provide the energy needs of 18 average houses. If 1 in 18 houses does this, every house in the state can be fully supplied with electricity from solar and batteries. Your arguments that renewable energy cannot provide the required electricity for households are bogus and dumb. I am proving it can be done just with solar and batteries ! If solar panels are placed on suitable roofs of shopping malls, car parks, school buildings, warehouses, industrial buildings, office blocks, etc, then they could go a long way to providing all of the power required by businesses, schools, etc. Your arguments that poor people are subsidising the rich people getting solar are also bogus and dumb. The "rich" people (and those who care about the environment) are footing the first adopters bills (very expensive) of going solar and battery, but thanks to their adoption, the prices are falling fast. The "poor" people will be able to go solar + battery for a very small fraction of the cost because of the "rich" people doing it first. Please get this through your head and stop making such DUMB arguments.

[@twofiveb]

"I'm from the government and I'm here to help."😱

[@picobyte]

Here in the Netherlands the windmills get more subsidised when build at less windy places.. to compensate.

[@nonyadamnbusiness9887]

Politicians are unbelievable. Requiring solar power on every new home in a place where housing is already ridiculously expensive.

[@grimaffiliations3671]

solar panels are probably cheaper than the roofing matreial in most homes

[@MoosesValley]

>"Requiring solar power on every new home in a place where housing is already ridiculously expensive." Depending on the local electricity supplier's, and the household usage, it may be possible to export excess solar power to the grid during the day. In Australia, all of my power bills have turned into credits, and I now get free electricity and make around $110 AUD per month tax free on the excess electricity I export to the grid - a whopping 25% Return on Investment (ROI). It's like having a piggy bank on my roof. My solar system will pay for itself in 4 years. And then I'll have 30+ years of pure profit (less the cost of an occasional replacement inverter each 10 or so years). If similar applies in California (or whatever state), then solar panels on the roof is a very good thing !

[@hbarudi]

It should be more like requiring certain items to be added near the electrical panel and the meter. For example the meter needs to be able to go backwards and wires to the attic so it is easier to install panels later by the owner. Also wires to a spot for owner to place batteries.

[@trondialsingh594]

The cost of batteries has come down dramatically, from $1200 kwh to $150kwh. By the end of this year, it's going 50% cut again

[@CodyCha]

Solar panel can’t even keep my ring camera battery charge

[@groove9tube]

Bought a solar system almost 20 years ago. About 85% was covered by State/Fed. Did it strictly as an investment (when gov’t gives money, take it). But cost of new inverter (they fail) and solar meter was $3K hit. Still got a ROI of 3% mostly from energy credits. Programs today not cost effective, payback period can be 10 years.

[@Boringcountrylife]

My husband designed and installed our own solar system at home (in 2022). It works great. We are something like 90% off grid. Saving up for a few more batteries to be 100% solar. We do have a woodstove for winter heat and we made it a priority to save and pay cash for everything. We know we saved a lot of $ by doing the work ourselves. (We also purposely chose to not feed power back to the grid. Banking the excess power in batteries is how we make it through nights and multiple days of rain/clouds.)

[@ginogebhart]

You where the best part of 20/20 So happy see you on your own platform just being you😊…

[@michal.abramowicz]

❤ greetings from Poland

[@jnbfrancisco]

A few years ago, I read that when the backup or base load system has to throttle up an down to keep the system in balance as the solar and wind generators come on and off line. When this throttle up and down occurs a heating and cooling of the boilers occurs which reduces the life of boilers due to expansion and contraction. Also it doesn't reduce very much the fuel used by by the base load system that must remain spun up to be able to pick up the load when the unreliables become unreliable. The base load operators also loose money because they only get paid for the power they produce. Without the base load system the power grid system cannot be stable. We need reliable nuclear power for the future and this whole global warming scare is a lie to scare the general public to be more scared of global warming than they are scared of nuclear power. Fossil fuels will run out someday and we do need a good replacement. We could have already been a good way towards that goal if the money spent on wind and solar would have been spent on nuclear power.

[@Cyrus992]

Bill Maher even asked Gavin Newsom why it takes too long get solar on his rooftop? What about wave/tidal and geothermal?

[@wheel-man5319]

Wave (tidal) is probably a bad idea because of the fact that it is in a salt water environment. Geothermal? If it worked at all the greens would oppose it. Here's a clue, greens are only for imaginary energy. If you try to install their proposed solution on an industrial scale (whether or not they work [and solar and wind don't]) then the greens oppose it. Listen to Alex Epstein on the issue.

[@RoyBoy-vq9iw]

Early days for wave, tidal only specific locations; anything salt water prices / maintenance go up. Enhanced geothermal is interesting, but earthquakes are pumping the brakes on it. (closed loop Geothermal not competitive)

[@larcoal2963]

Smoke n mirrors.... Many people can't handle the dirty parts of life.

[@briancarlisi2224]

Keep speaking & reporting on the truth.

[@harrychufan]

Imagine how much better off we’d be if we focused on putting that money into researching how to actually make them efficient and how to produce them for reasonable prices instead of subsidizing crap ones. I’m not saying we should do that, but it’s much better than what we currently do.

[@CarolBondOldDragonMama]

Great video, as per usual. Can't wait to watch that documentary. Thanks Team Stossel! Keep up the great work!

[@emikke]

It's only environmentally sustainable if it is economically sustainable. True eco-friendly does not harm people.

[@KennethAnimates]

Hence the existence of nuclear.

[@RoyBoy-vq9iw]

@@KennethAnimates which cannot exist without heavy govt subsidizes.

[@lv4077]

“STOP OIL NOW “, said the 22 year old as he continued to text endlessly on his cell phone.Luckily the airconditioning on his BMW was working but he noticed it was almost empty but he was late meeting his friends at Starbucks for a double chocolate latte and he didn’t want to miss his comrades and their regularly scheduled morning strategy planning session..He new the pressure was on because they had a rally in another state later that weekend and as their spiritual leader he had to attend.His flight was early so he couldn’t take much time since he had to pick up his posters and banners at the print shop and he wasn’t sure he remembered his AMEX card .He’s was afraid he had left it at the nail shop and that wasn’t even near the airport.Luckily the rally had been a huge success.They had halted all travel on a major interstate inconveniencing hundreds of workers and causing chaos and mayhem,which off course was the primary goal of his organization.He was so excited he continued to go crazy on his I phone banging out attacks on fossil fuels although he had almost dropped it in his hot tube out of pure exuberance over the specter of finally putting an end to cheap,reliable energy and ushering in a green new age.

[@TheHouseOfWaffles]

My wife and I got lied to about the rebate we would get for buying solar panels; we were led to believe we'd get a big payout to offset the cost of the installation, but instead we're getting small, monthly payments over the next 20 years. While we _do_ get credits which are keeping our electricity bills much lower than our neighbors', we're essentially stuck with a mortgage on our solar panels.

[@AdamGibbyMC2012]

Its almost like we dont need politicians

[@jasonbroom7147]

There is a place for renewable energy, but not when it is being pushed by propaganda and bribes. I put in a DIY solar array for my home office, and it works great, but the ROI on it will take at least 8 years. I didn't do it to "save the planet". If temperatures are rising, which they seem to be, I'm not arrogant enough to claim man is responsible. I put in my system because the grid is less and less reliable, so I wanted a more stable solution. The fact that I learned how this stuff works and could do it all myself is the only reason it's likely to ever pay off, but I have gone through several power outages without missing a beat.

[@stefanpredl6849]

they have to or other nations that dont sleep on these subjects sprint away

[@izzywizzy685]

What’s more mind boggling is how many just simply refuse to actually do their homework on any of the bs they are fed. Unfortunately any attempt at trying to convince some folks they aren’t getting all the available info spoon-fed to them is challenging to say the least.

[@guthreleonard4164]

This is an awesome comment because you omitted any reference to which side of the political aisle you're on, and it doesn't matter cause it's true either way.

[@jjtheherald008]

I've encountered more power outages in Bellevue, WA in a year than my entire life in Minneapolis, MN so much for green energy. Absolutely ridiculous.

[@stivenstivens]

Voice of reason

[@nadersefidabi5586]

Thank you John, you're a hero

[@SkotiM]

"How well do solar panels work in snow" (Shows picture of solar panel with an inch of snow covering it). "Not well" lol

[@wheel-man5319]

Have you observed a solar panel that is obscured? They lose efficiency rapidly. Dust, snow, cloud cover.... Night time.... So, cloudy or snowy day, battery dies before dawn....

[@charleneblack2792]

I implore you all to show Stossels videos to your kids. He has "Stossel in the Classroom," which we use in homeschool. It helps my kids combat the idiocy they get from their friends and family who go to public school.

[@FUBAR733]

Renewables can work really well with battery storage. One of the states in Australia is proof of that where roof top solar is massive. I agree regarding government intervention. Stop the renewables incentives to corporations and people who don't need it. But also remove the massive subsidies for fossil fuels and put a stop to fossil fuel lobbying and let the markets decide.

[@troylarson1983]

Well done John. As always. Keep speaking up against the insane narrative we are fed..

[@chbrules]

I left CA for ID. We have hydro power here. It's dirt cheap in comparison. It's nice to have cheap gas, electric, and other utility prices. =)

[@wheel-man5319]

Wait for the rest of the hydroelectric dams to be removed. That is what is in the deal brandon signed to restore salmon habitat. Fish ladders wouldn't work you know, 'cause salmon never go up waterfalls... Don't believe me? Why do copco and irongate have to be removed?

[@Garioty]

Lol barely any sources for his claims and doesn't even name the people he's consulting or tell us their qualifications, truly incredible journalism. I'm sure all the people who already don't like renewable energy are thinking critically about this video that confirms what they already believe.

[@MrSupertim996]

Thank you John for keeping us informed

[@showtime2629]

We are in a Cultural Revolution and Renewable Energy is our Great Leap Forward!

[@peterbrunsgaard2012]

My favorite journalist! ⚡⚡⚡⚡👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏😊😊

[@RoyBoy-vq9iw]

He forgot to mention the drought in California.

[@peteyoung3124]

Got an ad for solar panels before this video. Thanks for proving the points he made in the media bias video, KZbin 😂

[@bobmester3475]

My rates in San Diego were 37 cents per KW before I moved to Tennessee last year. Count the per kw surcharges as well.

[@SoloRenegade]

MN gets a LOT of clouds year round, is at a higher latitude, has short sun in winter, and snow.....about the worst place you can rely upon solar.

[@jmiller-uh7pq]

Greetings from Germany! We are at the forefront of green energy, and we even disabled all of our nuclear power plants. Our energy prices are one of the highest in the world, and since we have to use coal power plants to keep our grid stable, our energy mix is quite dirty compared to most other European countries. But, that is not a problem. We simply import more cleaner energy from our neighbor countries, and we use less and less power because our industry is gradually getting smaller. It is a success story throughout!

[@wheel-man5319]

Success for Putin and Xi.

[@Meatbalzz]

Don’t you just LOVE it when you hear people talk about: “FREE government money” As if the govt is creating this cash flow themselves….

[@andyharman3022]

We have a field of solar panels in my town in Michigan. Yeah, dreary Michigan. During the winter the panels inexplicably get covered with a mysterious cold white powder and won't produce any power until the sun comes out and makes the powder go away. Who would have thought that could happen?

[@Youre-Welcome]

Iceland is always a great example. Everything runs off electricity (not cars!) Because between hydro and geothermal energy, they are really fortunate. However, this also means when the power goes out...there's no heat, no warm water, and nothing works. They don't have fireplaces in their homes. Even in a "perfect" scenario, nothing is perfect.

[@dougm4557]

I had solar installed on my home 6 years ago. There is not enough space here to tell you all the issues that I have had and continue to have with this debacle. Mr. Stossel, I wish you could give me a call, I would like to share my continuing nightmare with you!

[@jameswaters3939]

In "Don Quixote", it was referred to as "windmill thinking". The grid is a combination of many sources of generation. GE has applied turbine tech used in airliners for land-based power generation with the heat exhaust being re-cycled into the system. At idle thrust, the GE turbine engine reliably sips fuel, including adapted to use natural gas, with great efficiency. Additionally, storage of energy in batteries tech is increasing dramatically. Batteries using gravity are being developed. But, once again, the broad brush paints a distorted picture and conservatives eat it up.

[@Ringmacher]

We have a nuke plant 45 mins north of me. Awesome. However, upstate NY keeps covering up farm land with solar panels, clear cutting trees for them and wind mills

[@bluwaterfred2132]

Happy Birthday John! love your videos!

[@kalebbruwer]

It's wild that you guys have this problem, but here in South Africa we're turning to solar to _increase_ reliability

[@liberal2redpill-lgbpatriot423]

I've always been a "Green." Love this planet, love fresh air and clean water. I bought Tesla solar, 26 panels for $22K and had that reduced to $13K over two tax seasons. Then I had to uninstall 10 panels to fix an adjacent roof leak and then schedule a re-install. Tesla's price? $4,700 plus $500 to visit and see if the panel feet were the cause of the continued leaking. What exactly did I save on my costs? I am never going to make back the savings for the cost of the original panels, plus the uninstall and reinstall. Consumers never consider what happens when your rood leaks or the panels end their useful life.

[@scoutjohnson1803]

Years ago were told that market forces would make the economy run much better than previously. Providing clean energy is another, of the many failures for market forces. Thank that second rate actor Ronny Rayguns for this.

[@phiraimondo6904]

Love your videos John. Please stop calling it “government money” it’s TAXPAYERS MONEY!

[@gkinghsmith9352]

LOVE the title! Juice the series!

[@White000Crow]

Emergency situations call for emergency budgets.

[@glennmartin6492]

Wind and solar generated watts have steadily dropped in cost since 2010. Increased costs due to a badly run grid have nothing to do with them.