U.S. per capita energy usage peaked in 1973. Since then? Flat. Meanwhile, China’s per capita energy use has grown 9x.
Today, AI, EVs, manufacturing, and data centers are driving demand for more electricity than ever—and our grid can’t keep up.
In this episode, a16z general partners David Ulevitch and Erin Price-Wright, along with investing partner Ryan McEntush from the American Dynamism team, join us to unpack:
– How America’s grid fell behind
– Why we "forgot how to build" power infrastructure
– The role of batteries, solar, nuclear, and software in reshaping the grid
– How AI is both stressing and helping the system
– What it’ll take to build a more resilient, decentralized, and dynamic energy future
Whether you’re a founder, policymaker, or just someone who wants their lights to stay on, this conversation covers what’s broken—and how to fix it.
Resources:
Find David on X: https://x.com/davidu
Find Erin on X: https://x.com/espricewright
Find Ryan on X: https://x.com/rmcentush
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:05 Challenges and Solutions for Modernizing the Grid
01:56 Decentralized Energy and Technological Innovations
02:34 Grid Capacity and Transformer Issues
04:10 The Role of AI and Software in Energy Management
04:55 Policy and Workforce Challenges
08:44 Texas vs. New York: A Tale of Two Grids
10:31 The Importance of Battery Technology
13:11 Balancing Energy Sources: Solar, Nuclear, and More
14:54 The Future of Energy Consumption and Grid Management
19:45 Wind Power: The Forgotten Energy Source
20:53 Challenges in Grid Monitoring and Communication
22:19 Load Forecasting and Weather Impact
23:49 Nuclear Energy: Current State and Future Prospects
26:44 Small Modular Reactors and Micro Reactors
30:55 Technological Innovations in Grid Management
35:41 The Role of AI in Regulatory Processes
41:39 National Security and the Electrical Grid
Stay Updated:
Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16z
Find a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z
Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/
Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenberg
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.