<p>In this episode of <b>Experts Only</b>, host <b>Jon Powers</b> sits down with <b>Laura Lightbody</b> of <b>The Pew Charitable Trusts</b> to discuss how distributed energy resources can help shape a cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable power system.<br /></p><p>Laura shares her unexpected path into climate and energy advocacy — from growing up in Michigan’s auto culture to working on fuel efficiency campaigns and now leading work through Pew’s <b>Energy Modernization Initiative</b>.<br /></p><p>Jon and Laura explore Pew’s new distributed energy policy playbook, the role of DER in meeting rising electricity demand, and why state policymakers have a critical opportunity to modernize the grid. They also discuss affordability, reliability, resilience, microgrids, virtual power plants, and how clean energy solutions can move forward across red, blue, and purple states.<br /></p><p>Tune in for a timely conversation on the future of distributed energy and what it will take to scale practical clean power solutions across the country.</p>