Open Circuit Iran, energy shocks, and the case for distributed power
29 snips
Mar 13, 2026 
Julia Hamm, a coalition-builder in the electricity sector, and Jigar Shah, clean-energy entrepreneur and financer, discuss how Iran-related oil and LNG shocks ripple to electricity prices and grid security. They explore whether crises push utilities toward more coal or accelerate distributed solar, batteries, and demand-response. The conversation highlights BYO distributed capacity models, regulatory hurdles, and why large customers matter for grid flexibility.
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Hormuz Shock Ripples Into Power Markets
- The Strait of Hormuz shutdown shows how geopolitical shocks to oil and LNG quickly ripple into electricity and LNG markets, especially in Asia and Europe.
- Julia Hamm and the hosts noted LNG force majeure and near-doubling of gas prices that drive higher power futures and regional rationing risks.
Duration Determines Clean Energy Shift
- A sustained energy shock will push countries toward localized hedges like solar, batteries, and electrification, but short shocks produce little structural change.
- Julia Hamm emphasized regional variance: New England and Hawaii feel LNG and oil shocks faster than much of the U.S.
Localization Advantages Favor Prepared Nations
- Global reactions to the conflict can accelerate localization and diversification of energy supplies, strengthening countries like China that invested earlier in renewables and storage.
- Jigar Shah argued China overbought oil, built domestic coal, nuclear, and renewables, and therefore is better insulated from such shocks.