About this episode
We’re in the midst of summer and we know that power outages can happen more frequently during this season due to higher temperatures and an increased demand for electricity. A couple years ago we sat down with Ram Rajagopal, an expert in the future of electrical power. He shared a few ways our existing system of massive power plants is slowly but surely giving way to a much leaner, decentralized system of small-scale power generation. Ram refers to this as a move from an “infrastructure-centric” model to a “human-centric” grid — one that will be much smarter, more inclusive and better able to adapt to the needs of individual users. It’s a topic that impacts all of us and we hope you’ll tune in again for a refresher on how the electric grid works and how it’s evolving.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Ram RajagopalConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Ram Rajagopal, a professor of engineering at Stanford University.(00:03:47) What is Powernet?Outline of Powernet—a decentralized, user-focused power grid vision.(00:05:34) Behind-the-Meter IntelligenceAiming to align supply and demand by understanding consumer needs.(00:07:58) Smart Dimmers & Data PrivacyBalancing energy efficiency with privacy concerns in home automation.(00:10:05) Aggregators & Local ControlFuture energy sharing may rely on local devices and trusted middlemen.(00:11:50) Human Motivation & Energy BehaviorWhy both ethics and cost will drive user parti
