Author: Ronald Bethea Published: 7/20 /2026 PCPC Online Digital Podcast-Tou Tube TV Network
(391) Passing of Charles Banks Jr. and PJM Sky-High Prices – YouTube
Host : Ronald Bethea and Charles Banks take hard look at PJM.
Summary
Solar Impact on Black America
Ronald Bethea hosted an episode of “Solar Now and The Future with its economic impact on Black America” on July 20, 2026, focusing on the Positive Change Purchasing Cooperative LLC’s efforts to increase market share for African and African American-owned renewable energy companies. He discussed initiatives to address energy costs at HBCUs, develop renewable energy projects on Black-owned farmlands, and reduce underemployment among young African and African Americans. Ronald also announced his role as director of the board of directors for the National Association of Blacks in Solar, a 501c3 organization he co-founded, and mentioned the passing of original board member Charles R. Banks, Jr.
HBCU Solar Energy Initiatives
Ronald discussed Chuck’s contributions to the National Association of Blacks and Solar, highlighting their work together since 2015 when Ronald transitioned from the transportation industry to renewable energy. He shared details about their visit to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where they met with the head of the Department of Engineering and learned about the university’s pioneering 17-acre solar farm, which was the first at an HBCU in 2011. Ronald also mentioned that NASA’s relocation of space launch facilities to University of Maryland’s Eastern Shore led to the development of over 100,000 acres of solar farms in the region.
Solar and Wind Project Development
Ronald discussed the development of solar and wind projects on farmland in Maryland, noting how the farming and solar industries have learned to work more collaboratively through conservation efforts. He mentioned Chuck’s involvement in a major project in South Carolina with Albemarle Corporation, where they were working to secure an off taker for a large-scale solar power plant. The discussion then shifted to recent PJM capacity auction results and a press release from Evergreen Action regarding these results.
PJM Price Cap Discussion
Ronald discussed the PJM interconnection organization, which operates the electrical grid serving 67 million ratepayers across 13 states and the District of Columbia. He explained that a $329.17 price cap was established following a 2023 lawsuit by Governor Sapiro, and on June 1st, PJM released auction results showing record high prices that hit the price cap. Julia Corey from the Evergreen Action Strategic Incentives Program criticized PJM for failing to secure adequate capacity for reliability, particularly during extreme weather conditions, and for allowing fossil fuel companies to profit while families face high energy bills.
Data Center Capacity Cost Increases
Ronald discussed the significant increase in capacity costs for consumers, rising from $2.2 billion to $14.17 billion, with data centers being identified as a major contributor to the soaring rates. He mentioned a press conference held with elected officials from Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland to address this issue. Ronald highlighted some victories in Maryland, including the defeat of a large-scale data center campus in Gaithersburg, and noted that other states have initiated legislative moratoriums.
Community Solar Initiative Challenges
Ronald discussed a campaign launched through the Positive Change Purchasing Cooperative to address rising costs and protect ratepayers, specifically focusing on community solar initiatives benefiting 900,000 low and moderate income (LMI) residents across 15 states including Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and others. He explained that PJM’s regulatory actions have created a bottleneck by prioritizing fossil fuel projects over solar and battery storage, resulting in insufficient green energy credits available on the grid. This bottleneck has forced subscription solar companies to put residents on waiting lists, delaying the financial benefits of the community solar program.
Solar Power and Community Programs
Ronald discussed the thriving solar power industry and highlighted a comprehensive database on renewable energy for African and African American communities at positivechangepc.com. He explained that community solar is free for those paying electricity bills, with potential rate reductions up to 20%. Ronald also mentioned the PJM rate increase and the AutoSave program available in specific states, emphasizing the importance of locking in rates due to expected future increases. He addressed concerns about unscrupulous practices in the renewable energy field and mentioned the high value of RECs in the District of Columbia.
Renewable Energy Economic Opportunities
Ronald explained how renewable energy systems create economic opportunities through solar credits that drive job creation in fields like electrician and framing work. He discussed the issue of “bait and switch” pricing practices in deregulated energy markets, particularly in Washington DC, where the DC Public Service Commission has taken action on related complaints. Ronald also introduced two Think Energy products – one offering up to 20% discount on electricity bills through solar credits, and another providing business opportunities for energy advisors through the website getthinkenergy.com/solar.
Renewable Energy Program Expansion
Ronald discussed opportunities for solar and renewable energy programs in Maryland, DC, and Virginia, including a new battery replacement program in collaboration with Energy Well for residents without solar on their roofs. He highlighted the expansion of community solar programs in DC, Maryland and Virginia, noting that the Virginia program now allows for an additional 125,000 residents to enroll. Ronald also mentioned the historical context of renewable energy initiatives and encouraged businesses, churches, and nonprofits to contact him for more information on enrolling in the programs.