Author: Ronald Bethea Published: 6/15/2026 PCPC Online Digital Podcast -Radio-TV Network
This was an episode of “Solder Now and the Future with Economic Impact on Black America” where host Ronald Bethea discussed energy affordability issues in the PJM (Pennsylvania, Jersey, Maryland) region with guest Charles Banks. Ronald explained how the PJM regulatory entity, which serves 67 million ratepayers across 13 states, has faced criticism for high energy costs due to factors including blocked renewable energy projects, data center expansion, and a queue system that has been closed for seven to eight years. Charles shared his experience developing a large-scale solar power project in South Carolina, describing challenges with utility companies like Duke Energy and the Public Service Commission regarding uplink connections. The discussion covered how community solar programs have been implemented in deregulated states like Maryland and Virginia, with Maryland’s program expanding from 30,000 to 300,000 subscribers after lifting capacity restrictions in 2025. Ronald criticized Black-owned media for not promoting these affordable energy options to their communities, noting that these programs cost nothing for subscribers and require 40% of capacity to benefit low and moderate income residents.
Energy Affordability Solutions Discussion
Ronald hosted a show discussing energy affordability and the PJM region’s regulatory challenges, highlighting Governor Wes Moore’s three specific actions proposed to address the regional energy affordability crisis. He introduced Charles Banks to discuss solutions, particularly focusing on community solar programs and the Justice Party Initiative, which allocated $27 billion for solar projects benefiting low and moderate income residents across 50 states. The discussion began to explore how deregulation in various states has enabled faster adoption of subscription solar for those without rooftops suitable for solar installation.
PJM Electricity Bill Discussion
Charles and Ronald discussed the high electricity bills in the PJM region, which serves over 67 million ratepayers. Ronald explained that PJM’s queue system for renewable energy projects has been closed for seven to eight years, causing delays in bringing new projects online and contributing to higher costs. They noted that PJM is composed of 1,131 different companies, with 513 having voting rights to set wholesale rates.
PJM Membership and Rate Litigation
Ronald discussed the membership breakdown of the PJM, noting that 75% of member corporations are vested in the fossil fuel industry. He explained how litigation brought by Governor Shapiro in December 2023, involving 15 jurisdictions and the District of Columbia, successfully blocked a proposed 2,100% rate increase that would have cost consumers $28.92 per capacity year. Ronald highlighted that Virginia leads with over 300 data centers, and emphasized that the cost of building data centers across the 13 states is equally spread among all jurisdictions.
Energy Policy and Solar Development
Ronald discussed a fire incident at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion in December 2024 and its connection to energy policies, highlighting Pennsylvania’s significant energy resources and the vulnerability of states like Maryland and the District of Columbia due to their limited energy production capabilities. The conversation then shifted to Ronald’s inquiry about Charles’s work on large-scale solar power plant development in South Carolina, including Charles’s interactions with Duke Energy and the Green Bank of South Carolina regarding community solar initiatives.
South Carolina Uplink Transmission Challenges
Charles discussed the challenges of setting up an uplink for power transmission in South Carolina, noting resistance from major utilities like Duke Energy. He explained that utilities often impose high costs, such as up to $1.5 million for power lines not within one mile of an uplink or substation. Ronald emphasized the power dynamics with large utilities and highlighted the cost-effectiveness of underground cables. Charles expressed optimism about finding solutions through collaboration with other groups, including the possibility of using their own subnet on the property to connect with Duke Energy.
Energy Projects Community Discussion
Charles and Ronald discussed challenges with energy projects in the southeastern United States, particularly comparing efforts in Maryland and South Carolina. Ronald expressed frustration with Black-owned media’s lack of coverage on community solar programs, arguing that these programs could benefit underserved communities while costing nothing to promote. They agreed to have Charles bring a representative from the Southeast Energy Group onto Ronald’s show to discuss specific issues in South Carolina.