The Catalyst for Change: Gabe Phillips on Transforming Commercial Energy with Catalyst Power

Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy Podcast

In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth sits down with Gabe Phillips, Founder and CEO of Catalyst Power, to explore the innovative solutions transforming how commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses access renewable energy. Gabe shares his extensive experience, from trading power at Sempra Energy to founding Catalyst Power, where he's addressing the often-overlooked middle market in the renewable energy sector. This conversation dives deep into the challenges C&I customers face when adopting clean energy solutions and how Catalyst Power is overcoming them with innovative business models that combine brown power with renewable solutions, all while delivering economic value.

Key topics discussed include the current renewable energy landscape, Catalyst Power's unique approach to addressing the middle-market gap, and the economic realities of renewable adoption. Gabe explains how Catalyst Power helps businesses with limited resources make the switch to clean energy, leveraging incentives, partnerships, and a multi-solution approach to ensure affordability and sustainability. Additionally, the episode explores misconceptions about renewable energy parity with fossil fuels and what changes are needed for better adoption across the U.S.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to go green, a renewable energy enthusiast, or simply interested in the latest trends shaping the industry, this episode provides actionable insights from a leader who is revolutionizing commercial clean energy.

Key Points:

• Gabe Phillips’ journey from energy trading to founding Catalyst Power.
• How Catalyst Power is closing the gap for middle-market commercial businesses in clean energy.
• The role of incentives and financial structures in making renewable energy viable for C&I businesses.
• Overcoming common objections from businesses hesitant to adopt clean energy solutions.
• The importance of simplifying energy procurement and providing bundled solutions to increase adoption.
• Why renewables aren’t truly at grid parity with fossil fuels without incentives.
• Catalyst Power’s geographic expansion plans and its future role in driving clean energy growth.
• How Catalyst Power is leveraging community solar, EV charging, and storage to maximize impact.

Show Notes:

• [00:24] Introduction to Gabe Phillips and Catalyst Power’s mission in renewable energy.
• [01:08] Gabe’s background in energy trading and the founding of Catalyst Power.
• [04:31] Addressing the middle market challenge and why Catalyst Power is targeting this overlooked sector.
• [06:36] Key challenges middle-market businesses face in adopting renewable energy.
• [14:26] Debunking the myth that renewables are at grid parity with fossil fuels.
• [19:50] Catalyst Power’s expansion into EV charging and storage solutions.
• [25:48] Lobbying efforts in New York and pushing for more rooftop solar incentives.
• [31:08] Overcoming common objections to renewable energy adoption.
• [34:54] Catalyst Power’s future goals and plans for growth in the renewable energy space.
• [37:27] Gabe’s outlook on the renewable energy market heading into 2025.

Catalyst Power
Gabe Phillips

Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/

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