Energy Fellow Ed Hirs

"Ed Hirs teaches energy economics courses to undergraduate and graduate students within the department of economics at the University of Houston. He is also appointed as an inaugural University of Houston Energy Fellow. He has authored and co-authored published opinion pieces on energy markets and corporate governance. He founded and co-chairs an annual energy conference at Yale University. He is frequently consulted by national and international media.  Hirs’ articles and quotes have circled the globe with the impact of bringing apolitical, energy economic analysis—without the hyperbole of political agendas—to the forefront of discussion."

Among the many energy experts quoted on EnergyCentral, it's hard to know who really understands this complicated subject - its physics, its economics, what's driving it forward, and what's holding it back. Who's an expert, and who is a clever salesman?

Ed Hirs is, in fact, an expert. He's a rare example of someone who understands the history of electricity in the U.S., and how both Texas and California have arrived at the (messed up) place where they today.

"Is Bob featuring 'Ed Hirs' because he supports nuclear power?" is a fair question to ask, and the answer is "no" - I have no idea whether Ed supports nuclear power. But I would urge anyone who would like a primer on the history of utility electricity in the U.S. to read this interview, because Ed is a true expert - he gets it right.