A 21st-Century Approach to Energy, Part III – What Can I Do? with Charlie Stephens

A Short Preview:

“Let’s talk about how to redesign the system so we don’t have to debate about climate change. Just remember that every single thing the racketeers say about climate change, and everything they say they’re doing in response, is a lie.”
~ Charlie Stephens

By Catherine Austin Fitts

In August, the Solari Report published two interviews with independent energy consultant and systems engineer Charlie Stephens that were among our most popular offerings of 2023. Our subscribers’ enthusiastic response shows that many of us are hungry for actionable intelligence about energy.

As we saw in Parts I and II, many “rackets” profit from our current, highly wasteful energy model. The racketeers are now trying to consolidate their technocratic control over energy. Though the challenges posed by central control may seem daunting, there is much we can do—at the household, neighborhood, and community levels—to become more energy-resilient. Finding ways to evolve our relationship with energy, becoming more self-sufficient and productive, will be an important task in the months and years ahead.

Our Part III discussion focuses on some of the practical solutions available. Join us for what promises to be another stimulating conversation about energy!

Money & Markets:

In Money & Markets this week, John Titus and I will cover the latest events and continue to discuss the financial and geopolitical trends Solari is tracking in 2023—and the pushback rocking and rolling us around the globe. Post questions at the Money & Markets commentary here.

Related Solari Reports:

A 21st-Century Approach to Energy with Charlie Stephens, Part I and Part II

Related Resources:

Read This: Before You Design, Build or Renovate (Building Science.com Corporation)

Healthy and Affordable Housing: Practical Recommendations for Building, Renovating and Maintaining Housing (Building America)

Building America Tools and Resources

Building America Climate-Specific Guidance

Home Improvement Expert (Pacific Northwest National Lab)

Building Science Advisor (for architects, designers, contractors, and builders)


50 Comments

  1. A Solari subscriber friend of mine told me their new LP gas whole house generator install costs were in the range Charlie just spoke of and like Charlie said, plus the generator…electrical panel upgrade and such.

    1. If one can’t afford the full installation of a standby generator, it’s also possible to get your home wired to support a portable one. Before we got the permanent unit, we had our portable one hooked up to power the fridge and furnace, as well as a few other circuits.

  2. Regarding insulation, check out wool insulation, which is nontoxic and excellent for moderating and handling moisture. It is ideal in humid/damp climates because it is breathable (which helps with mold as well). I’ve always thought this could be a great way to support local farms, too!

    1. Everyone should find out what works best in their local climate before following general advice.

      I would like to caution against spray foam. Even when I started working with renovation twenty years ago, spray foam used around windows and doors (in the 70’s? 80’s?) had crumbled, leaving nothing but dust and rotted frames. Any plastic insulation has a limited lifespan and has the potential to create a vapor barrier and turn your house’s construction to mush (think vegetables in a plastic bag at the bottom of the fridge). Even latex based paints can cause serious problems; you are basically painting on a plastic bag. For my damp, cold region, mineral wool is usually preferred for insulation. Mold is a serious problem in reinsulated houses and can cause, for example, chronic asthma.

      I would strongly advise against vinyl window frames as they have a short lifespan and usually need to be replaced even if slightly damaged. Any time you see “maintenance free” you should read “can’t be maintained”. If you have old but good quality wood windows, I would generally recommend additional storm windows, but it depends on the individual situation.

      1. Douglas:

        Very much appreciate your advice on this. I keep avoiding the spray foam option. Now I know why!

        Catherine

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