# The Negawatt Is Cheaper Than the Megawatt: Electrification & Infrastructure

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/did-you-know-the-esco-hvac-podcast-5997887/the-negawatt-is-cheaper-than-the-megawatt-electrification-infrastructure
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/did-you-know-the-esco-hvac-podcast-5997887/the-negawatt-is-cheaper-than-the-megawatt-electrification-infrastructure.md
Podcast: [Did You Know?-The ESCO HVAC Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/did-you-know-the-esco-hvac-podcast-5997887)
Published: 2026-03-06T20:17:43+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/escogroup/2607030
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/184912/2607030/escogroup/2026_03_06_20_15_52_aa50f6ad-7bc8-4585-8248-8b49063643e4.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/did-you-know-the-esco-hvac-podcast-5997887/episodes/the-negawatt-is-cheaper-than-the-megawatt-electrification-infrastructure
Duration seconds: 1924

## Resource

Electrification is accelerating across the country — from heat pumps and high-efficiency HVAC to EV fleets and solar microgrids. But one critical question remains: Is our infrastructure ready? In this forward-thinking episode, we sit down with Jordan Lerner, Vice President of the West Region at Schneider Electric, to unpack the realities behind electrification, grid capacity and what true energy resiliency looks like in practice. We discuss: • Why “the negawatt is cheaper than the megawatt” — and what that means for HVAC professionals • How electrifying buildings and fleets impacts switchgear, service entrances and utility coordination • Creative funding strategies, including on-bill financing and public-sector grants • The growing role of solar, battery storage and microgrids in building resiliency • Why automation, recommissioning and simply “turning things off” can unlock massive grid capacity • How education and long-term maintenance planning are essential to successful energy transitions From California’s aggressive heat pump goals to Colorado’s evolving energy mix, this conversation bridges the gap between HVAC innovation and electrical infrastructure realities. It’s not just about sustainability — it’s about resiliency, feasibility and smart energy management. For more information on Schneider Electric, visit https://www.se.com/ . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort – https://daikincomfort.com/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🏫 Lincoln Tech – https:/…

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