Energy as a political issue

All energy is political.

If you’re in the energy business, that’s the First Law of Political Economy.

Ask German nuclear utilities. Or Canadian pipeline companies. Or Ontario wind power developers.

All energy is political.

If you want decisions to go your way, you have to learn the fluid, multi-dimensional terrain of public opinion.

Public opinion is what decision-makers must heed. Its components include constituencies and politicians, plus the media, plus organized interest groups. Who influences whom? Figure that out, and you can play the game to win.

When you know who’s saying what to whom—and why—you’ll have a better idea how to tell your story. Is your story worth telling? Then it’s worth telling right.