What does it actually take to move sustainability from strategy decks into real-world projects? In this episode, Carson Bristol from Lithia Motors shares how one of the world’s largest automotive retailers is approaching energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonisation in a practical, scalable way. From rolling out solar and EV infrastructure across hundreds of locations to balancing financial outcomes with sustainability goals, Carson explains why progress comes from getting projects in the ground, not endlessly planning for the perfect solution.

Listen in to learn how Lithia supports its operators with site-specific energy strategies, why partnerships matter in renewable energy projects, and what businesses often misunderstand about EV infrastructure and grid capacity. Carson also shares valuable lessons from building sustainability programs, as well as his perspective on the future of battery storage, distributed energy, and why businesses need to start acting now instead of waiting for perfect conditions.

What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

• Why action matters more than endless planning.
• How Lithia approaches decarbonisation at scale.
• The realities of EV infrastructure deployment.
• Why partnerships are critical in energy projects.
• How operators influence sustainability success.
• The role of battery storage in the energy transition.
• Why energy projects must deliver financial value.
• Challenges around grid capacity and electrification.
• How businesses can customize energy strategies.
• Why incremental progress creates long-term impact.

Resources in Today's Episode:

• Carson Bristol: LinkedIn
• Lithia & Driveway
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/yydfaev9

Why do your electricity bills keep rising—and who actually benefits from it? In this highlight episode, we unpack the complex (and often hidden) financial mechanics behind utility companies and how they make money. From cost-of-service regulation to the role of operating costs, capital investments, and returns, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how pricing is determined and why it doesn’t always feel fair.

Listen in as we break down where utility companies generate profit, how return on equity (ROE) is set, and why this one factor can significantly impact what consumers pay. You'll learn the difference between how the system should work versus how it actually operates today, including the long-term financial implications for households and businesses. If you’ve ever wondered why energy costs seem to keep climbing, this conversation will give you the insight to make sense of it all.

What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

• How utilities are designed to make money.
• What cost-of-service regulation means.
• The difference between operating and capital costs.
• Why utilities spread costs over time.
• How depreciation and amortization work.
• The role of return on capital.
• Why profit comes from return on equity (ROE).
• How utilities finance investments with debt and equity.
• Why ROE is set by regulators—not the market.
• How inflated ROE impacts consumer energy bills.

Resources in Today's Episode:

• Mark Ellis: LinkedIn
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3vfb6c7e

What happens when energy stops being just a cost and becomes a strategic advantage? In this episode, Brian Rappaport from JLL unpacks the evolving role of energy in today’s market, from grid constraints and rising demand to the growing impact of AI and distributed energy systems. You’ll learn how energy is becoming a critical factor in real estate decisions, why reliability is now front of mind for businesses, and how leaders can better navigate risk, cost, and opportunity in a rapidly changing landscape.

Brian also shares practical insights on how organizations can rethink energy as a value driver—not just an expense—including how onsite solutions like solar and battery storage can create new revenue streams, improve resilience, and enhance asset value. If you want to understand where the energy market is heading and how it impacts your business, this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

• Why energy is now a real estate issue.
• How grid constraints are impacting businesses.
• The rise of distributed energy systems.
• Why reliability is becoming critical.
• How AI is driving power demand.
• Turning energy from cost into revenue.
• The value of on-site energy solutions.
• How tenants and landlords are adapting.
• What energy risk means for asset value.
• Where the market is heading next.

Resources in Today's Episode:

• Brian Rappaport: LinkedIn
• Powering Profits Newsletter
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/2dhzdrwh