Just Power Podcast

11/01/2025

See where your state lands with rising electricity costs with this interactive map in this NY Times article. Shocking!

Not all states have gotten hit equally hard. The reasons are complex.

10/29/2025

In my Just Power Season 3 finale (whoo hoo!), I bring together industry leaders and equity advocates for an unflinching look at how utilities can meet the rising energy demand of data centers and electrification in our energy transition.

From fairness and community engagement to job transitions and community solar, this conversation explores what a truly just energy transition demands of us.

Featuring insights from:

Ben Nathan (E Source) | Dana Clare Redden (Solar Stewards) | John Egan (Egan Energy Communications) | Amy Miller (AMM Consulting) | Walter Cuculic (Renewable Energy Origination & Deal Structuring).

This episode challenges entrenched interests, honors displaced workers, and calls for a new model of partnership between utilities and the communities they serve.

Thank you to all my guests this season. And thank you for listening, sharing and most of all, subscribing to the Just Power Podcast!

In this Just Power Season 3 finale, host Carolyn Parrs brings together industry leaders and equity advocates for an unflinching look at how utilities can mee...

10/21/2025

In this inspiring episode of Just Power, I focus on how to start an energy equity program that truly centers people and communities. Six leading voices from utilities, policy, and research share with me what it means to take the first step toward energy equity. From community engagement and pilot projects to measurement frameworks and interagency collaboration, you’ll hear practical insights for anyone ready to move from intention to action. Whether you’re a policymaker, utility leader, or advocate, this episode is your roadmap to start where you are — and do it right.

Featured Guests:

Gregory Reed, Director, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

Megan Day, Senior Energy Planner, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Tony Reames, PhD, Energy and Environmental Justice Scholar, Policy Advisor

Dr. David Drabble, Senior Researcher, Travistock Institute of Human Relations, Scotland

Cathy Newby, Director of Tribal Government, PNM

Ben Nathan, Director of Affordability and Equity, E-Source

In this inspiring episode of Just Power, host Carolyn Parrs focuses how to start an energy equity program that truly centers people and communities. Six lead...

10/02/2025

What really happens behind the closed doors of America’s utility companies? I sit down with Amy Miller, a veteran energy industry executive for a candid conversation on the lessons, confessions and stories from her 25+ year career. From rural electric co-ops to investor-owned utilities, Amy shares what she’s learned about the industry’s most misunderstood challenges, the tension between shareholders and communities, and why trust is the real currency of the energy sector.

What really happens behind the closed doors of America’s utility companies? In this episode of Just Power, Carolyn sits down with Amy Miller — a veteran ener...

09/17/2025

When I was the Board President of the Santa Fe Green Chamber, I had the great pleasure of meeting Robert Redford. Bob was a local -- and to help us grow our membership, he agreed to be interviewed LIVE by our mayor at the Lensic Theatre. We never sold 800 tickets so fast! Before the evening started, I snuck up to the green room to say hi to him. With a gracious smile and those sparkling eyes, he said hello to me. Wow, all my Robert Redford fantasies flooded my mind! But the most profound and lasting effect for me was his deep deep caring and activism for the environment. Robert Redford was the real deal. I am so fortunate to have met and worked with him and his wife, Sibylle. Prayers to his family. Rest In Peace, oh loving steward of the earth...Carolyn

09/17/2025

Want a clear roadmap to anticipate regulators’ concerns, strengthen your strategy, and show up as a partner in building an equitable energy future?

What energy equity questions are regulators asking utilities today? I break down what these questions are, why they matter, and how you can prepare your answ...

09/11/2025

Should energy providers engage communities in utility decisions? What's your take?

Just Power Podcast Full Episode - $1.2 Trillion Question: Who Pays for America’s Clean Energy Future? https://lnkd.in/gae8xCpt

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and help us get to 300 subscribers this season! A BIG thank you. https://lnkd.in/gS5wpWaP

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MRxJnaExAqU

Just Power Podcast Full Episode - $1.2 Trillion Question: Who Pays for America’s Clean Energy Future?: https://youtu.be/9veOjUyRvOI?si=f7TgetfToEZDebaTPLEASE...

09/10/2025

We unpack one of the most urgent challenges in today’s energy sector: skyrocketing electricity costs and the massive infrastructure investments required to meet surging demand—driven in large part by AI and data centers. Joining me on the Just Power Podcast is John Egan, founder and President of Egan Energy Communications. Together, we explore how these rising costs will impact everyday households, particularly low- to middle-income families, and what regulators and utilities must do to ensure fair pricing, equity, and resilience.

In this episode of The Just Power Podcast, we unpack one of the most urgent challenges in today’s energy sector: skyrocketing electricity costs and the massive infrastructure investments required to meet surging demand—driven in large part by AI and data centers. Joining me is John Egan, founder...

09/04/2025

We’re living through one of the most significant transitions in the energy sector in decades. The way utilities and energy providers communicate with communities has never mattered more. Your role is to be a guide (not a hero) n helping communities solve problems, envision success, and take action. In this episode of Just Power, I give you a clear, actionable roadmap for communicating with purpose during these changing times. Let's do it!

We’re living through one of the most significant transitions in the energy sector in decades. The way utilities and energy providers communicate with communi...

08/27/2025

Energy bills keep climbing—and nearly half of U.S. households are struggling to keep the lights on. But what if the solution isn’t just technology, it’s financing? In this Just Power episode, I sit down with renewable energy finance expert, Walter Cuculic to unpack how green banking, ESG investing, and green bonds can lower costs, expand clean energy access, and put equity at the center of the transition. Utility leaders and energy advocates alike will hear how innovative financing strategies can turn today’s affordability crisis into tomorrow’s growth opportunity.

Energy bills keep climbing—and nearly half of U.S.

08/21/2025

Energy affordability isn’t just a headline—it’s a daily reality for millions of households. Ben Nathan, Director of Affordability and Equity at E Source, unpacks with me on the Just Power Podcast the latest challenges utilities and communities are facing as federal funding shifts and energy bills climb.

We dive into new research on the customer journey through energy assistance programs, where awareness gaps and access barriers are leaving too many behind. You can catch this episode on Apple, Spotify or on our YouTube channel.

Energy affordability isn’t just a headline—it’s a daily reality for millions of households. In this episode of Just Power, Host, Carolyn Parrs, welcomes back...

08/07/2025

For years I’ve heard utility customers being referred to as ratepayers. Sounds so transactional. But here's the thing: when nearly half of American households struggled to pay their energy bills last year, we're clearly dealing with a human crisis, not just a business transaction.

In this episode, I’m getting real about what it actually means to engage with our communities during these rough times. I share 8 powerful ways energy leaders can nurture (yes nurture, not just “serve”) their communities with practical ideas for building trust, offering support, and showing that people matter more than just their bill.

This isn't about being nice – it's about building resilient communities. It’s about elevating the human side of energy.
https://youtu.be/fTq5pGNag80?si=v24mwzCvfO2Er58l

Welcome to Season 3 of Just Power! For years I’ve heard utility customers being referred to as ratepayers. Sounds so transactional. But here's the thing: whe...