Leading Through Energy Affordability: An Open Door Isn't a Seat at the Table (S5:E10)

Most people will never set foot in an energy regulatory proceeding. And for the ones who do show up — without a lawyer, without technical expertise, without money to intervene — showing up is often where their influence ends. Jolette Westbrook spent eight years as a utility commissioner in Massachusetts watching that dynamic play out, and she's spent the years since working to dismantle it. As a Director and Senior Attorney at the Environmental Defense Fund, she's one of the people most focused on turning community participation from a checkbox into something that actually changes outcomes.HighlightsAn open door is not the same as a seat at the table — and the difference lives in a part of the process most people never hear about.The communities most affected are also the least resourced to fight back — so what does it actually take to change that?Massachusetts tried something — and two years later, there are real answers about what stuck and what didn't.The incentive structure for utilities can be rewired — and some states are already doing it.The word "equity" is under pressure — but the problem it describes isn't going anywhere.Being heard isn't the same as being listened to — Jolette draws a distinction that reframes what accountability actually means.About our guest, Jolette Westbrook: Jolette is Director & Senior Attorney, Regulatory Solutions at Environmental Defense Fund, where she works with regulators, utilities, consumer advocates and communities to advance affordable, equitable and consumer-centered energy policies. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/environmental-defense/Community Voices in Energy: Website with tools and training to help communities shape affordable, equitable energy decisionsEDF/Environmental Law Institute CLE Webinar #1: Energy affordability and the power of community voicesEDF/Environmental Law Institute CLE Webinar #2: Building an energy future that leaves no one behindEDF Statement from Jolette: Massachusetts takes major step to reduce energy burdens for low-income residentsEDF Co-Authored Report: Recommendations to make Massachusetts energy decision-making more equitable and community-drivenEDF Intervenor Compensation Blog Post: Supporting public participation in utility decisionsAbout our host, Carolyn Parrs: Carolyn has spent 25 years at the intersection of clean energy, strategic communications, and human change. She is the creator and host of Just Power, and a certified Co-Active coach working with leaders navigating meaningful transitions. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/Just Power Podcast: Just Power is about the human side of the energy transition — the leaders, the tradeoffs, and the real-world impacts that don't make it into the headlines. Featuring voices from utilities, policy, technology, and frontline communities.🔔 Never Miss an Episode of This Series! Subscribe Now.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJustPowerPodcast?sub_confirmation=1💖 Spread the LoveLike, comment, and share this episode with a friend, policymaker, or energy provider who needs to hear this.YouTubeFacebookInstagramNew Mexico State University MicrolearningMind Over MarketsLinkedIn