Powerless: The Fight for Energy Access | Dr. Diana Hernández Interview (S2:E5)

Millions of Americans live one missed bill away from losing power. In this powerful episode of the Just Power Podcast, host Carolyn Parrs sits down with Dr. Diana Hernández—Associate Professor at Columbia University and co-author of Powerless: The People’s Struggle for Energy—to reveal the urgent and often invisible crisis of energy insecurity, and what to do about it.Dr. Hernández shares compelling research, personal insights, and a game-changing policy framework—SPARKED—that lays out a human-centered path to building equitable, affordable, and just energy systems.Key Topics CoveredWhy millions must choose between heating, eating, or survivingThe hidden health crisis caused by unaffordable energyEnergy insecurity’s toll on households with young childrenWhy current utility disconnection policies punish povertyIncome-based utility rates as a fair alternativeThe SPARKED Framework: A holistic, justice-first approach to energy policyChapters00:00 Introduction to Energy Insecurity02:53 Understanding Energy Insecurity and Its Impacts05:58 The Interplay of Energy Burden and Insecurity08:54 Personal Journey into Energy Justice12:00 Energy Insecurity as a Justice Issue15:05 Health Implications of Energy Insecurity18:02 Households with Children and Energy Needs21:04 The Current Energy Landscape and Future Hope22:49 The Reality of Energy Disconnection25:36 The Energy Safety Net and Its Challenges28:42 Rethinking Utility Roles and Energy Systems32:23 Policy Makers and Energy Equity35:57 The SPARKED Framework for Energy Justice📘 Order the Book – Powerless: The People’s Struggle for EnergyBook link: https://www.russellsage.org/publication/powerlessDiscount code: POWERLESS🌐 Learn More About Dr. Diana Hernández Personal Website: https://drdianahernandez.com/Columbia University Profile: https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu Energy Opportunity Lab: https://www.energypolicy.columbia.eduAbout Carolyn ParrsCarolyn Parrs is the CEO of Mind Over Markets, a branding and messaging firm that helps sustainable businesses and energy organizations communicate with clarity and power. Learn more at:Website: https://mindovermarkets.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindovermarketsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/About Just Power PodcastJust Power is about the human side of the clean energy transition. The podcast focuses on grid modernization, energy affordability, and community engagement — featuring leaders from utilities, policy, technology, and frontline communities navigating the real-world impacts of energy infrastructure change.🔔 Never Miss an Update! Subscribe NowYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJustPowerPodcast?sub_confirmation=1💖 Spread the LoveLike, comment, and share this episode with a friend, policy maker, or energy provider who needs to hear this message.Together, we can create an energy future that leaves no one behind.📜 Important Information Disclaimer: All content is for educational purposes only. We are not responsible for any loss or damage. Please do your own due diligence.©️ Copyright: All materials are owned by Just Power Podcast. Sharing and embedding is allowed with attribution to our YouTube channel.Powerless: The Fight for Energy Access | Dr. Diana Hernández Interview (S2:E5)🔗 Hashtags#EnergyJustice #ClimateEquity #PowerlessBook #DianaHernandez #JustPowerPodcast #CleanEnergyForAll #EnergyIsAHumanRight #SPARKEDFramework #EnergyTransition #CarolynParrs #PublicHealthCrisis© Just Power PodcastYouTubeFacebookInstagramNew Mexico State University MicrolearningMind Over MarketsLinkedIn