The $1.2 Trillion Question: Who Pays for America’s Clean Energy Future? (S3:E6)

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 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.John makes a bold case for a cultural shift in utilities—moving from top-down decision-making to genuine collaboration with customers and communities. From creating customer working groups to launching ambassador programs, he shows how utilities can build trust, strengthen their social license to operate, and even mitigate business risks like bond downgrades or municipalization threats. Key InsightsElectric bills are projected to rise significantly in the coming years.AI and data centers are fueling unprecedented infrastructure demands.Customer working groups and ambassador programs can strengthen relationships.Energy equity is both a moral obligation and a strategic business advantage.Ignoring customer voices risks regulatory backlash and loss of trust.Bond rating agencies and investors are beginning to factor in environmental and equity risks.Co-creating the energy transition with communities leads to stronger, more resilient outcomes.About John EganJohn is the founder and President of Egan Energy Communications. He has worked with utilities and utility groups around the country since 2009 helping them tell better stories to connect more deeply with their critical audiences.Email: [email protected]: 720-949-4906About 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. 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.YouTubeFacebookInstagramNew Mexico State University MicrolearningMind Over MarketsLinkedIn