The Experts Speak: Making Room for All Voices in Clean Energy Planning (S1: E10)

We asked our energy equity and justice rockstars from Season 1 of the Just Power Podcast, "How can energy companies and communities work together?" This show is a medley of their words of wisdom from LA's unprecedented community steering committee to Sacramento's tailored neighborhood solutions to Navajo Nation's must do's. Learn practical strategies for meaningful community engagement that can transform how we approach the clean energy transition.Want to help to bring all voices to the energy table? Send this episode to your energy company, legislators, policymakers, community leaders, environmental advocates and more. Yes, even your mom! Featured Voices- Gregory Read, Director, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power- Megan Day, Senior Energy Planner, National Renewable Energy Lab- Shiloh Costello, Manager of Sustainable Communities and DEIB, SMUD- Cathy Newby, Director of Tribal Affairs, PNM- Dr. Tony Reames, Energy and Environmental Justice Scholar, Policy AdvisorKey IdeasBreaking Tradition: Energy systems weren't historically designed with community input, making this new inclusive approach "phenomenal, unprecedented, and unique"—and essential for meeting climate goals while ensuring energy justice.Compensated Participation: LA Department of Water and Power compensated community members for sharing their expertise in listening sessions, recognizing the value of their time and insights.Diversity Equals Success: Where there's diversity, there's profitability—the data is "crystal clear" that tapping into different backgrounds and experiences leads to smarter, more profitable business decisions.Cultural Competence Matters: PNM's response to a 32-hour outage in a Pueblo community demonstrated how understanding cultural contexts (like an upcoming celebration) shapes effective crisis response.Tailored Approaches: Sacramento's position as one of the nation's most diverse cities has taught them that "this is not a one-size-fits-all approach"—successful programs address each community's specific needs.Beyond Energy Solutions: Effective utility programs look beyond the meter, connecting customers to food access, affordable housing, and other support services when energy assessments reveal deeper needs.Strategic Partnerships: Working with 200+ community-based organizations as "frontline ambassadors" helps Sacramento reach customers who might otherwise fall through the cracks.Accelerated Transitions: Strategic partnerships between utilities and research institutions (like LA DWP and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory) are identifying paths to achieve 100% clean energy goals on accelerated timelines.Protecting Vulnerable Customers: Forward-thinking utilities are proactively identifying how clean energy transitions might impact their most vulnerable customers and developing strategies to ensure they're not harmed.Two-Way Communication: Understanding diverse communication pathways—like how tribal customers often look to their governors rather than call centers—creates more effective community relationships.LinksMeet Carolyn ParrsLearn about New Mexico State University’s MicrolearningAbout 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.YouTubeFacebookInstagramNew Mexico State University MicrolearningMind Over MarketsLinkedIn