Just Power host, Carolyn Parrs, speaks with Shubha Harris, an equitable energy policy consultant revolutionizing how we approach energy equity in America.
As energy costs continue to soar, Shubha unveils the nation's first Automatic Bill Credit pilot—a $5.4 million initiative rolled out by Xcel Energy that eliminates the hurdles that have traditionally prevented vulnerable households from accessing critical support. This pioneering program flips the script by automatically delivering assistance rather than requiring complex applications, reaching 100% of eligible households instead of the typical fraction.
Key Ideas
Reimagining Access: Discover how reversing the burden of assistance—making it automatic rather than application-based—could transform energy equity nationwide.
Beyond Fraud Concerns: Learn why reaching more struggling families outweighs traditional anxieties about program abuse, and how data-driven approaches create more equitable outcomes
Strategic Utility Benefits: Understand how addressing affordability proactively serves both vulnerable communities and utility bottom lines through reduced administrative costs.
Building Authentic Trust: Explore practical strategies for meaningful community engagement that moves beyond tokenism to create lasting partnerships.
Scalable Solutions: See how this revolutionary model could reshape not just energy assistance but other essential services like food security and healthcare access.
This conversation is a Master Class in translating equity principles into tangible policy that works. Whether you're a utility executive, policy professional, or community advocate, Shubha provides the blueprint for creating energy systems that truly serve everyone. Listen now to understand how we can collectively build a more just energy future.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Energy Equity and Rising Costs
01:00 Shuba Harris: Journey to Energy Equity
03:30 The Role of Policy in Energy Equity
05:56 The Automatic Bill Credit Pilot: A Groundbreaking Initiative
12:48 Barriers to Energy Assistance and Overcoming Them
18:27 Reversing the Burden: Automatic Bill Credits Explained
22:04 Collaboration Between Utilities and Community Organizations
24:40 Business Case for Utilities: Affordability Strategy
24:48 Evaluating the Energy Assistance Pilot Program
26:07 Understanding the Cost of Energy Assistance
28:25 Addressing Fraud Concerns in Energy Assistance
30:52 The Importance of Community Engagement
34:50 Navigating Pushback and Building Trust
36:06 Aligning with Current Energy Policies
37:51 Advice for Meaningful Community Engagement
42:27 Encouraging Other Utilities to Adopt Similar Programs
Links
Meet Shubha Harris:
https://fresh-energy.org/staff/shubha-m-harris
Meet Carolyn Parrs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/
Learn about New Mexico State University’s Microlearning: https://global.nmsu.edu/microlearning/
Mind Over Markets: Reframe your message for changing times. https://mindovermarkets.com/
Just Power is produced and hosted by Carolyn Parrs, sustainability and environmental communication and marketing consultant, coach, and advocate for a just transition to clean energy that leaves no one behind. Season 1 is a collaboration between New Mexico State University and Mind Over Mark
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