Just Power

Energy bills keep climbing—and nearly half of U.S. households are struggling to keep the lights on. But what if the solution isn’t just technology, it’s financing? In this Just Power episode, I sit down with renewable energy finance expert Walter Cuculic to unpack how green banking, ESG investing, and green bonds can lower costs, expand clean energy access, and put equity at the center of the transition. Utility leaders and energy advocates alike will hear how innovative financing strategies can turn today’s affordability crisis into tomorrow’s growth opportunity.

Key Insights

• Rising energy costs are a growing crisis—green banks offer low-cost capital to ease the burden.
• Public funding and federal policy can cut financing costs and scale clean energy faster.
• ESG investors and green bonds are reshaping renewable energy finance with an equity lens.
• Lessons from U.S. territories reveal how green banking can deliver affordability and resilience.
• Utility executives who leverage green financing can drive growth while making energy more equitable.

About Walter Cuculic
Walter is a Senior commercial leader with nearly 20 years in renewable energy and over a decade leading origination, project finance, M&A, and structured capital transactions. Contact: 

Email: walter (dot) cuculic (at) gmail (dot) com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wcuculic/

Key Resources Mentioned

• SELF (Solar Energy Loan Fund) - S-E-L-F, a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI)
• USDA Rural Energy for America Program - Loans up to $25 million for rural renewable energy projects
• USDA Business and Industry Program - Sister program for energy storage and battery projects
• CDFIs (Community Development Finance Institutions)
• Green Banks - Over 40 now operating in the US
• REC/SREC Programs - Renewable Energy Credits/Solar Renewable Energy Credits
• Community Solar Programs - Available in over 20-25 states
• PACE/C-PACE - Property Assessment Clean Energy financing
• Walter's LinkedIn Group - Leading Sustainability Professionals

About Carolyn Parrs
Carolyn 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/mindovermarkets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/

About Just Power Podcast
Just 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.

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Energy affordability isn’t just a headline—it’s a daily reality for millions of households. In this episode of Just Power Host Carolyn Parrs welcomes back Ben Nathan, Director of Affordability and Equity at E Source, to unpack the latest challenges utilities and communities are facing as federal funding shifts and energy bills climb. They dive into new research on the customer journey through energy assistance programs, where awareness gaps and access barriers are leaving too many behind. Together, they explore what utilities can do now to pivot toward equity, strengthen community trust, and design future-ready efficiency programs that actually meet people where they are.

Key Insights

• Energy affordability is worsening, especially for low- to moderate-income households as federal funding declines.
• Utilities are grappling with rising rates, disconnections, and the pressure to balance affordability with clean energy goals.
• Many customers aren’t aware of assistance programs, and those who are face stigma, confusion, and barriers to access.
• Strong community engagement and two-way communication are critical to building trust and delivering equitable service.
• Future energy efficiency and assistance programs must be simpler, more inclusive, and easier for customers to navigate.

About Ben Nathan
Website: https://www.esource.com/
E Source Report: The Low-and Moderate-Income Customer Energy Assistance Journey: https://online.fliphtml5.com/exlwh/zwfn/#p=12

About Carolyn Parrs
Carolyn 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/mindovermarkets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/

About Just Power Podcast
Just 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.

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Host Carolyn Parrs explores how energy equity can drive profitable innovation with Dana Clare Redden, founder of Solar Stewards. As AI and data centers consume city-scale amounts of energy while nearly half of Americans struggle with energy bills, Carolyn and Dana reveal how Social RECs (renewable energy credits) and other energy solutions create win-wins that benefit both corporations and historically excluded communities. 

The conversation covers critical topics including data center community impact, energy justice, distributed solar ownership, and policy frameworks that make equity non-negotiable in the clean energy transition. 

Key Insights:

• Social RECs and renewable energy credit marketplaces for community benefit. 

• Data center energy consumption impacts on local communities and utility rates.

 • Energy equity strategies and community ownership models in clean energy. 

• Policy mandates for localized renewable energy procurement. 

• Community benefit agreements for energy infrastructure development. 

• Economic inclusion through distributed solar generation.

• Corporate ESG strategies that create measurable community impact.

About Just Power Podcast
The Just Power Podcast is about making clean, affordable and reliable energy accessible to everyone. Created and hosted by Carolyn Parrs, it features energy experts, policymakers, tribal voices, and community champions who are working hard to make energy equity a reality in our energy transition.

About Dana Clare Redden, Founder of Solar Stewards
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaredden/
Solar Stewards:  https://solarstewards.net/

About Carolyn Parrs, Host of Just Power Podcast
Carolyn 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/mindovermarkets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/

About Just Power Podcast
Just 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.

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Welcome to Season 3 of Just Power! For years I’ve heard utility customers being referred to as ratepayers. Sounds so transactional. But here's the thing: when nearly half of American households struggled to pay their energy bills last year, we're clearly dealing with a human crisis, not just a business transaction. 

In this episode, I’m getting real about what it actually means to engage with our communities during these rough times. I share 8 powerful ways energy leaders can nurture (yes nurture, not just “serve”) their communities with practical ideas for building trust, offering support, and showing that people matter more than just their bill. This isn't about being nice – it's about building resilient communities. It’s about elevating the human side of energy.

Here’s what we’ll dig into:

• Why trust starts with real, ongoing relationships, not just transactions.
• How to move from service to nurture - and why that shift builds long-term loyalty.
• The power of storytelling over spreadsheets when it comes to community connection.
• How to measure the human impact of your programs, not just the financials.
• Why energy equity rollbacks do more damage than you think, and how to hold the line.
• How celebrating your community’s wins (big or small) builds real goodwill.

 Got a nurturing story or approach? Share in the comments. We want to know!

About Host, Carolyn Parrs
Carolyn 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/mindovermarkets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/

About Just Power Podcast
Just 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.

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In this special season finale of Just Power, host Carolyn Parrs steps up to the mic solo to reflect on the powerful two seasons of conversations about energy equity and community in these changing times.

With vulnerability and clarity, Carolyn shares what she’s learned from frontline leaders, energy experts, and advocates throughout the season—and why listening may be the most radical tool we have right now. 

She dives into the urgent realities facing underserved communities in our evolving energy landscape and reveals the essential questions energy providers and decision-makers must begin asking now.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, build trust, and recognize the lived experiences of those who are often left out of the conversation. If you're committed to creating a clean energy future that doesn’t leave anyone behind, this solo reflection offers both inspiration and a roadmap for deeper community engagement.

Here are the questions that Carolyn challenges energy providers to ask their customers now: 

• What has changed for you or is changing for you or your community that’s affecting how you use or afford energy?
• What worries you most about that—and what gives you hope?
• What are you afraid we won't understand about your community, and what are you afraid we'll assume we understand but actually don't?
• What’s one small thing we could do now that would show you we’re serious about showing up differently?
• What would make you feel like we’re truly in this together?

Whether you’re a utility leader, policymaker, advocate, or just someone who cares about justice in our energy systems, this finale is a must-listen.

Let’s keep the conversation going—because a just transition needs all of us.

Note: Just Power will be taking a short summer break. Stay tuned!

Chapters
00:00 Season Finale: Reflecting on Energy Equity
02:56 Urgent Call to Action: Listening to Vulnerable Communities
06:11 Building Trust: Essential Questions for Engagement
09:08 The Human Connection: How to Approach Communities
12:01 Closing Thoughts: A Call to Action for Change

About Carolyn Parrs
Carolyn 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/mindovermarkets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/

About Just Power Podcast
Just 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 Now
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Host Carolyn Parrs explores the concept of "small islands of coherence" in energy justice, featuring insights from six leading experts who are working to transform how we think about energy equity and accessibility. Drawing from Nobel Prize-winning chemist Ilya Prigogine's theory that small pockets of order (our guest speakers and their unwavering work) can shift entire chaotic systems to a higher level, this episode examines the critical challenges facing low-income communities and communities of color in accessing affordable, reliable energy. 

Featured Guests

Tony Reames, PhD, Energy and Environmental Justice Scholar, Policy Advisor

Jeff Ackermann, Senior Policy Advisor, The Center for the New Energy Economy

Diana Hernández, PhD, Associate Professor Columbia University, Author "Powerless" 

Jeff Allen, Executive Director, Forth

Pamela Fann, Founder and CEO, Integrated Solutions

Jennifer Gremmert, CEO Energy Outreach Colorado

About Carolyn Parrs
Carolyn 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/mindovermarkets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs

About Just Power Podcast
Just 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 Now
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJustPowerPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

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In these turbulent times, how can we frame energy equity and climate justice in ways that unite—not divide—communities across the political spectrum? Host Carolyn Parrs and nationally recognized sustainability leader, Sandy Nessing, explore how community-centered approaches can transcend political divisions and create lasting change in our energy transition. 

From lessons learned in legacy site remediation to the power of transparency and trust-building, Sandy shares hard-won insights from her decades in energy, revealing why transparency and demographic understanding are game-changers for energy companies navigating sustainability challenges.

This episode offers actionable frameworks for energy professionals, community advocates, and policymakers who want to build bridges rather than walls in our clean energy future.

Key Insights

• Energy equity must be framed as a shared, nonpartisan value—essential for community health and resilience.
  
  
• Authentic community and stakeholder engagement is foundational to just, effective energy transitions.
  
  
• Transparency builds trust—especially when navigating legacy issues or introducing new infrastructure.
  
  
• Data is vital to understand the full social and economic impacts of energy decisions.
  
  
• Redevelopment of legacy energy sites presents a powerful opportunity for economic renewal and environmental justice.
  
  
• The future of sustainability needs bold, compassionate leaders who believe in the work and its long-term impact.

About Sandy Nessing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandynessing/
Sandy Nessing Portfolio and Case Studies: https://shorturl.at/DEldw

Islands of Coherence: 6 Leading Experts Speak Out On What’s Really Happening (S2:E11)

About Just Power Podcast
Just 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.

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Host, Carolyn Parrs sits down with Jordan Gerow, Director of Policy and Research at Climate XChange, to unpack the pivotal role states play in driving climate action—especially as federal protections are rolled back. From managing methane emissions to tackling the energy demands of booming data centers, they explore how bold state policies can keep decarbonization on track while centering equity and energy justice.

Learn how states can lead the charge against climate threats, implement smart energy policies, and ensure underserved communities aren’t left behind. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone committed to climate advocacy, policy innovation, and a just energy future.

Key Insights

• State-level leadership is essential to drive climate action and fill gaps left by federal deregulation
• Climate XChange monitors policy trends and opportunities across all 50 states
• States can lead on methane regulation and building decarbonization to meet emissions goals
• Equity must remain central to all climate and energy policy decisions
• Data center growth presents both a challenge and an opportunity for smart energy planning
• Strong collaboration and advocacy are key to advancing impactful local climate solutions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to State-Level Climate Action
02:02 The Role of Climate Exchange in Policy
07:13 Federal Deregulation and Its Impacts
10:19 Addressing Methane Emissions
13:02 Concrete Actions for Decarbonization
15:41 State-Level Progress and Setbacks
19:07 Equity in Climate Policy
21:06 Navigating Data Center Growth
24:42 Innovations in Energy Policy
28:22 Call to Action for Policymakers
32:56 Sustaining Momentum in Climate Advocacy

About Climate XChange 

State Climate Policy Dashboard: https://www.climatepolicydashboard.org/

State Climate Policy Network: https://climate-xchange.org/network/

Website: http://climate-xchange.org

Article: “How States Can Fill the Gaps Left by the EPA's Climate Deregulation" by Jordan Gerow:  https://climate-xchange.org/2025/03/how-states-can-fill-the-gaps-left-by-the-epas-climate-deregulation/

About Just Power Podcast

Just Power is a clean energy transition podcast focused on grid modernization, affordability, community engagement, and energy justice — featuring leaders from utilities, policy, technology, and frontline communities.

About Carolyn Parrs

Carolyn 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/mindovermarkets

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/

About Just Power Podcast

Just 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.

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What if energy assistance wasn’t a complicated maze—but a clear, just, and dignified path for all? In this episode of Just Power, host Carolyn Parrs sits down with Jeff Ackermann, one of Colorado’s most respected energy advocates. He's the Senior Policy Advisor of The Center for the New Energy Economy and former Chair of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

With over four decades of experience, Jeff brings a systems-level view to the intersection of energy access, affordability, and structural equity. Not just by diagnosing the problems, but by offering concrete solutions, from simplifying energy assistance to reimagining how utilities operate in the public interest. This conversation provides both the wake-up call and the roadmap we need for an energy future that works for everyone.

Key insights

• How decades of energy advocacy shaped Jeff Ackermann’s approach to equity and access.
• Why public participation is vital to energy decision-making and utility accountability.
• What structural changes are needed in energy assistance programs for seniors and low-income households.
• Why utilities must rethink their profit models to serve the public interest.
• Creative solutions—from community solar to innovative payment models—that can alleviate energy burdens.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Energy Advocacy
01:14 Jeff Ackermann's Journey in Energy
03:18 Perspectives on Energy Systems
05:44 Understanding Equity and Justice in Energy
07:45 Improving Regulatory Processes for Equity
11:38 Impact of Public Participation in Energy Decisions
14:49 Energy Assistance Programs: What's Working?
17:29 Rethinking Energy Assistance in the 21st Century
24:54 Simplifying Qualification for Senior Citizens
27:06 Addressing Financial Struggles Across Income Levels
30:23 Rethinking Utility Profit Models
33:10 Exploring Legislative Changes for Utility Regulation
37:08 The Urgency of Energy Assistance Programs
39:29 A Vision for Affordable Energy in the Future
41:45 Personal Motivation in the Face of Challenges

About Jeff Ackermann
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-ackermann-346571a/
Website: https://cnee.colostate.edu/
"Rethinking Colorado Energy Assistance in the Twenty-first Century by Jeff Ackermann": https://cnee.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CNEE_Energy_Assistance_In_CO_2023.pdf

About Just Power Podcast
Just 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.

About Carolyn Parrs
Carolyn 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/mindovermarkets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/

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What happens when entire communities built around coal plants suddenly face closure? Host Carolyn Parrs speaks with Heidi Binko, co-founder and CEO of the Just Transition Fund, to explore how communities can navigate the complex shift from fossil fuels to clean energy without leaving anyone behind.

With over 25 years in climate philanthropy, Heidi brings incredible wisdom about what it really takes to support communities through economic transition. We dive deep into the human side of energy transformation - the families losing generational jobs, the towns watching their tax base disappear, and the Indigenous communities facing unique challenges in this new landscape.

Key Topics 

• How coal plant closures impact entire communities and what successful economic diversification looks like beyond just clean energy projects.

• The unique challenges facing tribal communities in energy transition and why community-led solutions outperform top-down approaches.

• Why early engagement with communities leads to better outcomes and how utilities can become partners rather than obstacles in the transition process.

• The changing political landscape of climate funding and the essential role of private sector engagement in creating sustainable economic alternatives.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Climate Philanthropy and Heidi Binko

02:55
The Impact of Coal Plant Closures on Communities

05:54
Just Transition Fund's Role in Community Planning

09:04
Engaging Utilities in Transition Processes

12:10
Addressing Personal Loss in Coal Communities

14:55
Successful Examples of Economic Transition

17:55
Diversifying Economies Beyond Clean Energy

20:50
The Importance of Community-Led Solutions

21:49
Finding Common Ground in Diverse Communities

23:15
Measuring Success: Economic Resilience and Sustainability

26:57
Rural vs Urban: Bridging the Divide

28:14
Working with Tribal Communities: Unique Challenges

30:55
Learning from Failures: The Role of Philanthropy

32:29
Navigating Changing Political Landscapes

36:12
Private Sector Engagement in Energy Transition

38:27
The Challenge of Clean Energy Production

42:20
Personal Motivation: The People Behind the Work

About The Just Transition Fund
Website: http://www.justtransitionfund.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/just-transition-fund/

About Carolyn Parrs
Carolyn 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/mindovermarkets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/

About Just Power Podcast
Just 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.

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Together, we can create an energy future that leaves no one behind.

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