May 22, 2025

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

43 minutes

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 Covered

Why millions must choose between heating, eating, or surviving
The hidden health crisis caused by unaffordable energy
Energy insecurity’s toll on households with young children
Why current utility disconnection policies punish poverty
Income-based utility rates as a fair alternative
The SPARKED Framework: A holistic, justice-first approach to energy policy

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Energy Insecurity
02:53 Understanding Energy Insecurity and Its Impacts
05:58 The Interplay of Energy Burden and Insecurity
08:54 Personal Journey into Energy Justice
12:00 Energy Insecurity as a Justice Issue
15:05 Health Implications of Energy Insecurity
18:02 Households with Children and Energy Needs
21:04 The Current Energy Landscape and Future Hope
22:49 The Reality of Energy Disconnection
25:36 The Energy Safety Net and Its Challenges
28:42 Rethinking Utility Roles and Energy Systems
32:23 Policy Makers and Energy Equity
35:57 The SPARKED Framework for Energy Justice

📘 Order the Book – Powerless: The People’s Struggle for Energy
Book link: https://www.russellsage.org/publication/powerless
Discount 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.edu

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/

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📜 Important Information
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Powerless: The Fight for Energy Access | Dr. Dia