We have programs. We have data. We have red-ink notebooks full of public comments. So what do credible, leadership responses to energy affordability actually look like — and who is truly stepping up to deliver them? Dr. Diana Hernández has some answers — and some of them aren't comfortable. In Episode 3 of Just Power's Leading Through Energy Affordability series, Carolyn Parrs welcomes Diana back, the associate professor at Columbia University and author of Powerless: The People's Struggle for Energy.

Building on the national data from Episode 1 and the community voices from Episode 2, Diana bridges research and reality — unpacking what genuine leadership actually requires, what's broken in our current systems, and where real hope lives right now.

Highlights

• What energy insecurity actually feels like — drain, the energy equivalent of hunger — compounding financial, physical, and psychological toll.
• Why LIHEAP is failing the moment — crisis-only, heating-focused, and mismatched with today's year-round affordability challenges.
• The enrollment gap no one talks about — millions are eligible for assistance but never access it, and closing that gap may be the highest-leverage move available right now.
• What separates leaders who act from those who just listen — red-ink notebooks aren't enough. Diana draws a sharp line between performative engagement and real follow-through.
• The role of utilities, regulators, and community trust — why state-level enabling environments are essential for building genuine, durable community partnerships.
• Diana's Four C's of leadership — Conviction, Courage, Creativity, and Commitment.

Referenced in this podcast: 7 Traits of an Effective Energy Coach: https://mindovermarkets.com/energycoach/

About our guest: Dr. Diana Hernández is an associate professor at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and author of Powerless: The People's Struggle for Energy — a groundbreaking exploration of energy insecurity and the human cost of our energy system. drdianahernandez.com; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-hern%C3%A1ndez-10668237/

About our host, Carolyn Parrs: Carolyn is a Senior Strategic Communications Leader and the CEO of Mind Over Markets. mindovermarkets.com; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/

Just Power Podcast 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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