Current: An Energy Podcast

ILLUME Advising
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Business

Produced by ILLUME, Current is an energy podcast that takes on the most important stories happening in the utility industry each month. Join us as we talk through the opportunities and challenges transforming our industry. From climate change, to energy storage, to electric vehicles, to resiliency… We bring you the human dimension behind each story. (Music credit: BlueDot Sessions and Mello C).

Episodes

  1. 08/09/2025

    CenterPoint’s Path to Expanding Energy Equity

    CenterPoint Energy is rethinking how it delivers energy efficiency programs to historically underserved communities—from low-income households to renters, non-English speakers, and beyond. In this episode of Current, Shannon Kahl talks with Carter Dedolph about how legislative changes, targeted research with ILLUME, and new outreach strategies are helping CenterPoint improve accessibility, streamline customer experiences, and boost program participation. Hear what’s driving this transformation, early results from 2025, and lessons for building more inclusive energy programs.

    CenterPoint’s Path to Expanding Energy Equity

  2. 07/10/2025

    Human Dimensions of Rates and Rate Design

    Good rate design is more than engineering—it takes trust, equity, and understanding. In this episode, ILLUME’s Liz Kelley and Alex Dunn unpack what happens when you put people at the center of rates and rate design. From default versus opt-in structures to real-world affordability tradeoffs, they explore why “revenue neutral” doesn’t mean “customer neutral” and what utilities must do to ensure rates don’t just look good on paper, but actually work for the communities they serve. Hear practical lessons on iterative design, risk mitigation, and messaging that resonates. Learn how to identify who benefits, who could be left behind, and how human-centered research can transform rate rollouts from compliance exercises into tools for real impact.

    Human Dimensions of Rates and Rate Design

  3. 04/17/2025

    More Than Megawatts: Human Stories in Energy Consulting

    In this candid and thoughtful conversation, Anne Dougherty sits down with two of ILLUME’s newest researchers, Maggie Roma and Xijun Zhang, to explore what brought them into the world of energy consulting—and what’s kept them here. From crunching data on demand response programs to discovering surprising joys in customer interviews, Maggie and Xijun share the passion and curiosity that drive their work. They also get personal, revealing their proudest professional moments, the advice that’s shaped them, and what they’d be doing if energy wasn’t in the picture (hint: horses and chinchillas are involved). Whether you’re in the field or just energy-curious, this episode is a reminder that behind every kilowatt is a very human story.

    More Than Megawatts: Human Stories in Energy Consulting

  4. 03/17/2025

    Real-World Energy Innovation in the Midwest

    In this episode, we explore how emerging energy technologies are being tested and brought to communities in the Midwest - especially in cold climates and underserved areas. From heat pumps to smart controls, we break down what’s working, what’s next, and how innovation is shaping a more efficient, equitable energy future.

    Real-World Energy Innovation in the Midwest

  5. 11/06/2024

    Women Leaders In Energy

    In this episode of Current, An Energy Podcast, we talk with inspiring women leaders and business owners in Energy. You'll hear them talk about what inspired them to start their businesses, the barriers they face, and how they support each other.

    Women Leaders In Energy
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Produced by ILLUME, Current is an energy podcast that takes on the most important stories happening in the utility industry each month. Join us as we talk through the opportunities and challenges transforming our industry. From climate change, to energy storage, to electric vehicles, to resiliency… We bring you the human dimension behind each story. (Music credit: BlueDot Sessions and Mello C).

Information

  • Creator
    ILLUME Advising
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Current: An Energy Podcast