Just Power

Carolyn Parrs
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 2D AGO

    Storytelling for Energy Providers: Making Customers the Heroes of the Energy Transition (S3:E5)

    We’re living through one of the most significant transitions in the energy sector in decades. The way utilities and energy providers communicate with communities has never mattered more. In this episode, host Carolyn Parrs explores how to move beyond traditional “customer service” and instead build authentic, two-way relationships rooted in storytelling, listening and empathy.  Carolyn shares why communities want to be heard, not managed—and why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools utilities can use to connect. Your role is being a guide, not a hero, in helping customers solve problems, envision success, and take action. Whether you’re a utility leader, energy professional, or community advocate, Carolyn gives you a clear, actionable roadmap for communicating with purpose during these changing times. Key Insights The energy sector is undergoing a major transition that demands new communication approaches.Listening deeply to communities is more impactful than simply “serving customers.”Storytelling transforms communication by making customers the heroes of their own journeys.Empathy and authority are essential for guiding communities through change.Identify the real problems people face, then create clear, simple action plans.Paint vivid pictures of success that motivate and inspire.Communication works best when it’s two-way, not one-way.Resource Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-2-0-Clarify-Customers/dp/1400248876 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/                                                              LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindovermarkets 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. 🔔 Never Miss an Update! Subscribe Now YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJustPowerPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 💖 Spread the Love Please subscribe to our YouTube channel (we want to get to 300 subscribers!) or wherever you listen to podcasts. YouTube Facebook Instagram New Mexico State University Microlearning Mind Over Markets LinkedIn

    18 min

  2. AUG 27

    How Green Banking Is Solving America’s Energy Affordability Crisis (S3:E4)

    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 projectsUSDA Business and Industry Program - Sister program for energy storage and battery projectsCDFIs (Community Development Finance Institutions)Green Banks - Over 40 now operating in the USREC/SREC Programs - Renewable Energy Credits/Solar Renewable Energy CreditsCommunity Solar Programs - Available in over 20-25 statesPACE/C-PACE - Property Assessment Clean Energy financingWalter's LinkedIn Group - Leading Sustainability ProfessionalsAbout 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 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. 🔔 Never Miss an Update! Subscribe Now YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJustPowerPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 💖 Spread the Love Like, comment, and share this episode with a friend, policy maker, or energy provider who needs to hear this. YouTube Facebook Instagram New Mexico State University Microlearning Mind Over Markets LinkedIn

    33 min

  3. AUG 20

    Energy Affordability on the Brink: How Utilities Can Bridge Equity Gaps (S3:E3)

    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 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. 🔔 Never Miss an Update! Subscribe Now YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJustPowerPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 💖 Spread the Love Like, comment, and share this episode with a friend, policy maker, or energy provider who needs to hear this. YouTube Facebook Instagram New Mexico State University Microlearning Mind Over Markets LinkedIn

    46 min

  4. AUG 14

    Turning Energy Equity into Economic Power in the Age of AI (S3:E2)

    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/ 🔔 Never Miss an Update! Subscribe Now YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJustPowerPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 💖 Spread the Love Like, comment, and share this episode with a friend, policy maker, or energy provider who needs to hear this. YouTube Facebook Instagram New Mexico State University Microlearning Mind Over Markets LinkedIn

    44 min

  5. AUG 6

    8 Ways to Nurture Communities in Rough Times (S3:E1)

    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 The Just Power Podcast is about creating a clean energy future without leaving anyone behind. Created and hosted by Carolyn Parrs, it features energy experts, policymakers, tribal voices, and community champions who are working to make clean, affordable and reliable energy accessible to everyone. 🔔 Never Miss an Update! Subscribe Now YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJustPowerPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 💖 Spread the Love Like, comment, and share this episode with a friend, policy maker, or energy provider who needs to hear this. YouTube Facebook Instagram New Mexico State University Microlearning Mind Over Markets LinkedIn

    30 min

  6. JUL 11

    5 Energy Justice Questions We Must Ask Communities Now (S2:E12)

    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 justice, 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 The Just Power Podcast is about creating a clean energy future without leaving anyone behind. Created and hosted by Carolyn Parrs, it features energy experts, policymakers, tribal voices, and community champions who are working to make clean, affordable and reliable energy accessible to everyone. 🔔 Never Miss an Update! Subscribe Now YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJustPowerPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 💖 Spread the Love Like, comment, and share this episode with a friend, policy maker, or energy provider who needs to hear this. YouTube Facebook Instagram New Mexico State University Microlearning Mind Over Markets LinkedIn

    16 min

  7. JUL 2

    6 Leading Experts Speak Out On What’s Really Happening with Energy Justice (S2:E11)

    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 Just Power Podcast The Just Power Podcast is about creating a clean energy future without leaving anyone behind. Created and hosted by Carolyn Parrs, it features energy experts, policymakers, tribal voices, and community champions who are working to make clean, affordable and reliable energy accessible to everyone. 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/ 🔔 Never Miss an Update! Subscribe Now YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJustPowerPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 💖 Spread the Love Like, comment, and share this episode with a friend, policy maker, or energy provider who needs to hear this. YouTube Facebook Instagram New Mexico State University Microlearning Mind Over Markets LinkedIn

    14 min

  8. JUN 25

    Bridging Divides: Framing Energy Equity for Everyone (S2:E10)

    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) YouTube Facebook Instagram New Mexico State University Microlearning Mind Over Markets LinkedIn

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Carolyn Parrs
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Just Power
  • Show Website
    Just Power