Cultivating Equity in Energy Systems: An Essential Course in Navigating and Leading in the Energy Transition

This Course Begins: April 8th 

As regulatory and public pressure intensifies to reduce carbon emissions, equity has become a critical focus in the transition to a clean energy economy. Many believe wealthier Americans stand to benefit the most, while underserved communities will continue to be disproportionately affected by rising energy costs, pollution, climate change, and adverse health impacts from living near industrial sites.


With increased funding from federal and state programs, and private investments, energy justice has become a growing priority for energy providers, regulators, legislators, commissioners, and environmental and consumer advocates. Never before has it been more important to incorporate energy equity and justice planning, practices and operations into our energy systems and climate goals.

"Cultivating Equity in Energy Systems: An Essential Course on Navigating and Leading in the Energy Transition” is a micro-course designed to equip energy leaders and teams with the knowledge, frameworks, skills and tools necessary to integrate energy equity and justice into their strategic decision-making, planning and operations to ensure fair and equitable clean energy in our energy transition.

Our training program will help energy leaders and teams:
• Build and strengthen meaningful community engagement and inclusion.
• Strengthen climate goals and strategies.
• Mitigate regulatory risks.
• Build your reputation as a forward-thinking company.
• Enhance investor relations

New Mexico State University and Mind Over Markets have teamed up to deliver a training on NMSU’s global platform that will engage and empower energy providers and utilities, and help chart a course towards a more just and sustainable energy future for all.

Course is taught by Carolyn Parrs, clean energy communications expert, coach and CEO of Mind Over Markets with special guest experts in the field of energy equity including Dr. Tony Reames, Presidential appointee at the Department of Energy and Deputy Director for Energy Justice and Director of the Detroit Sustainability Clinic, Megan Day, Senior Energy Planner at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and others.1. Define and articulate the concept of energy equity and key terminology, its critical importance in the energy transition, and explain why it represents a strategic win-win for energy providers and communities.

2. Identify the characteristics of disadvantaged communities, including the historical context of environmental and energy injustice.
3. Distinguish between the four types of energy justice and apply these frameworks to assess energy policy and infrastructure development.
4. Develop and evaluate meaningful community engagement strategies that center the experiences and needs of communities disproportionately impacted by energy policies.
5. Apply an equity-centered lens when examining energy systems, including generation, transmission, distribution, and customer energy use.
6. Utilize energy equity tools and metrics to measure success and track progress in creating more equitable energy infrastructure and services.
7. Apply energy equity principles into actionable strategies within energy systems.