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.

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.

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.

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.

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.