As the nation’s energy system evolves—driven by growing electricity demand, aging infrastructure, and the shift to clean energy—households are feeling the impacts. Rising utility bills, energy-inefficient housing, and uneven access to emerging technology are straining household budgets, while mounting pressures on the grid, from large-scale data centers to increased climate risks, are raising urgent questions about who benefits from energy investments and who may be left behind. 

Join the Urban Institute and the Policies Action Program as we explore how this rapidly evolving energy landscape is affecting energy insecurity in communities across the country and highlight innovative solutions to improve energy affordability for the households most burdened by rising costs. 

This half-day hybrid convening brings together researchers, policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to translate research into actionable strategies. The discussion will focus on equitable approaches to rate design, weatherization, and emerging energy infrastructure that address the root causes of energy insecurity, unlock health and well-being benefits for households, and facilitate the transition to a fairer and more resilient energy system for all.

Agenda 

Opening Presentation

• Oriya Cohen, Policy Program Manager, Urban Institute 

Panel 1: The Drivers and Effects of Household Energy Insecurity

Discuss the drivers of energy insecurity, the prevalence and profile of households facing energy insecurity, and how households are coping. Explore how upstream solutions such as rate design and regulation can produce more equitable outcomes.

• Diana Hernandez, Associate Professor of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health
• Samuel Towell, Commissioner, Virginia State Corporation Commission 
• Laurie Wheelock, Executive Director and General Counsel, Public Utility Law Project of New York

Panel 2: Pathways to Advance Energy Affordability and Decarbonization for Households

Explore the link between housing and energy policy and how equitable approaches to household-level decarbonization, weatherization, and building policies can alleviate energy burdens, increase housing stability, and improve health.

• Anna Goldman, Medical Director of Climate and Sustainability and Primary Care Physician, Boston Medical Center 
• Christoph Reinhart, Terri and Alan Spoon Professor of Architecture and Climate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Julie Roth, Energy Manager, Office of Sustainability and Innovations, City of Ann Arbor
• Sara McTarnaghan, Principal Research Associate, Urban Institute (moderator)

Panel 3: Framing the Questions on Data Centers and Energy Affordability

Explore the emerging policy and equity questions around data centers, including their effects on household electricity costs, grid infrastructure, and the energy transition.

• Nicholas Miller, Policy Associate, National Conference of State Legislatures
• Vernice Miller-Travis, Executive Vice President, The Metropolitan Group
• Rekha Balu, Vice President, Center for Equity and Community Impact, Urban Institute (moderator)

Additional speakers to be announced

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event. 

Funding for this event was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Policies for Action program. The views expressed should not be attributed to the foundation or to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders. For more on Urban’s funding policies, go to urban.org/about/organizational-principles.