An open door isn’t enough: why community voices matter in energy decision-making

In brief

The EDF Energy Exchange article argues that public access to utility regulatory proceedings is not enough to ensure meaningful community participation in energy decision-making. Written by Jolette Westbrook, it stresses that regulators are making long-term decisions on affordability, electricity demand, grid modernization and the energy transition, and that those decisions are stronger when they include the lived experiences of affected residents. Technical filings and data can show part of the picture, but community stories, such as households struggling with energy bills during extreme heat, reveal practical impacts that might otherwise be missed.

The article says participation must begin before major decisions are already made and should be supported by clear information, language access, trusted communication channels and meetings designed around people’s real lives. It highlights reforms in Massachusetts, including intervenor compensation, broader outreach, language access improvements and added environmental justice expertise, as examples of how barriers can be reduced. EDF also points to its Community Voices in Energy initiative as a way to help residents, advocates and community leaders engage more effectively, concluding that the best energy decisions are made when communities help shape the discussion from the start.

Source: EDF Energy Exchange

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