Cover story of Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development on Energy Democracy
Stephens, J. (2019). “Energy Democracy: Redistributing Power to the People Through Renewable Transformation.” Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development 61(2): 4-13.
This new paper introduces the concept of “embodied energy injustices” which politicizes the transboundary harms of fossil fuel extractivism and fossil fuel supply chains. Published in Energy Research and Social Science, this concept highlights the fact that connecting local energy struggles with distant transboundary impacts can generate powerful resistance movements. We also point out that individual actions can help, but collective action is more urgent. Co-authored with Noel Healy and Stephanie Malin.
Commentary on the importance of prioritizing renewable energy investments for Puerto Rico. Published in Science with co-authors Arturo Massol-Deyá and Jorge L. Colón.
“At this juncture, when the opportunity to build a sustainable and resilient electrical system presents itself, moving away from dependency on imported fossil fuels should be the guiding vision.”
New publication exploring energy innovation in Vermont through the lens of “energy democracy”. This collaborative piece reviews the unique innovative environment for energy system change and energy democracy in the state of Vermont. This review of social innovations in Vermont highlights challenges and opportunities of operationalizing energy democracy and emphasizes the importance of local community and public ownership to distribute the economic and political power associated with renewable energy.
Co-authored with Mathew Burke, Brock Gibian, Elie Jordi and Richard Watts
Utilities are not doing enough to innovative for future grid resilience. This piece published in the WSJ engages in a debate about societal expectations of utilities and the transition to a more renewable energy system
Energy democracy is a growing social movement. This paper reviews energy democracy goals and policy instruments.. Co-authored with Matthew Burke from McGill University.
Just published in “Utilities Policy” this research analyzes how electric utility representatives in 7 different states frame customer engagement opportunities and renewable energy integration.
