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Transformative Outcomes of Community Partnerships

By Pat Ricks, Senior Consultant

In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, utilities must build trust and engagement with vulnerable customers to ensure equitable access to essential services. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by embracing a Vulnerable Customer (VC) strategy that prioritizes Community Partnerships. These partnerships create mutual benefits for utilities and community organizations, fostering trust, engagement, credibility, access, and branding.

How Utilities Benefit from Community Partnerships

  • TRUST: Builds trust with vulnerable customers and potential/existing community partners.​
  • ENGAGEMENT: Enhances vulnerable customer engagement with the utility’s vulnerable customer programs​
  • CREDIBILITY: Enhances credibility with regulators, governmental leaders, media, etc.​
  • ACCESS: Provides the utility with access to a network of channels needed to reach a broader base of vulnerable customers ​and gives more vulnerable customers access to assistance resources​
  • BRANDING:​ Promotes the utility brand in a positive light with stakeholders​

How Community Partners Benefit from Utility Collaboration

  • BUILDING COALITIONS:​ Utility resources can help expand a community partner’s ability to build broad-based coalitions in the community and beyond​
  • CONFIDENCE:​ Partnerships with utilities demonstrate that a major organization (the utility) has confidence in the community partners’ ability to meet/deliver on community needs​
  • REVENUE:​ Utilities can support community partners with revenue growth through expanded access to a broader range of vulnerable customers as well as gaining access to the financial and people resources of the utility

By aligning with trusted community partners, utilities not only enhance their engagement with vulnerable customers but also reinforce their role as committed community stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures greater energy equity, stronger community relationships, and long-term success for all.

The Future of Utility-Community Partnerships

As the energy industry evolves, utilities prioritizing authentic community collaboration will be better positioned to meet regulatory expectations, serve vulnerable populations, and drive meaningful change. Investing in these partnerships today means a stronger, more connected future for all.

Learn more about the Vulnerable Customer Leadership Council or book a meeting with Pat Ricks.